MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Security Officer - Shift worker - Devonport & Ernesettle

Ministry Of Defence; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A national defense organization is looking for a Security Officer focused on site safety, access control, and incident response. The role includes conducting patrols, managing security systems, and providing an excellent customer service experience. Applicants should demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills, resilience, and a commitment to team values. This position offers a competitive salary of £31,500 along with a Civil Service pension and various benefits.

Benefits

Civil Service pension

Generous annual leave

Travel links and facilities

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good level of physical fitness due to standing and patrolling large areas.
• Experience in administration beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Ensure site safety and security.
• Conduct thorough security checks.
• Monitor security systems and assist employees.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Resilience

High vigilance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic booking systems

Job description

Overview

As a Security Officer, you will be responsible for site safety and security, protecting Defence personnel, visitors, and property. You will perform patrols, control access, conduct searches, respond to incidents, assist employees and visitors, monitor security systems, manage traffic and parking, and report and document security activities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure site safety and security - Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property.
• Conduct patrols - Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Control access - Check credentials, issue passes, and escort visitors as required.
• Perform searches - Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage, and personnel.
• Respond to incidents - Identify risks, manage security breaches, and escalate as needed.
• Assist employees and visitors - Provide professional and courteous support on-site.
• Monitor security systems - Operate CCTV, alarms, and communication devices.
• Manage traffic and parking - Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
• Report and document - Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.

Assessment and behaviours

• We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Working Together, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing.
• At application stage you will be assessed against the following: Experience (CV including Job History and Previous Skills).
• At interview you will be assessed against the following: Behaviours (Working Together, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing).
• When choosing your behaviour examples, use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Technology should support your submission, but presenting others’ or generated ideas as your own may result in rejection.

Important dates and process

Application sifting is scheduled to take place the week commencing 20/10/2025. Interviews are due to take place via Microsoft Teams and will be conducted week commencing 03/11/2025. We may hold candidates on an active reserve list for 12 months; it is possible that similar lower graded roles may be offered to reserve candidates or to those meeting lower grade criteria in merit order.

Security and eligibility

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements before appointment (security check).
• See the vetting charter and baseline personnel security standard checks.
• Nationality requirements: UK nationals; nationals of the Republic of Ireland; certain Commonwealth nationals; nationals of the EU/EEA/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein with settled or pre-settled status or valid application; Turkish nationals and certain family members with right to work in the Civil Service.

Working for the Civil Service

• The Civil Service Code sets out expected standards of behaviour. We recruit on merit and fair competition. The Civil Service embraces diversity and equal opportunities; a Disability Confident Scheme is available for candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria. Redeployment interviews are offered for civil servants at risk of redundancy.

Diversity and inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent. See the Civil Service People Plan and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for more information.

Role requirements and qualities

This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, resilience, alertness, and high organisation. You should stay vigilant, act decisively, and provide outstanding customer service in security-sensitive locations. A good level of physical fitness is required due to standing, patrolling large areas, and rapid incident response. An administration background and strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and electronic booking systems) are beneficial as you will work with office-based personnel.

About the MOD Guard Service

The MOD Guard Service provides security across MOD sites in the UK, including high-profile locations. We offer opportunities for meaningful careers, specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression. We operate with a strong team culture and values of integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.

Shift pattern and flexibility

This is a shift-working position at 48 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays as required. Shifts are 12 hours, rostered across a weekly cycle with some short-notice changes. Exact shift details will be explained during the interview.

Training and development

New starters complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by on-the-job training. Ongoing professional development is available, including an annual online learning programme. The Workforce Development Team supports ongoing training.

Benefits and remuneration

Salary is £31,500 with £9,125 contributed by the MOD towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Benefits include a Civil Service pension, generous annual leave, ability to roll over leave, special leave for volunteering, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave, an Employee Assistance Programme, travel links and facilities at many sites, and eligibility to apply for Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards. The post does not offer relocation allowances. The department is conducting a review of pay-related allowances which could impact those allowances.

Notes

The MOD reserves the right to adjust or withdraw posts and assessments as required.