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FREE JOB DESCRIPTION Last updated 28 June 2026

Static guard job description

A comprehensive job description template for static guard positions in Australian security businesses. Covers security duties, qualifications and conditions aligned with the Security Services Industry Award 2020.

Static guard job description

PDF format • Ready to download

Static security duties and responsibilities
Required skills and qualifications
Aligned with the Security Services Industry Award
Ready to customise for your business

By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer

This static guard job description template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and security industry practices at the time of publication. Confirm the applicable modern award for your business, verify security licence requirements with your state regulator, and ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.

CCTV zone marking stencilled on the pavement at a monitored entrance

What does a static guard do?

A static guard is a uniformed, licensed security professional stationed at a fixed location — a building entrance, retail store, construction site or corporate premises — to protect people and assets, control access and respond to incidents. The role combines a visible deterrent presence with credential checks, surveillance monitoring, localised patrols, customer service and accurate reporting. It requires vigilance, professionalism and the ability to remain alert during long shifts, often working alone or as part of a small security team.

In Australia, static guards are classified under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). All security personnel must hold a current security licence issued by their state or territory licensing authority. Classification levels depend on duties performed and level of responsibility, with entry-level static guards typically at Security Employee Level 1.

This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract professional security officers. Once hired, manage your security team efficiently with security services rostering software.

Key responsibilities

Core duties included in this job description template

Maintain security presence

Provide a visible and professional security presence at assigned location, acting as a deterrent to unauthorized activity and maintaining site security.

Monitor access points

Control and monitor entry and exit points, ensuring only authorized persons enter the premises and maintaining accurate visitor logs.

Check credentials

Verify identification, credentials and authorizations for all persons seeking entry, managing sign-in/sign-out procedures in accordance with site protocols.

Observe and report

Maintain constant vigilance for suspicious activity, safety hazards or security breaches, reporting all incidents and observations promptly.

Respond to incidents

Respond appropriately to security incidents, emergencies and alarms, following established procedures and coordinating with emergency services when required.

Provide assistance

Provide directions, information and assistance to authorized visitors, staff and contractors in a professional and courteous manner.

Write reports

Complete accurate daily activity reports, incident reports and shift handover documentation in accordance with company and client requirements.

Coordinate with management

Liaise with building management, facility staff and client representatives regarding security matters, maintenance issues and operational requirements.

Skills and attributes

What to look for in candidates

Alertness and vigilance

Maintain constant awareness of surroundings, detect potential security threats, and remain attentive during long shifts.

Patience and endurance

Ability to remain focused and professional during long periods of standing or sitting with minimal activity.

Communication skills

Clear verbal and written communication for interacting with visitors, reporting incidents and liaising with management.

Professionalism

Professional appearance and demeanor, representing the security company and client with integrity and respect.

Attention to detail

Thorough approach to credential checking, log keeping and incident documentation with accuracy and consistency.

Reliability

Proven punctuality and dependability for scheduled shifts, especially overnight and weekend assignments.

Qualifications and requirements

All static guard positions require a current security licence issued by the state or territory licensing authority. This involves completing Certificate II in Security Operations and passing a police background check. Additional qualifications such as First Aid certification are highly valued by employers.

  • Security licence (Class 1A) (Required)

    Current security licence issued by state/territory licensing authority

  • Police check (Required)

    National Police Check (typically required for licence application and employment)

  • Working rights (Required)

    Eligibility to work in Australia

  • First Aid certificate

    Current First Aid certificate (HLTAID011 or equivalent) highly regarded

  • Previous security experience

    Prior experience in static security, retail security or customer service preferred

  • Physical fitness

    Physical capability for long periods of standing and responding to incidents

Padlock representing the asset and access protection provided by a static guard

Working conditions

Set clear expectations for candidates about the static guard work environment

  • Fixed location assignment for duration of shift
  • Long periods of standing or sitting at access points
  • Shift work including nights, weekends and public holidays
  • Indoor or outdoor environments depending on site location
  • Uniform and presentation standards required
  • May work alone or as part of a security team

Award coverage

Understanding award coverage for static guards

Security services industry award 2020

Static guards working in corporate security, retail security and protective services are typically covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This modern award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for security industry employees.

Under the award, static guards are typically classified at Security Employee Level 1, with progression to Level 2 for security employees with additional responsibilities or specialized duties. Use award interpretation software to calculate pay accurately.

Penalty rates and shift work

Static security often involves shift work including nights, weekends and public holidays. Penalty rates apply for work performed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and for night shifts under the Security Services Industry Award 2020.

Casual employees receive a 25% loading in lieu of leave entitlements. Part-time and full-time employees accrue leave and receive penalty rates on top of their base rate. Ensure your payroll system correctly applies all applicable loadings and penalties.

Who should use this template?

This job description template is designed for Australian security businesses

Corporate security
Retail security
Industrial sites
Government facilities
Commercial buildings
Residential complexes

Whether you operate a contract security service or provide in-house security, clear job descriptions help attract professional and reliable static guards.

How to use this template

Tips for customising the job description for your security business

1

Add your company details

Include your business name, location, client sectors (corporate, retail, industrial) and a brief description of your security services.

2

Specify site details

Clarify the location and type of site (office building, retail center, industrial facility), including indoor/outdoor requirements.

3

Define shift requirements

Be clear about shift patterns including day, evening, night and weekend shifts, and whether 24/7 availability is required.

4

Include uniform standards

Specify presentation standards, uniform requirements and whether PPE or specific equipment is provided by the company.

5

Add site-specific duties

Include any special responsibilities such as CCTV monitoring, alarm response, key holding or specific client procedures.

6

Review regularly

Update the job description when client contracts change or when new security technologies or procedures are implemented.

Ready to hire your next static guard?

Once your team is in place, build compliant multi-site rosters in minutes, track hours and licence expiries, and apply award penalty rates automatically with RosterElf security rostering software.

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Regulatory sources

This job description is aligned with Australian workplace award requirements.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • A static guard is a licensed, uniformed security professional stationed at a fixed location — such as a building entrance, retail store, construction site or corporate premises — to protect people and assets. Core duties include access control (checking ID, credentials and passes), surveillance and monitoring (CCTV, alarms and localised patrols), incident and emergency response, customer service, and accurate daily activity and incident reporting. Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), static guards are typically classified at Security Employee Level 1.

  • Static guards are assigned to a single location for extended periods, maintaining a visible security presence at one site. Mobile patrol officers travel between multiple locations to conduct security checks. Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), both roles are classified based on their duties and level of responsibility.

  • Static guards are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in the security services industry. Always verify which award applies to your specific security business.

  • Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, static guards typically start at Security Employee Level 1 (basic security services). Level 2 applies to security employees with additional responsibilities or specialized duties. Higher levels apply for team leaders and control room operators. See our Security Services Award rates guide for current classifications.

  • 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.