MightyRecruiterSecurity guards are tasked with keeping both people and property safe. They can be found in nearly any type of establishment and perform a wide range of duties each day. Protection strategies may include physically patrolling the grounds and greeting visitors. For larger premises, protection specialists may also monitor alarms and video footage as well as collaborate with local emergency services and law enforcement as needed. Some guards might carry firearms, but those who do not carry weapons are also common in this profession.
When you write your security guard job description, be sure to include abilities necessary for performing the job. If certain physical strength and fitness attributes are required, detail them as specifically as possible.
The best professionals in this field are also patient, skilled observers and have sound decision-making capabilities. Use our example security guard job description below for what to incorporate into your own.
Security Guard Job Summary
As a security guard, you know that the field requires trustworthy, conscientious individuals with strong observational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. We need individuals like you for our latest protection services job opening. You’ll serve as an important part of the public safety department at a regional campus for a large university, assisting other officers and leadership with protecting its community. While using your skills to provide valuable services to keep students, faculty, staff, visitors and property safe, we reward your excellence and dedication with a competitive pay and benefits package as well as the potential for advancement and greater responsibilities. This is a wonderful opportunity for seasoned security professionals who want more than just a “job,” but desire an active service role instead.
Job Responsibilities
- Monitor the campus video surveillance network, checking for unusual activity
- Respond to incoming phone calls, short-range radio contacts, email and walk-in requests from students, staff, faculty and other campus community members
- Schedule and conduct visual patrols to observe activity on campus facilities and grounds, and watch for fire, security, medical and other physical hazards
- Compose reports of daily activities and irregularities, including damage to property or equipment, theft, unauthorized persons present on campus or any other unusual activities
- Respond appropriately to medical, safety and other emergencies by working with law enforcement, paramedics, fire department staff or other local, state or federal safety or emergency officers
- Provide first aid in cases of medical emergencies
- Work with supervisors, managers, co-workers and other department members to plan, craft, finalize and execute public safety activities, including daily duties, long-term strategies, orientation week programs and public workshops
- Assist with the creation, programming and registration of faculty, staff and student photo ID badges as needed
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Successfully complete pre-employment screenings, including background checks, drug testing and medical, psychological and physical performance evaluations
- Three or more years’ experience as a security guard or protection services professional
- Valid state-issued driver’s license
Preferred:
- Previous experience in campus security or public safety environment
Security Guard Job Responsibilities
The job responsibilities section of your security guard job description is very similar to the work experience portion of a typical resume. Just as a resume’s work experience section emphasizes the specific tasks an applicant has experience performing, the responsibilities portion of your job description informs prospects of the daily duties and obligations they might face while working in this particular position.
Don’t attempt to include every single routine task and responsibility that comes with the role. While this section is the meatiest part of your security guard job description, it should not be a daunting list that takes a long time to read, as this may deter jobseekers from pursuing the position. Include 6-8 bullet points in your list, and use dynamic action verbs to start each line, so candidates can better picture the daily activities of the job.
Take a look at the following examples of security guard job responsibilities as you create your own responsibilities section:
- Perform regular and random patrols throughout the building and surrounding property
- Monitor and control cameras, alarms and other aspects of the company’s security system
- Sweep for security risks and safety hazards on a daily basis, responding to escalating situations immediately and effectively
- Provide the head of security with detailed reports of fire, theft, violence and other compromised security incidents
Security Guard Job Specifications
Writing the job qualifications and skills section of your security guard job description may seem simple at first, as it is often the shortest portion of your listing, outlining the proficiencies and certifications you are looking for in your ideal candidate. However, be careful not to take this section for granted, or you risk exposing your inbox to a flood of irrelevant resumes from overqualified and underqualified applicants.
Be as specific as possible as you construct this section. Talk to your hiring manager before you write your security guard job description to find out exact requirements in regards to education, experience, language proficiencies, technical skills and any other aspects that apply to the job. Divide your list into “necessary” and “preferred” qualifications to help jobseekers understand whether or not they qualify as suitable candidates for the role.
To get a better idea of what to include in this section, look at the sample security guard job specifications below:
- 2 years of proven experience as a security guard, in addition to a high school diploma or GED
- Strong proficiencies in operating and maintaining security systems
- Adept at meticulous surveillance and threat identification
- In-depth knowledge of emergency response methods and procedures
- Certification in first aid and CPR
