You’ll value honest and clear communication, and enjoy working closely with others. Sometimes you’ll need to investigate problems and resolve conflict to ensure the safety and security of people and infrastructure. In a dynamic environment such as a busy city train station, you’ll need to think quickly and adapt to evolving situations.

Security officers keep rail staff, passengers, and infrastructure safe and secure. They control crowds and manage anti-social behaviour, so they need to have strong skills in conflict resolution and communication.

A security officer is able to stay alert, and knows how to follow policies and procedures.

Security officers are also required to document incidents that occur.

Sometimes a security officer will monitor the people or vehicles that enter a site, and record the time they arrive and leave.

Security officers work in a wide range of environments including passenger stations, freight facilities, construction sites, and operations centres. In some roles you will spend long periods of time standing or walking. You may also be exposed to sun, rain, and wind during your shift. You may wear protective clothing such as a hardhat, steel capped boots, and a high visibility vest.

You’ll usually work in a small team but at times you may work alone. You often work a rotating roster which means you’ll need to stay alert and be responsive, even at the end of a long overnight shift.

Security officers must have a current security licence in the state where they plan to work. Typically, security officers also complete a Certificate II in Security Operations.

Other desirable qualifications include current first aid certification, a driver’s licence, and a general construction induction card (White Card).

Your employer will generally provide rail-specific safety and induction training.