Free Security Guard Job Description Template
A security guard job description grounded in the post — deter, observe, report.
Part of our free job description templates.
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1.Job Brief (About the Role)
{{Company Name}} is hiring a Security Guard to protect people, property, and assets at our {{site / property}}. This role reports to the {{Security Supervisor / Site Manager}} and works the {{day / night}} shift, deterring, observing, and reporting.
Three or four sentences: the team, who the role reports to, and why this position exists. Skip generic openers like “We are looking for…”.
2.Responsibilities
- Patrol the property on foot or by vehicle on a set schedule and log checkpoints
- Control access at entrances: check IDs, sign in visitors, and issue badges
- Monitor CCTV, alarms, and access-control systems and respond to activity
- Deter, observe, and report suspicious behavior, hazards, and policy violations
- Write clear, accurate incident and daily activity reports
- Respond to emergencies and follow evacuation and lockdown procedures
- Enforce site rules and provide a professional, customer-service presence
- Coordinate with law enforcement or emergency services when needed
Eight to twelve bullets, each starting with a verb. Keep them specific to the day-to-day work, not aspirational filler.
3.Requirements & Skills
- Valid {{state security guard license / registration}} where required
- {{X}}+ year(s) of security, military, or law-enforcement experience preferred
- Strong observation, judgment, and clear report-writing
- Able to stand and patrol for a full shift and respond quickly
- Pass a background check and {{drug screen}}
List the must-haves: experience, licenses or certifications, the systems and tools used, and any physical or shift realities.
4.Nice-to-Have
- CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- Experience with {{access control or CCTV systems}}
Two to four genuinely optional items. Keep them strictly separate from Requirements so they don’t deter good applicants.
5.Compensation & Benefits
| Pay range | {{Salary Range}} |
|---|
Enter a pay range from local market data — do not leave it blank. Pay transparency improves applicant quality and is now required in many states.
6.Schedule & Work Environment
- {{Full-time}}; {{day / evening / overnight}} shift, weekends and holidays as scheduled
- Indoor and outdoor posts in varying weather
- Standing, walking, and occasional response to incidents
Be honest about shifts, weekends, overtime, and the physical environment. Realistic expectations reduce early turnover.
7.How to Apply
To apply, {{application instructions — e.g., send a resume and short cover note to careers@company.com}}.
Filled in for an unarmed security officer at a commercial office property.
1.Job Brief (About the Role)
Sentinel Protective Services is hiring a Security Officer for a commercial office property. This role reports to the Site Supervisor, works the overnight shift, and is the deter-observe-report presence for tenants and visitors.
2.Responsibilities
- Patrol the building and grounds hourly and scan checkpoints with the guard-tour system
- Staff the lobby desk: verify badges, sign in after-hours visitors, and control access
- Monitor the CCTV wall and alarm panel and dispatch on alerts
- Observe and report suspicious activity, safety hazards, and door/lock issues
- Write a detailed daily activity report and file incident reports promptly
- Respond to alarms, medical events, and evacuations per post orders
- Provide courteous service and directions to tenants and guests
- Call and coordinate with police or EMS when required
3.Requirements & Skills
- Active state unarmed-guard registration
- 1+ year of security experience
- Sharp observation and clear, factual report-writing
- Able to patrol on foot for an 8-hour overnight shift
- Cleared background check and drug screen
4.Nice-to-Have
- Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- Experience with Genetec or Lenel access control
5.Compensation & Benefits
| Pay range | $17 – $20 per hour plus a night-shift differential |
|---|
- Medical, dental, vision
- Paid guard-license renewal
- Uniform provided
6.Schedule & Work Environment
- Full-time, overnight (11p–7a), including some weekends and holidays
- Indoor lobby and outdoor patrols in all weather
- On your feet for most of the shift, with quick response when needed
7.How to Apply
To apply, send your resume and guard-card number to careers@sentinelps.example with “Security Officer” in the subject line.
How it works
- Preview the security guard job description and a filled commercial-property example.
- Download Word/PDF, or copy the text to paste into Google Docs.
- Set the post, shift, and licensing requirements, add a pay rate, and post it.
Frequently asked questions
What does a security guard do?
A security guard protects people and property by patrolling, controlling access at entrances, monitoring CCTV and alarms, deterring and reporting suspicious activity, writing incident and activity reports, and responding to emergencies. The template lists these as editable responsibilities.
What license does a security guard need?
Most states require a security guard license or registration (often a “guard card”), and armed roles require additional firearms permits. Requirements are set at the state level, so name the specific license your role requires; this template assumes an unarmed role unless you change it.
What is the difference between an armed and unarmed security guard?
An unarmed guard provides a deter-observe-report presence without a firearm; an armed guard carries a weapon and needs additional licensing, training, and screening. State which the role is, since it changes the requirements, liability, and pay.
What skills should a security guard have?
Look for strong observation and judgment, clear report-writing, calm response under pressure, and reliable attendance. Customer-service skills matter too, since guards often interact with tenants and visitors. CPR/First Aid and CCTV/access-control experience are common pluses.