What You'll Do

  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
  • Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
  • Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
  • Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection.

Essential Skills

Active Listening 3.75/5
Monitoring 3.38/5
Speaking 3.25/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Coordination 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.0/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.0/5
Active Learning 2.88/5
Persuasion 2.88/5
Service Orientation 2.88/5
Writing 2.75/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.

Common styles

Integrity, Self-Control, Dependability, Concern for Others, Cooperation

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Problem Sensitivity 3.88/5
Far Vision 3.75/5
Oral Comprehension 3.62/5
Oral Expression 3.38/5
Selective Attention 3.38/5
Near Vision 3.38/5
Speech Recognition 3.38/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Corel WordPerfect Office Suite FaceTime IBM Lotus 1-2-3 McAfee Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Word NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software Wireshark

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Integrity (High importance: 4.78/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 4.76/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.75/5)
  • Concern for Others (High importance: 4.7/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.7/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Alarm Investigator Armed Guard Armed Security Guard Armed Security Officer Armored Car Driver Armored Car Guard Bag Checker Baggage Inspector Baggage Screener Baggage Security Checker Bank Guard Bodyguard Bouncer Camp Guard Campus Security Officer (CSO) Closed Circuit Screen Watcher Custom Protection Officer (CPO) Customer Security Clerk Customer Service Security Officer Door Tender Doorshaker Driver Guard Elevated Guard Flex Officer Floorperson Floorwalker Gate Attendant Gate Guard Gate Keeper Gate Operator Gate Person Gate Tender Gate Watchman Gateman Government Guard Hall Tender Hotel Security Officer Loss Prevention Officer Loss Prevention Representative (Loss Prevention Rep) Maritime Guard Merchant Patroller Merchant Police Package Checker Patrol Guard Patrol Officer Patrolman Plant Guard Plant Protection Guard Plant Protection Officer Plant Security Guard Police Guard Private Security Guard Private Watchman Protective Officer Retail Security Officer Safety and Security Officer Security Agent Security Assistant Security Checker Security Guard Security Inspector Security Officer Security Patrol Officer Security Police Security Screener Security Specialist Ship Keeper Special Officer Special Police Station Gateman Surveillance Officer Truck Guard Unarmed Security Guard Unarmed Security Officer Watchguard Watchman