All careers

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of security workers and security guards.

What you’d do

  • Investigate disturbances on the premises, such as security alarms, altercations, and suspicious activity.
  • Patrol the premises to prevent or detect intrusion, protect property, or preserve order.
  • Monitor and authorize entry of employees, visitors, or other persons.
  • Secure entrances and exits by locking doors and gates.
  • Write reports documenting observations made while on patrol.
  • Monitor the behavior of security employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, or procedures.
  • Advise employees in handling problems or resolving complaints from customers, tenants, detainees, or other persons.
  • Recruit, interview, and hire security personnel.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Management of Personnel Resources

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Security Director
  • Security Shift Supervisor
  • Security Supervisor
  • Shift Supervisor
  • Campus Safety Chief
  • Public Safety Manager

Related careers

See all careers

  • Security Managers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants

    Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Security Management Specialists

    • Bright Outlook
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Security Guards

    • Bright Outlook
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one