Security Officer

Edinburgh Airport; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Training provided

Job summary

Edinburgh Airport is recruiting Aviation Security Officers on a 37-hour per week, fully-flexible, fixed-term 12‑month contract. This role offers training and experience in a fast-paced security environment at one of Scotland’s busiest airports.

You will screen passengers and luggage, operate screening equipment, and perform patrols across the airport to ensure security. The company emphasises progression through a quick, two-stage process.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• A team-focused approach.
• No previous security experience is required – full training is provided.

Responsibilities

• Screen all people and vehicles passing through restricted areas using archway detectors and manual searches when necessary.
• Operate x-ray equipment to screen luggage and other items.
• Manually search luggage for prohibited items.
• Check identification or travel documents for all passengers, staff and airport users.
• Patrol the terminal and outside areas to ensure the airport is secure.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Job description

About the Role

Join our Security Team at Edinburgh Airport — play a vital role in keeping passengers safe while gaining exceptional experience in a fast‑paced, highly skilled environment.

We are recruiting male and female Aviation Security Officers on a 37‑hour per week (can be flexed up to 43 hours per week), fully‑flexible, fixed‑term contract running for 12 months from start date.

This contract offers a fantastic opportunity to build specialist customer service skills, gain exposure to one of Scotland’s busiest and most dynamic workplaces, and boost your CV with training and experience that are highly valued across the aviation and wider security industry.

Ideal for candidates looking to:

• Step into the aviation sector,
• Develop new skills with full training provided,
• Gain meaningful experience quickly, or
• Work in a role with a clear start date and structured timeline.

While this contract does not guarantee a permanent role at the end, many people find that the skills and experience gained open doors to exciting future opportunities.

About the Security team

Our dedicated Security team supports thousands of passengers every day, ensuring they enjoy a safe, smooth journey through the airport.

This is one of the most important roles in our operation. You’ll often be the first person passengers meet on their airport journey, so great customer service and professionalism are key.

Before applying, please visit our FAQs and Security Team pages. You can hear from members of our team what a day in the life of a Security Officer looks like, or read about Stuart, who shares his journey from Cavity Wall Technician to Security Officer, and now Security Team Manager.

What you’ll be doing

• Screening all people and vehicles passing through restricted areas using archway detectors and manual body searching when necessary.
• Operating x-ray equipment to screen luggage and other items.
• Manually searching luggage for prohibited items.
• Checking identification or travel documents for all passengers, staff and airport users.
• Patrolling the terminal and outside areas to ensure that the airport is secure.

About the Recruitment Process

We recommend early application for this role. The recruitment process moves quickly, meaning successful candidates can progress from application to start date in a short timeframe.

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest.

Our process has 2 stages

1. Telephone interview - a short conversation about your experience and understanding of the role
2. Assessment centres – if you are successful at interview, you may be invited to attend an assessment centre.

The assessment centre includes:

• A computer-based test
• An individual interview with a member of our Security team

If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer, subject to pre‑employment checks and passing the training course.

We intend to hold assessment days on Thursday 19th, Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th November.

Training

All Security roles start with a 4‑week, full‑time training course (Monday–Friday).

No holidays can be taken during training.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you bring:Excellent customer service skillsStrong communication skillsA team-focused approach…then we want to hear from you! No previous security experience is required – full training is provided.

You must:
Be able to obtain a Counter Terrorist Check, so you must have been living in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years.
Be able to learn and follow set procedures.
Be over 18 years of age.
Be able to be cleared in accordance with CAA regulations (includes providing a satisfactory five‑year reference history and EAL being able to undertake a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Counter Terrorist Check on your behalf).
Be comfortable with physical work, manual handling and spending long periods on your feet.
If your experience looks slightly different to what we've listed here, we encourage you to still apply. You could add something we didn't know we needed.

About working shifts

This is a flexible 37‑hour contract, with the possibility to work up to 43 hours a week when needed. Any extra hours are paid at overtime rates.

Shifts vary and can include early mornings, late evenings, and some night shifts. You may start as early as 3AM or finish as late as 2AM, and because we operate 24/7, you'll work weekends and bank holidays.

Shift lengths vary from 6 to 10 hours, and your weekly hours will always fall within 37–43 hours over no more than 5 shifts per week. You'll always get at least 2 days off each week, plus a minimum of two full weekends off every 8 weeks.