Many people who are, or were formerly, employed within the military or a police bureau seek employment within the security industry. While a security guard is a position that is relatively well known, the security coordinator is not. This position is not nearly as visible, but carries a significant importance to many organizations.

Job Description

Security coordinators develop and implement the physical protection of the people and property of a business or residence. They are generally behind the scenes and provide continuous monitoring of, and feedback to, the security guards that actually provide the visible protection. Many facilities including corporate offices, hospitals, medical and research facilities, residential communities, educational facilities, government buildings and places of entertainment employ security coordinators.

Tasks

Tasks of a security coordinator include strategic planning, appropriate personnel placement and training of the staff of security guards. Security coordinators must also be able to effectively communicate their plans to the appropriate members of management and staff. Security coordinators must know how to use a wide range of technical equipment and must have a knowledge of safety procedures, including firearm safety. They often communicate with local authorities, including police officers, firefighters and emergency services.

Qualifications

Generally, security coordinators must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Pertinent degrees include criminal justice or police science. Equivalent experience may include a tenure as a police officer or military service member. Job experience as a security guard is important because of the necessary decision-making skills and knowledge base. Many places require a certain amount of training, particularly firearms training, to gain and retain employment as a security coordinator. As a security coordinator is a position of authority, good people skills and previous management experience are also highly sought after.

Earnings

The average salary for a security coordinator, according to Employment Crossing, is $55,000 per year, depending on experience, industry and job location. Jobs that require a significant amount of firearms experience or training often pay higher salaries than those that do not. There tends to be a great amount of competition for these positions, so pay is somewhat representative of this.

Security Guards salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $51,600 ($24.81/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $31,050 ($14.93/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $21,930 ($10.54/hour)