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| Security Guard |
| Security guards protect an organization's property, personnel and information against fire, theft, vandalism and illegal entry. |
| Also Known As: | Asset Protection Officer, Guard, Loss Prevention Officer |
| NOC Number(s): | 6651 |
| Minimum Education: | Education/training requirements vary |
| Employment Outlook: | Job openings generated due to employment turnover. Occupational outlook currently unavailable. |
| Interests: | M s d |
| Duties | |
Specific duties vary depending on the area of employment. For example, security guards may work in shopping centres, banks, sports facilities, airports, conventions, parking lots, construction sites or public buildings such as hospitals, museums and art galleries. In general, security guards:
[color][font] In case of fire or the presence of unauthorized persons, security guards sound alarms or telephone their supervisors, fire department or police. In some situations, security guards may make arrests. The following types of security work involve being outside and driving: [/font][/color]
[color][font] Inspectors visit work sites to ensure that security employees are performing their duties.[/font][/color] | |
| Working Conditions | |
Security guards may:
[color][font] Most security guards work shifts that include weekends and holidays. Many work evening and night shifts. Guards who work during the day often must deal with the public. Security guards may be required to routinely lift items weighing up to 10 kilograms.[/font][/color] | |
| Personal Characteristics | |
| This type of work appeals to people who enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, dealing with people from diverse backgrounds and controlling access to facilities. | |
| Educational Requirements | |
| To work as a security guard in Alberta, applicants must successfully complete a 40 hour basic security training program to qualify for a licence. Equivalencies may be considered. Individuals have up to two years after completing the course to take the Alberta government examination and must achieve 80 per cent or higher. Please visit the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website for a list of approved training providers and information on equivalencies and licencing. Most employers prefer to hire people who have at least high school education. Some security agencies have no minimum education requirements; however, they do require applicants to:
[color][font] Some companies require guards to have valid first aid and CPR certificates, a valid driver's license and their own vehicle. Being able to communicate in a second language also is an asset. In Alberta, many post-secondary institutions offer diploma and degree programs related to law enforcement and criminal justice studies. The following programs may be accepted as equivalent to the 40 hour training course required for a security guard licence. [/font][/color]
[color][font] Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis. For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites. Prospective students should consult employers regarding program suitability and reputation before enrolling in a post-secondary education program. For information about related degree programs, see the Police Officer occupational profile.[/font][/color] | |
| Section revised January 2014 | |
| Related Legislation | |
| Under Alberta's Security Services and Investigators Act and Security Services and Investigators (Ministerial) Regulation, you must be licensed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General if you are paid to patrol, guard or provide security, or detect loss of or damage to the property of another person. There are five classes of licence: security guard, executive protection, loss prevention worker, guard dog handler and security alarm responder. | |
| Section revised May 2012 | |
| Employment and Advancement | |
Security guards are employed by:
[color][font] Employment propects are best for those who have their own transportation and are willing to work night shifts. Experienced security guards may advance to supervisor, manager or inspector positions. Security guards are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 6651: Security Guards and Related Occupations. In Alberta, 79 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries: [/font][/color]
[color][font] The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including: [/font][/color]
[color][font] Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.[/font][/color] | |
| Section revised January 2014 | |
| Salary | |
| Salaries for security guards vary widely depending on the responsibilities of the position and the type of employer. According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Security Guards and Related Occupations occupational group earned on average from $12.61 to $24.28 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $15.91 an hour. For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo. | |
| Section revised February 2012 | |
| Other Sources of Information | |
| Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above) EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.solgen.gov.ab.ca | |
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