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- Tasks: Monitor CCTV, respond to incidents, and ensure safety across Edinburgh.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's Security Control Room Team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, shift allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible 12-hour shifts with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in public safety and security while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Valid driving licence and SIA CCTV Operator licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Ready to be at the forefront of safety and security within the Scottish Government? The position of Security Control Room Officer is an integral part of the Security Control Room Team, based within the Facilities Branch of the Workplace Division. This team is responsible for the 24/7 operation of the Scottish Government’s central Security Control Room. All areas of Facilities Services support the safety and security of people and SG assets. The Control Room team particularly focus on the safety and security of the estate via remote monitoring. Security Control Room Officers participate in the safety and security culture across the service.
Responsibilities
- Proactive Surveillance: Diligently monitor the estate’s CCTV system through regular camera patrols and advanced analytics, ensuring prompt detection and response to incidents and events.
- Alarm System Management: Monitor and respond promptly to a range of alarm systems (including fire and intruder alarms). Attend sites across Edinburgh in response to alarm activations, conduct initial investigations, and liaise effectively with emergency services and other relevant organisations as required.
- Incident Logging and Reporting: Maintain concise, accurate, and timely records of incidents, events, decisions, and shift handover information, utilising appropriate forms and templates as outlined in Security Control Room protocols.
- Key Holder Services: Provide key holder services for the Scottish Government and other public organisations as agreed with Facilities Management, including the physical opening and closing of designated sites.
- Mobile Security Patrols: Be able physically to conduct both scheduled and ad-hoc mobile security patrols across Edinburgh sites, ensuring the security of premises by checking that doors, padlocks are secured on gates, windows are secure and performing both internal and external patrols.
- Access Control: Monitor and facilitate access and egress to designated sites during silent hours, ensuring only authorised personnel are admitted.
- Stakeholder Communication: Respond to telephone enquiries from a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including emergency services and members of the public. Act as first responder and provide a physical presence at St Andrew’s House in the event of the sudden activation of SGoRR outside normal office hours.
- Administrative Support: Undertake ad-hoc security-related administrative functions as required, supporting the effective operation of the Security Control Room.
Qualifications
- The post holder must hold a valid Driving Licence.
- The post holder must hold a current SIA CCTV Operator licence or be prepared to undergo and successfully complete appropriate training to obtain this.
Experience
- Proven track record of working in a control room or similar operational environment, strong working knowledge in monitoring and operating CCTV, alarm systems and remote access platforms, enabling the identification, assessment and escalation of incidents in real time are essential.
- Strong knowledge and ability to carry out mobile patrol duties and delivering an effective service, respond to incidents and emergency situations, accurate incident reporting, record keeping and adherence to operational protocols and liaising with internal teams and external emergency services.
Behaviours:
- Seeing the Big Picture - (Level 1)
- Communicating and Influencing – (Level 1)
- Delivering at Pace – (Level 1)
- Working Together – (Level 1)
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and Presentation.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
Location
This role is based in Edinburgh. The operation is supported by two control rooms: Victoria Quay (VQ) and St Andrew’s House (SAH). The successful candidate will be based at Victoria Quay, with St Andrew’s House used as a secondary location when required to support operational continuity.
Working pattern
The Security Control Room Team is responsible for the 24/7 operation of the Scottish Government’s central Security Control Room, the current shift working pattern is 12 hours (4 on 4 off) on a rotational basis.
Security checks
Due to the sensitive nature of this role and the information to which the post holder may be exposed, successful candidates will be required to undergo Security Clearance (SC) level.
Pay supplement
A Shift Disturbance Allowance of 21% applies to this post. This allowance is calculated as a percentage of basic pay only, is pensionable, and is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before 23:59 on 28 May 2026.
Security Control Room Officer employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Control Room Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the Scottish Government and its values. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to security control room operations. Think about scenarios where you've had to respond to incidents or manage alarms, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the role and the work culture, plus it might just give you an edge when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Control Room Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Security Control Room Officer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in monitoring CCTV and responding to incidents. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you meet the skills and behaviours outlined in the job description. Keep it concise but impactful – remember, you've got a 1000-word limit!
Be Honest About Your Experience: While it's tempting to use AI tools for help, make sure everything you submit is genuine and reflects your own experiences. We value authenticity, so be truthful about your background and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our official website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CCTV systems, alarm management, and incident reporting. Familiarise yourself with the specific protocols and procedures that the Security Control Room follows. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in control rooms or similar environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled incidents, conducted mobile patrols, or liaised with emergency services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Security Control Room Officer, clear communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts concisely and confidently. You might be asked to respond to hypothetical scenarios during the interview, so think about how you would communicate with stakeholders in those situations.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires working closely with others, so highlight your ability to collaborate and work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with colleagues or external partners in the past, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a positive safety culture.