Question 1

What is the difference between a security officer and a security guard?

Accepted Answer

Security officers typically have more senior responsibilities than security guards, including supervisory duties, implementing security protocols, and conducting risk assessments. Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), security officers are classified at higher levels reflecting their additional responsibilities and experience requirements.

Question 2

What award covers security officers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Security 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. Use HR software to manage employee records and track licence renewals.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a security officer?

Accepted Answer

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, security officers are typically classified at Level 3 or above, depending on their supervisory and operational responsibilities. This is higher than entry-level security guards. See our Security Services Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a security officer job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive rates based on experience.' Check the Security Services Industry Award 2020 for current rates.

Question 5

What qualifications do security officers need?

Accepted Answer

Security officers must hold a valid security licence (Class 1A or 2A depending on the state). Certificate II or III in Security Operations is preferred and demonstrates professional competency. Many employers require previous security experience, particularly in supervisory roles, along with police checks and working rights in Australia.

Question 6

Do security officers need specialized training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, beyond the basic security licence, security officers benefit from specialized training in areas such as: risk assessment, incident management, report writing, conflict resolution, first aid, and emergency response. Some sites may require additional certifications like crowd control or armed security licences.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a security officer?

Accepted Answer

Look for candidates with proven security experience, preferably including supervisory or leadership roles. Experience in similar environments (corporate, retail, events, etc.) is valuable. Strong analytical skills, decision-making ability, and experience with security systems and incident reporting are important indicators of capability.

Question 8

Is a police check mandatory for security officers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a current police check is mandatory for all security personnel in Australia. Security officers working in sensitive environments may require additional clearances such as ASIO security assessments or working with children checks depending on the site requirements.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent security officers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your service delivery model and client contracts. Permanent security officers provide consistency, build site knowledge, and are better for supervisory roles. Casuals offer flexibility for variable workload and relief coverage. Many security companies use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to security officers?

Accepted Answer

Penalty rates under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, night shifts, and overtime. Security work often involves shift work and weekends, so penalty rates are common. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for security officers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, minimum engagement periods apply — typically 4 hours for casual employees. However, actual shift lengths depend on site requirements and security schedules. Many security officer shifts are 8-12 hours. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in a security officer employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work locations and sites, shift patterns and hours, uniform requirements, security clearance requirements, and confidentiality obligations. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to security officers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, rosters must be provided with reasonable notice. For part-time employees, this typically means at least 7 days in advance. Changes within this period require employee agreement. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Question 14

Can I require security officers to work across multiple sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multi-site security work is common in the security industry. Ensure you pay for travel time between sites in accordance with the Security Services Industry Award 2020. Consider whether officers use their own transport or company vehicles. Clearly communicate multi-site expectations in the job description.

Question 15

What breaks are security officers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. For continuous monitoring roles, arrangements must be made for relief coverage during breaks. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively.

Question 16

How do I schedule security officers efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Schedule security officers based on site risk profiles, peak times, and client requirements. Consider officer experience levels, certifications, and site familiarity when assigning shifts. Build in handover time between shifts for briefings. Use rostering software to improve schedules and ensure appropriate coverage.

Security officer job description