Alarm response officer job description
A comprehensive job description template for alarm response officer positions in Australian security businesses. Covers response duties, qualifications and conditions aligned with the Security Services Industry Award 2020.
Alarm response officer job description
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About the alarm response officer role
An alarm response officer responds to alarm activations at client sites across a service area, conducting security inspections to determine the cause of alarms and taking appropriate action. The role requires quick decision-making, investigation skills, driving capability, and confidence in potentially dangerous situations.
In Australia, alarm response officers are classified under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). Officers are typically classified at Level 3 or Level 4 depending on their responsibilities and level of autonomy. This specialized role requires a current security licence, valid driver's licence, and significant security experience.
This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract experienced security professionals. Once hired, manage your alarm response team efficiently with security services rostering software.
Key responsibilities
Core duties included in this job description template
Responding to alarm activations
Responding promptly to alarm activations within agreed service level timeframes, driving safely to client sites across the service area.
Conducting site inspections
Conducting thorough security inspections of premises, checking all access points, searching for signs of intrusion or other security concerns.
Determining alarm causes
Investigating the cause of alarm activations, distinguishing between genuine security breaches, equipment faults, and false alarms.
Securing premises
Securing premises after security breaches, ensuring all entry points are secured, and implementing temporary security measures if required.
Emergency service liaison
Liaising with police, fire brigade or ambulance services when required, providing accurate information and cooperating with emergency responders.
Incident reporting
Writing detailed incident reports documenting alarm causes, actions taken, site conditions, and any security concerns or recommendations.
Skills and attributes
What to look for in candidates
Quick decision-making
Ability to assess situations rapidly, make sound decisions under pressure, and take appropriate action in potentially dangerous circumstances.
Investigation skills
Methodical approach to investigating alarm causes, attention to detail in searching premises, and ability to identify security vulnerabilities.
Communication skills
Clear communication with control room, emergency services, and clients. Ability to write detailed, accurate incident reports.
Calmness under pressure
Maintaining composure in stressful or potentially dangerous situations, staying alert throughout night shifts, and managing stress effectively.
Driving skills
Safe, confident driving skills for responding to multiple sites, often at night. Excellent knowledge of local area and ability to navigate efficiently.
Physical fitness
Physical capability for walking premises, climbing stairs, and potentially pursuing or restraining intruders if required and authorized.
Qualifications and requirements
Alarm response work requires experienced security professionals with specific qualifications. A current security licence, valid driver's licence with clean record, and police check are mandatory. Most employers also require 6-12 months of prior security experience before assigning alarm response duties.
- Security licence (Required)
Current Security Licence (Class 1A or equivalent) in your state/territory
- Driver's licence (Required)
Valid unrestricted driver's licence with clean driving record
- Police check (Required)
Current National Police Check
- Working rights (Required)
Eligibility to work in Australia
- Clean driving record (Required)
No major traffic offences or drink-driving convictions
- First Aid certificate
Current First Aid certificate preferred
- Alarm systems knowledge
Experience with alarm systems and reset procedures preferred
- Own reliable vehicle
Reliable vehicle may be required depending on employer
Working conditions
Set clear expectations for candidates about the alarm response work environment
- Mobile/vehicle-based work responding to calls across service area
- Predominantly night shift work (alarm activations more frequent overnight)
- Working alone in potentially dangerous situations
- Responding to calls in all weather conditions
- Response time pressures and service level requirements
- Dealing with genuine security breaches, intruders, or emergencies
Award coverage
Understanding award coverage for alarm response officers
Security services industry award 2020
Alarm response officers are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for security industry employees.
Alarm response officers are typically classified at Level 3 (security officer performing specialized duties) or Level 4 (senior security officer with significant autonomy and decision-making responsibility). Use award interpretation software to calculate pay accurately.
Penalty rates and night shift work
Alarm response work predominantly occurs during night shifts when alarm activations are most frequent. Penalty rates apply for work performed on weekends, public holidays, and night shifts under the Security Services Industry Award 2020. Night shift penalties are significant due to the overnight hours (typically 6pm-6am).
Additional allowances may apply for vehicle use, mobile phone provision, and specialized equipment. Casual employees receive a 25% loading in lieu of leave entitlements. Ensure your payroll system correctly applies all applicable penalties and allowances.
Who should use this template?
This job description template is designed for Australian security businesses
Whether you operate an alarm monitoring service, mobile patrol business or security company, clear job descriptions help attract experienced alarm response officers.
How to use this template
Tips for customising the job description for your security business
Add your company details
Include your business name, service area coverage, client types (commercial, industrial, retail) and a brief description of your alarm response services.
Specify service area
Clarify the geographic area for alarm responses, typical response times required, and number of sites covered in the patrol zone.
Define shift patterns
Be clear about shift requirements including night shift hours (eg 6pm-6am), weekend work, and on-call requirements.
Clarify vehicle requirements
Specify whether the company provides patrol vehicles or if officers must use their own vehicle, and any vehicle allowances or insurance requirements.
Add experience requirements
Include minimum security experience required (typically 6-12 months), any specialized training, and knowledge of specific alarm systems used by your clients.
Review regularly
Update the job description when your service area changes, new alarm systems are deployed, or when client requirements evolve.
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and security industry practices at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, service model and specific requirements. Confirm the applicable modern award for your business and support compliance with all relevant employment laws, security licensing requirements and workplace safety standards. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about alarm response officer job descriptions, qualifications and employment in Australian security businesses
- Alarm response officers respond to alarm activations at client sites, conducting security inspections to determine the cause of alarms (genuine security breaches or false alarms). Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), alarm response officers are typically classified at Level 3 or Level 4 depending on their responsibilities and autonomy.
- Alarm response officers are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in security services. Always verify which award applies to your specific security business.
- Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, alarm response officers are typically classified at Level 3 (security officer with specialized duties) or Level 4 (senior security officer with significant autonomy). The classification depends on the level of responsibility, decision-making authority and experience required. See our Security Services Award rates guide for current classifications.
- No, alarm response work typically requires experienced security officers. The role demands quick decision-making, investigation skills, the ability to work alone, and confidence in potentially dangerous situations. Most employers require at least 6-12 months of security experience before assigning alarm response duties.
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Learn moreAward pay rates
Current pay rates, penalty rates and allowances under the Security Services Industry Award 2020.
View ratesRegulatory sources
This job description is aligned with Australian workplace award requirements.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general job description template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.