Overview of Access Control Positions
Access control jobs involve controlling and monitoring access to facilities, buildings, events, and other secure areas. Individuals in these positions are responsible for permitting authorized access while preventing unauthorized access.
Common job titles include:
- Security Guard
- Access Control Officer
- Door Guard
- Gatekeeper
- Entrance Attendant
The main responsibilities of access control positions include:
- Operating security equipment like metal detectors, x-ray machines, and surveillance cameras
- Monitoring and controlling access points like doors, gates, and parking garages
- Checking identification and verifying access authorization
- Issuing visitor passes and managing access control systems
- Providing customer service and answering questions from visitors
- Observing surroundings for security risks, safety hazards, or prohibited items
- Responding to security breaches according to protocol
- Writing reports and maintaining logs documenting activity and incidents
Access control staff serve as the first line of defense in maintaining facility security. Their role is to allow legitimate access while vigilantly guarding against threats.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Access control personnel are responsible for monitoring and authorizing entrance into restricted areas. This involves operating security equipment like CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and access control systems.
Typical duties include:
- Monitoring live CCTV feeds and responding to any suspicious activity
- Operating metal detectors or other screening equipment at entry points
- Checking IDs and verifying access permissions before allowing entry
- Issuing visitor badges and maintaining visitor logs
- Patrolling premises regularly to check for security breaches
- Responding promptly to alarms or emergency calls
- Detaining unauthorized individuals attempting to access restricted areas
- Writing detailed incident reports and keeping accurate activity logs
- Ensuring personnel follow proper safety and security protocols
- Updating access control systems with employee status changes
- Reporting any policy violations, suspicious behavior, or equipment issues
The main priority for access controllers is to protect facilities by only allowing authorized access according to established rules and procedures. This requires being alert, proactive, and prepared to respond to any security issues.
Qualifications and Skills
Access control officers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for entry-level positions. While further education is not always required, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field.
In addition to education requirements, access control professionals should possess certain skills and qualifications to succeed in the role:
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Strong communication and customer service skills – Access controllers interact regularly with the public and tenants. They need to be able to greet visitors, respond to inquiries, and provide excellent service. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
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Ability to stand for long periods – Access control officers spend most of their time on their feet while stationed at entrances, patrolling grounds, or monitoring activity. They need to be comfortable standing or walking for extended periods.
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Attention to detail and observation – Access controllers must remain alert and attentive during their entire shift. They need sharp observation skills to identify risks, notice suspicious behavior, and enforce access policies.
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Basic computer skills – Access control technology is increasingly computer-based. Officers need to be able to use access control systems, surveillance equipment, and other security programs. Familiarity with computers and data entry is important.
Training and Licensing
Most access control jobs provide on-the-job training to teach you the specific policies and procedures of that employer. You’ll likely shadow a seasoned access controller for a period to learn the ropes before working a post alone. Some access control jobs require or prefer candidates to already have a security guard license, which involves passing an exam on security concepts and protocols. This license must be renewed periodically.
Many access control jobs also mandate current first aid and/or CPR certification so you are prepared to properly respond in medical emergencies. Employers sometimes provide or pay for training to keep these certifications up to date. Otherwise, you’ll need to take the initiative to maintain your licenses and renew your certifications when they expire. Proving you have up-to-date credentials is often necessary for continued employment.
Working Conditions
Access control jobs typically involve working on your feet for most of the shift, as controllers are stationed at access points to monitor and control access. Shifts often rotate to provide 24/7 coverage of a facility, so access controllers should be prepared to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
Depending on the size of the facility, access controllers may work alone at an access point or as part of a larger access control team. Larger facilities usually have multiple access points that need monitoring.
The majority of access control jobs are full-time positions. Part-time work may be available, but is less common. The job generally requires being on site and attentive during a shift, rather than remote work.
Career Development
Access control offers several potential career development paths. With experience, access controllers can move into supervisory or management roles overseeing a team of controllers. Some may choose to specialize in certain areas like CCTV monitoring or access system management. Others may leverage their security knowledge to transition into related fields like security system sales, private investigations, or executive protection. Ongoing training and certification can open up advancement opportunities. The most successful access controllers are those that continue developing their expertise and take on greater responsibilities. With strong performance and initiative, an access controller position can be the start of a rewarding long-term career in the security industry.
Salary and Job Outlook
Access control positions offer competitive salaries along with steady job growth and outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for security guards was $30,930 as of May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $23,260, and the highest 10% earned more than $54,140.
Wages can vary by industry, with higher pay in fields like gaming surveillance officers, averaging around $41,600 per year. Many access control jobs also come with benefits like health insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and retirement plans.
Employment of security guards is projected to grow 3% from 2021 to 2031, keeping pace with the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be good for those with relevant education, training, and experience. The increased use of security services by businesses, hospitals, schools, and others is expected to drive demand. Retail security will continue hiring guards as more stores open around the clock.
Overall, access control positions offer competitive compensation with steady job growth projected in the years ahead. Gaining the right qualifications can help open up opportunities in this expanding field.
Finding Access Control Jobs
Access control positions are available at a wide variety of facilities and organizations. Some of the major employers of access controllers include:
- Office buildings and corporate campuses
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Universities and schools
- Hotels and resorts
- Shopping malls and retail stores
- Government buildings and facilities
- Airports and transportation hubs
- Museums, stadiums, and event venues
When searching for open access control jobs, there are several good resources to utilize:
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General job boards like Indeed, Monster, and ZipRecruiter often have listings for access control and security jobs. You can search by keywords like “access control” or “security officer.”
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Industry-specific job boards like Security Guard Training HQ often have dedicated sections for access control job description openings. These niche sites specialize in security jobs.
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The websites of major security companies like Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S will have their current job openings available. Many of them hire access controllers nationwide.
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Local classified ads in newspapers and online for your city or region may advertise openings for access control personnel.
When applying for access control jobs, be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have even if informal. Detail any previous security experience, familiarity with access control systems, and ability to monitor surveillance systems. Highlight skills like attention to detail, reliability, and customer service. Formal access control training and certification will also make you stand out.
Applying for Access Control Jobs
When applying for access control jobs, having a polished resume that highlights any relevant experience is crucial. Even if you don’t have direct experience in access control, highlight any customer service, security, or related experience. Emphasize skills like organization, reliability, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
For the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your experience and interest in the field. Common questions include:
- Why are you interested in access control?
- How would you handle an angry or difficult visitor?
- Describe a time you had to be vigilant for long periods.
- What do you think are the most important skills for an access controller?
- How do you handle stress or boredom on the job?
Have examples ready that demonstrate your qualifications. Portray confidence, professionalism and enthusiasm for the work.
In terms of attire, dress professionally in clean, pressed business casual or uniform if required. Avoid overly casual clothes. Bring an extra copy of your resume and reference list. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen to take notes. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
With the right preparation and attitude, you can show how your skills and experience make you an excellent candidate for an access control position.
Succeeding as an Access Controller
To succeed as an access controller, you need to maintain vigilance and focus at all times. Though the job may seem repetitive, letting your guard down can lead to security risks. Stay alert during your entire shift.
Providing excellent customer service is also key. You are often the first person someone sees when entering a building. Greet everyone in a friendly and professional manner. Be helpful by providing directions and assisting visitors. Represent your company positively through your conduct.
Make an effort to learn all you can about the specific site or system you work with. Study the layout and access points. Understand how the technology functions. Ask questions during training so you fully comprehend policies and procedures.
Even once trained, you should continue learning. If new technology is implemented, take initiative to get trained on it. Always be aware of protocol changes. Seek feedback from supervisors on how to improve. Staying up-to-date on all site/system specifics will make you better at your job.
The most successful access controllers are vigilant, helpful, and constantly improving their knowledge. With focus, customer service skills and ongoing training, you can excel in this important role.
