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Security Officer/Guard

Āpiha Whakamarumaru/Tūtei Whakamarumaru

Security officers/guards protect people, property and assets by investigating, monitoring, controlling and reporting threats.

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Secondary education

A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include physical education and digital technologies.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate
  • Diploma

Useful experience

Useful experience for security officers/guards includes:

  • work in hospitality, retail or tourism
  • customs officer work
  • police officer work
  • work as a member of the armed forces.

What you will do

Security officers/guards may do some or all of the following:

  • patrol sites to check for threats like hazards and intruders
  • enforce rules or laws on sites and call for assistance from emergency services
  • control access to sites for staff, customers and contractors
  • monitor and control crowds at events 
  • monitor electronic security systems including cameras and alarms
  • write reports about what they observed on shift.

Skills and knowledge

Security officers/guards need to have knowledge of:

  • conflict management techniques
  • security and surveillance methods and equipment
  • legal procedures for arrest
  • laws on trespass, assault and personal property.

Private investigators and personal protection officers also need to have knowledge of:

  • court procedures
  • how to use electronic security systems
  • protection procedures and New Zealand laws defining the limits of their legal powers
  • self-defence.
Pay

Security officers/guards usually earn

$23-$30

per hour

Experienced security officers/guards usually earn

$30-$70

per hour

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a security officer/guard are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
<1
year of training required.

Industry

Public Order and Safety

Security officers/guards protect people, property and assets by investigating, monitoring, controlling and reporting threats.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a security officer/guard.

However, you need a Certificate of Approval issued by the Ministry of Justice to work.

To get a certificate, you need to:

  • complete mandatory training
  • pass a police background check and a public notification which lets members of the public make comments
  • apply for the certificate
  • pay a fee.

For many roles, it can be helpful to gain the New Zealand Certificate in Security (Level 3 or 4).

A first aid certificate may also be useful.

Chances of getting a job

Chances of getting a job as a security officer/guard are good because:

  • not enough people are being trained to meet the demand for workers
  • private security companies are getting more work from the police and government agencies
  • turnover is high so positions are often available
  • the size of the industry is expected to continue to grow over the next decade.

According to the Census, 9,378 security officer/guards worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Opportunities for specialists varied

Opportunities for private investigators are low but growing due to an increase in commercial fraud investigations.

Opportunities for security consultants are low because of the small size of the occupation.

Types of employers varied

Security officers/guards may work for:

  • private security companies
  • private businesses that serve crowds like bars and stadiums
  • government agencies 
  • the police.

Find out more about training

NZ Security Association
(09) 486 0441 - nzsa@security.org.nz - www.security.org.nz
Ignite Colleges
0800 200 345 - https://ignitecolleges.ac.nz/

Progression and specialisations

Security officers/guards may progress to set up their own security firm, or move into security planning, consultancy or management roles.

Security officers/guards may specialise in an area of security such as:

Personal Protection Officer
Personal protection officers provide for the personal safety of a client, either as part of the diplomatic protection squad or in the private sector.
Private Investigator
Private investigators conduct investigations for clients, such as obtaining personal information or investigating fraud. They may also prepare evidence for court proceedings.

Working conditions

Security officers/guards:

  • usually do shift work, which may include evenings and weekends
  • work inside or outside in all weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

Security officers/guards need to have excellent fitness and must be strong.

Useful personal qualities

Security officers/guards need to be:

  • able to remain calm and make decisions under pressure
  • able to stay focused for long periods of time
  • excellent communicators
  • honest and able to keep information confidential.

Industry

Public Order and Safety

Security officers/guards protect people, property and assets by investigating, monitoring, controlling and reporting threats.

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