Job description template

Security Guard Job Description Template

A copy-ready security guard job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows security guards earn a median of $38,020 ($18.28/hour); the middle 50% earn $35,210–$46,200.

Job title

Security Guard

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable security guard to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will patrol buildings and grounds on foot or in vehicles, control access and check credentials and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Patrol buildings and grounds on foot or in vehicles
  • Control access and check credentials
  • Monitor CCTV cameras and alarm systems
  • Respond to alarms, disturbances and emergencies
  • Enforce site rules and post orders
  • Write daily activity and incident reports
  • Assist visitors and coordinate with police, fire and EMS
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of patrol techniques and access control
  • Observation and calm communication
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • State guard card or security license
  • Armed security license
  • First aid, CPR and AED
  • Experience with two-way radios

Skills

  • Report writing
  • CCTV and alarm monitoring
  • Emergency response procedures
  • De-escalation
  • Reliability
  • Professional appearance and conduct

Work environment and schedule

Security guards work indoors and outdoors at many kinds of sites, sometimes alone. Some positions involve standing for long periods, walking patrols or driving, and exposure to confrontations. Security is needed 24/7, so officers work days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Part-time and full-time positions are common.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a security guard job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Security Guard” is the clearest; alternates include Security Officer, Patrol Officer (Private Security), Loss Prevention Officer.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a security guard so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Security Guard training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Security Guard hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing