Security guards help protect university buildings, property and the people who use campus facilities. Their work can include checking access permissions, patrolling assigned areas, assisting visitors and reporting incidents.
For applicants with security training and relevant experience, university security work is a career option worth exploring. However, each position has its own requirements for qualifications, registration, experience and availability.
This guide explains common duties, PSiRA considerations, application documents and where to look for opportunities. It does not announce current vacancies.
What Do University Security Guards Do?
Campus security involves working around students, employees, contractors and visitors. Officers need to follow procedures while communicating clearly and respectfully.
Depending on the assignment, responsibilities may include:
- Checking entry permissions and directing visitors.
- Patrolling buildings and surrounding areas.
- Reporting damaged gates, lighting or security equipment.
- Recording incidents and preparing written reports.
- Communicating with supervisors and control-room staff.
- Assisting during emergencies within their training.
- Monitoring security systems when assigned and authorised.
A previous University of Johannesburg security officer advertisement included access control, patrols, incident reporting and electronic security duties. That advertisement closed in May 2024 and should be treated as an example of the work, not an available vacancy.
The exact duties depend on the post. Do not assume that every campus security position includes driving, armed duties or CCTV monitoring.
Types of Security Positions to Search For
Employers may advertise similar work under different titles.
| Job title | What to check in the advertisement |
|---|---|
| Security guard or security officer | Guarding duties, registration grade and experience |
| Campus protection officer | Campus responsibilities and additional training requirements |
| Access control officer | Entry procedures, visitor assistance and record keeping |
| CCTV or control-room operator | Monitoring systems, computer skills and reporting duties |
| Security supervisor | Team leadership, shift coordination and supervisory experience |
Search by both title and duties. A control-room position may require technical experience that is not needed for a general guarding assignment.
PSiRA Registration and Training
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, known as PSiRA, regulates private security services in South Africa. Its official guidance states that registration is required for providing security services for remuneration, subject to the statutory exceptions it identifies.
Before applying, check:
- Your current PSiRA registration status.
- The grade required by the advertisement.
- Whether you hold the specified training or accreditation.
- Whether your supporting records are accurate and up to date.
A training certificate and registration status are different things to verify. Do not assume that completing a course automatically confirms that you meet every requirement for employment.
For registration information, approved training guidance and verification services, use the official PSiRA website.
There is no single PSiRA grade requirement covering every university security position. A guarding role, supervisory role and specialist appointment can have different criteria.
Qualifications and Experience
Always read the minimum requirements in the specific advertisement.
Education
An employer may specify matric, an equivalent qualification or another education requirement. Check the wording rather than assuming all security positions accept the same school qualification.
Security Experience
Relevant experience may include guarding offices, residential properties, commercial buildings or educational facilities. Explain which responsibilities you performed and how they relate to the advertised position.
Additional Skills
Depending on the role, an employer may request:
- Basic computer literacy.
- Clear written and verbal communication.
- A valid driving licence.
- Experience with security systems.
- First-aid or other relevant training.
- Supervisory experience.
For example, the closed UJ advertisement mentioned above required matric or an equivalent qualification, Grade C PSiRA registration, a driving licence, basic computer skills and at least two years of security experience. Those criteria applied to that particular post.
Skills That Matter on a University Campus
Clear Communication
Officers may need to explain entry procedures, direct visitors and pass accurate information to colleagues. A calm, professional manner helps people understand what is required.
Observation and Accurate Reporting
Useful reporting distinguishes what you directly observed from what someone else told you. Record relevant details clearly and follow the employer’s reporting procedures.
Sound Judgement
Know when to contact a supervisor or request assistance. Follow your training and authorised duties rather than attempting tasks outside your role.
Reliability
Arriving on time, completing handovers and following assigned procedures are important parts of security work.
Working Hours and Conditions
Check the advertised shift pattern carefully. Depending on the assignment, work may include days, nights, weekends or public holidays.
Confirm:
- The campus or site where you will work.
- Shift starting and finishing times.
- Whether travel between sites is expected.
- Outdoor duties and physical requirements.
- Uniform and equipment arrangements.
- Whether the contract is permanent or time limited.
Consider transport before stating that you are available for a particular shift. A role involving late finishes may require different travel arrangements from daytime office work.
Direct University Employment or a Security Company
A security job located at a university may be offered directly by the institution or through a security service provider.
Read the employer’s name in the advertisement and contract. This determines who manages your appointment, pays your salary and explains the employment conditions.
If a security company advertises the position, verify the company and its registration through official channels. Do not assume that working on university premises gives you the same benefits as a direct university employee.
Documents to Prepare
Prepare an updated CV and gather the documents requested for the vacancy.
These may include:
- Relevant education certificates.
- PSiRA registration details.
- Security training certificates.
- A driving licence, where required.
- Referee details.
- Additional screening documents requested by the employer.
Provide sensitive documents only through the official recruitment process. Follow instructions about certification and file formats.
Your CV should describe actual responsibilities, such as visitor logging, patrol reporting, radio communication or shift handovers. Avoid sharing confidential details about a previous employer’s security arrangements.
How to Apply for University Security Jobs
Step 1 — Find an Official Advertisement
Search university careers pages using terms such as security officer, protection services, access control or control-room operator.
Check the closing date. An old advertisement may remain online after applications close.
Step 2 — Compare the Requirements
Check the education, experience, registration grade and additional skills against your own records.
Separate essential requirements from qualifications described as an advantage.
Step 3 — Prepare a Relevant CV
Explain how your previous duties match the position. Include accurate employment dates, qualifications and registration information.
Step 4 — Follow the Application Instructions
Apply through the portal, email address or other route specified in the advertisement. Attach all required documents and complete the requested fields.
Step 5 — Review and Submit
Check your contact details and attachments before submitting. Keep the advertisement and any confirmation provided.
Salary and Employment Conditions
Pay depends on the employer, role, working hours and appointment terms. There is no single salary figure that represents all university security jobs.
Before accepting an offer, clarify:
- Basic pay and the expected rostered hours.
- Overtime arrangements.
- Applicable allowances and benefits.
- Contract duration.
- Any deductions listed in the employment terms.
Check whether a quoted amount is basic salary or a total package. A description such as “market related” does not establish a specific take-home salary.
Preparing for an Interview
Prepare examples showing how you communicate, follow procedures and report information accurately.
You may be asked to explain how you handled an access query, completed a handover or reported an incident. Describe the situation, what you personally did and the outcome.
If asked about unfamiliar equipment or systems, be honest about your experience. Explain relevant skills you already have and your willingness to complete the necessary training.
Applicants entering the industry should look for roles whose experience requirements match their background. Training or registration alone does not guarantee employment.
Where to Find University Security Opportunities
Use these official recruitment pages to check for advertised positions:
| University | Official recruitment page |
|---|---|
| University of Cape Town | UCT General Vacancies |
| University of Johannesburg | UJ Recruitment Portal |
| University of Pretoria | Careers at UP |
| Stellenbosch University | Careers at SU |
These links do not confirm that security vacancies are currently open at every institution.
This is an independent information guide. The official advertisement determines vacancy availability, requirements and application deadlines. Check current registration and training information directly with PSiRA.