24-7 Security Vacancies in 2025
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TL;DR (Quick Wins)
- Yes, there are lots of 24-7 security vacancies in 2025. In the U.S., the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects ~162,400 security-guard openings per year through 2033—driven mostly by turnover and replacements, even as overall growth is ~2%.
- Roles hiring now: Security Officer (unarmed and armed), Armed Response/Patrol, Control Room/Dispatcher, Concierge & Access Control, Events/Specials, K9 handlers (in some markets).
- Typical baseline requirements: Clean criminal record; basic grade/secondary education; local registration (e.g., PSIRA Grade C in South Africa); good communication; fitness for shifts; and customer service skills. Example: 24/7 Security Services (SA) lists PSIRA Grade C and no criminal record; armed roles require firearm competency.
- Where to apply today:
- South Africa: 24/7 Security Services “Jobs” page lists how to apply via email with branches in Joburg, Tshwane, Pinetown.
- USA: Search “24/7 security” jobs via ZipRecruiter (thousands of postings, many \$18–\$48/hr); large employers like Allied Universal list thousands of security officer positions; niche firms such as WATCH GUARD 24/7 (NY) are hiring too.
- Salary snapshots (U.S.): Average wages vary widely by city, industry, clearance, armed status, and overtime. “24/7 security” postings on ZipRecruiter show a broad pay band with an average around \$26/hr and higher rates in big metros.
- Get hired faster: Keep certificates current (e.g., PSIRA, Guard Card/SIA), add CPR/First Aid, clean driving record, and highlight customer-service wins.
Why “24-7” Security Still Booms in 2025 (Even with Slow Growth)
It sounds contradictory, but it’s true: government data shows slow overall growth for security-guard employment (about 2% from 2023–2033)—yet employers are posting constantly. Why? Replacement demand (people changing careers, retiring, or moving) keeps openings high: ~162,400 U.S. security-guard openings per year. For job seekers, that means steady opportunities—especially at companies that run 24/7 operations across corporate campuses, hospitals, logistics hubs, retail, and events.
The “always-on” model also creates round-the-clock scheduling needs. If you’re flexible with nights/weekends and can handle overtime, your resume often floats to the top.
The 8 Most Common 24-7 Security Vacancies in 2025
1) Security Officer (Unarmed)
- Core duties: Patrols, access control, visitor logs, incident reporting, customer assistance.
- You’ll fit if: You’re calm, observant, reliable, and professional in customer-facing situations.
- Baseline: Secondary education (or equivalent), background check, site-specific onboarding; in the U.S. some states require a guard card or license; in South Africa, PSIRA Grade C is common.
2) Armed Security Officer / Armed Response
- Core duties: Higher-risk sites, valuables in transit, rapid response to alarms.
- Baseline: All of the above plus firearm competency, ongoing training, and stricter vetting (e.g., valid firearm competency certificate in SA; firearm permits and post requirements in the U.S.).
3) Mobile Patrol / Response Officer
- Core duties: Vehicle patrols across multiple client sites, alarm response, after-hours checks.
- Baseline: Clean driving record, situational awareness, solid radio comms.
4) Control Room Operator / Dispatcher
- Core duties: Monitor CCTV, alarms, access control systems; coordinate field officers; dispatch response.
- Why it’s hot: Tech-heavy and central to service quality; a strong stepping stone into operations management.
5) Concierge / Front-of-House Security
- Core duties: Lobby reception, visitor management, badge issuance; blending hospitality with security.
- Why it’s hot: Corporate and residential towers need 24/7 coverage; soft-skills are king.
6) Special Events / Stadium / Festivals
- Core duties: Crowd control, ticket checks, VIP lanes, backstage protection.
- Note: Event rosters spike seasonally; companies often hire large temporary teams—e.g., 24/7 Security’s Special Events team deployments in SA highlight this model.
7) K9 Handler (select markets)
- Core duties: Patrols and searches with trained dogs; deterrence and detection.
- Example: Vacancies for Tactical K9 Handlers have been advertised in Gauteng, South Africa (Grade B PSIRA + experience).
8) Site Supervisor / Shift Lead
- Core duties: Scheduling, client relations, incident escalation, audits, mentoring new officers.
- Fast-track tip: Control room experience + great client feedback makes promotion faster.
Real-World Requirements: What Employers Actually Ask For
To keep this practical, here’s a benchmark drawn from 24/7 Security Services (South Africa)—a well-known 24/7 provider:
- Security Officer: PSIRA registered, Grade C, no criminal record
- Armed Officer: PSIRA registered, Grade C, valid firearm competency, business purposes for the relevant firearm(s), no criminal record
Companies also emphasize:
- Reliable transport (especially for night shifts)
- Communication & customer service (corporate and residential sites expect hospitality)
- Report writing (accurate, clear, timely)
- Tech comfort (CCTV, access control, incident software)
Even outside SA, the pattern holds: state/provincial licensing + site training. In the U.S., BLS notes >99.5% of security guards receive on-the-job training and prior experience is required for about 10.9% of roles—so newcomers can absolutely break in.
Pay & Schedules: What “24/7” Means for Your Wallet
Pay varies by geography, industry, clearance, union status, and armed/unarmed. For example, a broad U.S. snapshot of “24/7 security” postings shows a wide pay band with an average near \$26/hr, with higher 75th-percentile rates around \$29.33/hr and top postings listing \$31+.
Why ranges are wide:
- Metro premiums: New York, San Francisco, Toronto, London, and other big cities pay more.
- Risk & responsibility: Armed roles, critical infrastructure, and VIP sites pay higher.
- Shift differentials & overtime: Nights/weekends/holidays can boost take-home.
- Certifications & clearances: Fire/Life Safety (U.S.), SIA Door Supervisor (UK), PSIRA & firearm competency (SA), first aid, CCTV operator.
Pro tip: Ask about guaranteed hours, site stability, shift differential, and overtime policy during your interview.
Where to Find 24-7 Security Vacancies in 2025 (and Apply Right Now)
South Africa
- 24/7 Security Services (official site) – “Jobs” page provides application details (submit CV via email and state the job title; branches include Joburg, Tshwane, Pinetown).
- Company services page (guarding) – useful for understanding their recruitment standards (interviews, reference checks, registration verification).
- LinkedIn page – company profile & posts: 24/7 Security Services.
- Occasional announcements – K9 vacancies and special events details sometimes appear on social channels.
United States
- ZipRecruiter – Thousands of “24/7 security” postings with dynamic pay filters (often \$18–\$48/hr).
- Allied Universal (official jobs site) – One of the largest U.S. security employers, listing thousands of Security Officer openings across states.
- WATCH GUARD 24/7 (NY) – Dedicated 24/7 security firm hiring for armed/unarmed, FLS Director, concierge, etc.
- LinkedIn Jobs (search “24/7 Security Services”) – U.S. and global postings curated daily.
Canada & UK
- While the sources above focus on the U.S. and SA, the same strategy applies: search major boards, filter by “24/7”, “nights”, “concierge”, “control room”, and check top national employers.
- UK: Look for SIA-licensed roles (Door Supervisor, Security Officer, CCTV Operator) on Indeed, Reed, and employers’ career pages.
- Canada: Search Indeed and LinkedIn for licensed security guard roles; check provincial licensing requirements (e.g., Ontario’s Security Guard Licence).
How to Apply (Step-by-Step) and Stand Out
Here’s a repeatable, 60-minute playbook you can run today for 24-7 security vacancies in 2025:
- Collect your proofs
- ID, right-to-work docs, license/registration (Guard Card/SIA/PSIRA), firearm competency (if armed), first aid/CPR, driver’s license, and any site awards or commendations.
- Prepare a two-page resume (or 1 page if <5 years experience)
- Top third wins: role title, experience summary, certifications.
- Metrics: “Patrolled 300k sq-ft facility,” “Handled 80+ daily visitors,” “Zero incidents across 6 months on night shift,” “Cut false alarms by 18%.”
- Tailor for each posting
- Mirror the job’s keywords: CCTV monitoring, access control, customer service, incident reporting, radio communication, foot patrol, fire panel knowledge.
- Write a 120-word cover note
- Mention your shift flexibility, reliability, and customer-service approach.
- Example: “Available for nights/weekends, clean driving record, PSIRA Grade C, trained on Hikvision & Gallagher access systems.”
- Apply to high-fit roles first
- If you hold armed or fire-life safety credentials, prioritize those listings (higher pay, faster callbacks).
- Follow up in 48–72 hours
- Polite email or LinkedIn message: “Confirming my application for Control Room Operator—available for immediate night shifts; happy to supply references.”
- Interview ready
- Bring license documents; know your site commands; have a recent incident de-escalation story ready; ask about shift differential and overtime.
Certifications & Compliance: What Matters by Market
United States
- Guard card/licensing varies by state (check your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs or similar).
- Employers like Allied Universal outline requirements per posting (unarmed vs. armed, patrol, etc.).
- First Aid/CPR/AED and Fire & Life Safety can speed up hiring in high-rise/commercial.
- BLS notes most guards get on-the-job training and many roles don’t require prior experience (though it helps).
United Kingdom
- SIA Licence (Security Industry Authority) for Security Guarding, Door Supervision, or CCTV Public Space Surveillance.
- Expect literacy in incident logs, radio etiquette, and customer care in concierge-style roles.
South Africa
- PSIRA registration (often Grade C minimum for general security officer) is standard; armed roles require firearm competency.
- Companies like 24/7 Security Services note reference checks and registration verification in recruitment processes.
Canada
- Provincial Security Guard Licence (e.g., Ontario’s program) plus employer onboarding.
- First Aid/CPR adds weight; French/English bilingualism is a plus in some provinces.
The Job Outlook (And What It Means for You)
- Macro trend: BLS projects 2% growth for security guards (2023–2033) but large annual openings due to replacement demand. Protective service occupations overall are slower-growing but still expect hundreds of thousands of openings annually across roles.
- Interpretation: If you’re ready to work shifts, keep your licenses current, and show up reliably, the door is open.
- Upskill path: Control room → site supervisor → operations manager. Tech skills (VMS, access control, incident software) make you promotion-ready.
Sample Resume Bullets You Can Borrow
- Access Control: Verified credentials for 1,000+ weekly visitors; reduced tailgating incidents by 23% through proactive education and barrier checks.
- Incident Response: De-escalated 3 high-stress disputes with zero injuries; logged reports meeting chain-of-custody standards.
- Surveillance: Monitored 64-camera CCTV system; flagged 18 potential threats, enabling early intervention.
- Customer Service: Consistently rated 4.8/5 by tenant feedback for courtesy and responsiveness.
- Patrol Efficiency: Completed 12 perimeter sweeps per shift; introduced a QR-tag route that improved accountability and cut missed checks by 90%.
- Safety: CPR/First Aid certified; performed two AED drills quarterly with facilities team.
Interview Questions You’ll Likely Get (and How to Nail Them)
- “Tell me about a time you handled a difficult visitor.”
- Use STAR (Situation–Task–Action–Result). Emphasize de-escalation, professionalism, documentation.
- “What would you do if you observed suspicious activity on CCTV?”
- Identify, observe, record timestamps/camera IDs, notify supervisor, dispatch if needed, maintain situational awareness.
- “Are you comfortable with night and weekend shifts?”
- If yes, lean in: “I prefer nights. I’ve planned transport and rest routine to stay alert.”
- “What’s your experience with access control systems?”
- Name systems (LenelS2, Gallagher, Genetec, Brivo, HID). Highlight any badge audits or visitor management experience.
- “How do you write incident reports?”
- Brief, factual, timeline-based, include who/what/when/where, actions taken, witnesses, attachments (photos/CCTV refs).
The Fast-Track Bundle: Small Upgrades, Big Results
- Add CPR/First Aid/AED to your resume—gets attention for sites requiring certified coverage.
- Clean driving record + night availability = more interviews for mobile patrol and alarm response.
- Customer-service achievements (thank-you emails, tenant reviews) → include a line or two in your resume.
- Tech-friendly: Mention any VMS, access control, incident management software you’ve used.
- Language skills: Bilingual candidates often get the nod for high-traffic sites.
Real Listings & What They Tell You
- 24/7 Security Services (South Africa) – Jobs page details how to apply by email and the minimum requirements for Security Officer and Armed Officer. Their guarding services page describes strict recruiting protocols (interviews, reference checks, registration verification), hinting at a serious compliance culture.
- Large U.S. employers – Allied Universal shows thousands of Security Officer openings at any time across regions—a signal of steady demand and frequent shift coverage needs.
- Market pay sampler – ZipRecruiter aggregates “24/7 security” jobs with a wide hourly range and city/state demand lists (e.g., California, New York).
- Niche/Regional firms – WATCH GUARD 24/7 in New York advertises Guard, Fire & Life Safety Director, and concierge-style roles—great for those who enjoy a hospitality blend.
- Specialized roles – K9 handler postings (e.g., Gauteng) appear intermittently; they require higher PSIRA grades and prior canine experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need prior experience to land 24-7 security vacancies in 2025?
A: Not always. U.S. BLS data shows prior experience is required in about 10.9% of roles, and >99.5% include on-the-job training. For South Africa and the UK, licensing/registration and clean records are critical; experience helps but isn’t always mandatory for entry-level.
Q2: Is night shift worth it?
A: If you can adapt, yes. Night/weekend shifts often come with shift differentials and overtime, and supervisors remember the people who cover hard slots.
Q3: What certificates matter most?
A:
- U.S.: State guard license; First Aid/CPR/AED; Fire & Life Safety for high-rise; armed roles require additional permits/training.
- UK: SIA (Door Supervisor, Security Guarding, CCTV PSS).
- SA: PSIRA (often Grade C for officers) and firearm competency for armed roles.
- Canada: Provincial Security Guard Licence.
Q4: I want quick progress—what’s the path?
A: Start as officer → train on CCTV/control room → take shift lead responsibilities → site supervisor → operations. Add customer-service wins, tech skills, and training every quarter.
A Simple 5-Day Plan to Land Interviews
Day 1 — Audit & Documents
Gather: ID, right to work, licenses (PSIRA/SIA/Guard Card), firearm competency (if armed), CPR/First Aid.
Day 2 — Resume & Cover Note
Build a tight 1–2 page resume; add 4–6 metric-driven bullets; write a 120-word cover email.
Day 3 — Apply to 12 High-Fit Roles
Split across employer sites (e.g., 24/7 Security Services SA, Allied Universal, WATCH GUARD 24/7) and boards (ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn). Prioritize those matching your certifications.
Day 4 — Skill Signal
Enroll in/refresh First Aid/CPR (if you don’t have it); add to resume and applications immediately.
Day 5 — Follow-Ups
Email or message recruiters to confirm availability for nights/weekends; attach licenses; ask about site types and overtime.
Example: How to Apply to 24/7 Security Services (South Africa)
- Go to the Jobs page (the company lists the steps publicly).
- Email your CV to the address provided, include the job title in the subject line, and target the branch nearest to you (Joburg, Tshwane, Pinetown as noted).
- Ensure you meet the minimum requirements (PSIRA grade, clean record; firearm competency for armed roles).
- Mention shift availability and transport plan for nights.
- Attach copies of PSIRA card and competency where appropriate.
(Tip: Their “guarding service” page outlines recruiting protocols—interviews, reference checks, and registration verification—so make sure your docs are up-to-date and consistent).
Industry Benchmarks & Data You Can Cite on Your Resume
- Openings: ~162,400 U.S. security-guard openings yearly, 2023–2033 (replacement demand).
- Growth: About 2% overall for security guards; protective-service occupations overall remain slower-growing but still large in total openings.
- Training: >99.5% of security-guard roles include on-the-job training; 10.9% require prior experience (U.S.).
- Pay context: “24/7 security” U.S. postings show an average around \$26/hr with broad ranges by location and role.
SEO-Friendly Internal Links (add these on your site)
- How to get a security guard licence: state-by-state guide
- PSIRA Grades explained (A–E) and how to upgrade fast
- Security interview questions and STAR answers
- Best free resume templates for security officers
- Top First Aid/CPR courses for security professionals
(Replace with your actual internal URLs.)
External Links (helpful, authoritative)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Security Guards (job outlook & openings)
- BLS – Protective Service Occupations (broader context)
- BLS – Security Guards occupational requirements (training/experience stats)
- 24/7 Security Services (South Africa) – Jobs page (how to apply; requirements)
- 24/7 Security Services – Guarding service (recruiting protocols)
- ZipRecruiter – 24/7 Security jobs (real-time pay snapshots & locations)
- Allied Universal – Security Officer jobs (thousands of roles, U.S.)
- WATCH GUARD 24/7 – Employment (NYC-area roles)
Ethical Basics That Get You Hired (and Keep You Promoted)
- Integrity: Zero tolerance for falsifying logs, time, or badge entries.
- Confidentiality: Treat floor plans, VIP schedules, and incident details as need-to-know.
- De-escalation first: Your goal is safety and prevention; force is last resort within the law and policy.
- Professional presence: Uniform standards, punctuality, respectful communication.
Quick Templates You Can Use Today
Subject line for email application:Application: Control Room Operator – Night Shifts – [Your Name]
Short cover email (120 words):
Dear Hiring Team,
I’m applying for the Control Room Operator role. I hold [PSIRA Grade C / SIA / State Guard Card], with experience monitoring [VMS/CCTV system names] and coordinating radio dispatch for multi-site patrols. I’m available for night/weekend shifts and have a reliable transport plan.In my last post, I helped reduce false alarms by 18%, introduced a QR patrol route for accountability, and maintained accurate incident logs for audits. I’m CPR/First Aid certified and comfortable with access control platforms ([name systems]).
CV, licences, and references attached. I’d appreciate the chance to interview this week.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email]
Interview question to ask them:
“Which competencies are most valued at this site—customer engagement, alarm response, or reporting accuracy—and how is performance measured?”
Mistakes That Cost Candidates Offers
- Missing documents (licence/registration, right-to-work).
- Not stating shift flexibility up front.
- Vague incident stories (“We handled it”) instead of a clear STAR example.
- No tech mentions (CCTV/VMS/access control)—even if you’re entry-level, show willingness to learn.
- Ignoring follow-ups—a 2-line check-in often gets you moved to interview.
The Bottom Line
If you’re chasing 24-7 security vacancies in 2025, the market is on your side—constant openings thanks to around-the-clock coverage and replacement demand. Focus on licensing, customer service, and reliability. Lead with shift flexibility, tighten your resume with metric-driven wins, and apply directly to active employer portals (like 24/7 Security Services in SA, Allied Universal in the U.S., and firms like WATCH GUARD 24/7). Use ZipRecruiter and LinkedIn to keep a pulse on pay and fresh postings.
Make the next 30 minutes count: pick five roles, tailor your resume, and send one crisp cover note for each. That’s how you turn “openings everywhere” into your offer.
On-Page SEO Checklist (for your content team)
- Primary keyword density: Aim ~1% naturally: “24-7 security vacancies in 2025.”
- Semantic keywords: security officer jobs, armed security, control room operator jobs, PSIRA Grade C, guard card, SIA, CCTV operator, night shift.
- Title tag: ≤60 characters; power words + numbers (done).
- Meta description: 150–160 characters (done).
- H1: Matches search intent (done).
- H2/H3: Problem–solution structure with clear scannability (done).
- Alt text: Descriptive, includes a variant of the keyword (done).
- Internal links: At least 4–5 relevant evergreen pages (suggested above).
- External links: Authoritative (BLS, official employer pages) with citations (done).
- Short paragraphs + bullets: Improves readability (done).
- FAQ: Captures common intents (done).
- CTA: Apply now, follow up in 48–72 hours (done).
Citations
- U.S. BLS — Security Guards (job outlook and annual openings). (bls.gov)
- U.S. BLS — Protective Service Occupations (context). (bls.gov)
- U.S. BLS — Occupational Requirements (training and prior experience stats). (bls.gov)
- 24/7 Security Services (South Africa) — Jobs page (requirements, application by email; branches). (24-7security.co.za)
- 24/7 Security Services — Guarding service (recruiting protocols). (24-7security.co.za)
- ZipRecruiter — “24/7 Security” job pay band and locations. (ZipRecruiter)
- Allied Universal — Official jobs portal (volume of openings). (jobs.aus.com)
- WATCH GUARD 24/7 — Employment page (NY). (watchguard247.com)
- K9 Handler vacancies post (Gauteng). (Facebook)
- 24/7 Security Services — Events team activity (FB). (Facebook)
Ready to apply?
Start with two direct employer applications and three job-board submissions today. Keep the momentum—24-7 coverage means 24-7 hiring.
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