Security Guard

Security Guard

Hertford Full-Time 21500 - 26000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Hertfordshire County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Ensure safety and security for staff and visitors through proactive monitoring and response.
  • Company: Join Hertfordshire County Council's dedicated Security Team.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in community safety while developing essential skills.
  • Qualifications: SIA licence required; strong communication and customer service skills essential.
  • Other info: Flexible night shifts with opportunities for training and growth.

The predicted salary is between 21500 - 26000 £ per year.

Join to apply for the Security Guard role at Hertfordshire County Council

Job Title: Security Guard

Starting Salary: £25,185 progressing to £26,402 per annum (pro rata)

Hours: 42

Location: Hertford

Contract Type: Fixed Term for 12 months

Directorate: Resources

About The Team

Our Security Team supports the safety of staff, visitors, and property across the site, with a strong focus on out‑of‑hours protection. We work to create a secure and reassuring environment through a professional and proactive approach.

The team’s goal is to maintain high standards of safety, reduce risk, and support business continuity. The Night Security Officer, working on a 4 on, 4 off rota, plays a key role in maintaining overnight vigilance and responding to incidents.

We’re a well‑established team made up of Security Officers and Supervisors, working closely with Facilities, Health & Safety, and external partners like emergency services. While the team is firmly in place, there’s still room to shape future practices and contribute to ongoing improvements.

About The Role

  • Carry out routine patrols and inspections as directed by management.
  • Maintain a visible security presence at reception, welcoming visitors and handling enquiries.
  • Assist in managing the security office, including issuing ID cards, managing access to keys, handling lost property, and producing ID badges.
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, ensuring clear and respectful communication with staff, visitors, and service users.
  • Monitor and review CCTV footage when required.
  • Respond promptly and effectively to site emergencies.
  • Identify and report any health and safety breaches encountered during duty, in line with policy.
  • Collaborate with fellow Security Officers to ensure smooth and secure operations.

About You

Essential

  • Security Industry Authority Licensed (SIA).
  • Ability to work alone, using own initiative.
  • Flexibility to work beyond regular working hours as required.
  • Ability to prioritise work accordingly.
  • Ability to communicate to all levels both verbally and written.
  • Ability to deliver excellent customer service.
  • Proficient use of communications equipment.
  • The role requires frequent travel to sites across the county and you will need to be able to travel independently to these sites during times where public transport may not be available.

Desirable

  • Basic knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • First aid certificate.

Rewarding Challenges

Night shifts on a 4 on, 4 off rota require independence, alertness, and quick thinking—especially during quieter hours. It’s a demanding but fulfilling role with real responsibility.

Career Development

This role builds key skills in incident response and lone working. The rota also supports time for training and development.

Driving Change

Night Security Officers are vital to maintaining safety out of hours. Their work helps shape future security standards through consistent monitoring and reporting.

This job role is within the Operational Services, level 5 job profile. Please locate this via: Job profiles – Operational services

To hear more about this opportunity please contact Stuart.Letts@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: Week commencing 3rd November

How to apply

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Secondment

This position is open to secondments. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered as a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the Secondment Form as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only.

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Driving Required

You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.

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Security Guard employer: Hertfordshire County Council

Hertfordshire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and professional development. As a member of our Security Team, you will enjoy competitive pay, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community safety while working in a collaborative environment. Our commitment to employee well-being and training ensures that you can thrive in your role as a Security Guard in Hertford.
Hertfordshire County Council

Contact Detail:

Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Security Guard

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Hertfordshire County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common security guard scenarios. Think about how we’d handle emergencies or customer service situations. Role-playing with a mate can help us feel more confident when it’s our turn to shine.

✨Tip Number 3

Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially in security. We should aim for smart, professional attire that reflects our commitment to the role. It’ll show we take the job seriously right from the get-go.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!

We think you need these skills to ace Security Guard

Security Industry Authority Licensed (SIA)
Incident Response
Lone Working
Customer Service
Communication Skills
Patrol and Inspection
CCTV Monitoring
Health and Safety Awareness
Flexibility in Working Hours
Proficient Use of Communications Equipment
Basic Knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook
First Aid Certification
Ability to Work Independently
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is up to date and tailored to the Security Guard role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in security or customer service, so we can see how you fit into our team.

Showcase Your Skills: In your application, include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle emergencies, communicate effectively, and work independently. We want to know how you've tackled challenges in the past!

Craft a Strong Covering Paragraph: Use the short covering paragraph to give us a snapshot of your skills and experiences. This is your chance to shine and show us why you're the perfect fit for our Security Team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council

✨Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Security Guard at Hertfordshire County Council. Familiarise yourself with routine patrols, emergency response protocols, and how to handle sensitive information. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

As a Security Guard, you'll be interacting with staff and visitors regularly. Prepare examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in the past. Think about situations where you’ve handled enquiries or diffused tense situations, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and maintain a reassuring presence.

✨Highlight Your Initiative and Flexibility

The job requires working independently and being flexible with hours. Be ready to discuss times when you've taken the initiative in previous roles or adapted to changing circumstances. This will show that you can handle the demands of the position, especially during night shifts when quick thinking is crucial.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would respond to various incidents, such as a health and safety breach or an emergency situation. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills, which are vital for a Security Guard.

Security Guard
Hertfordshire County Council
Location: Hertford
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