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Security Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Join our team as a Detention Officer/Trainee, where you'll play a critical role in maintaining safety and security within our facilities. We're looking for motivated individuals with ...

Jail Opening Date: 01/20/2026 Job Summary Join our team as a Detention Officer/Trainee, where you'll play a critical role in maintaining safety and security within our facilities. We're looking for ...

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Security Officer Trainee information

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$11

$25

$56

How much do security officer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for security officer trainee in the United States is $25.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a security officer trainee?

Security Officer Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning the skills and responsibilities required to become fully qualified security officers. They typically undergo training programs that cover topics such as surveillance, emergency response, legal regulations, and customer service. During this period, trainees often work under the supervision of experienced officers and may be required to pass exams or obtain certifications. The goal is to prepare them to protect people, property, and information effectively once they complete their training.

What is the difference between Security Officer Trainee vs Security Guard?

AspectSecurity Officer TraineeSecurity Guard
CertificationsMay require basic security training, sometimes a licenseOften requires security license or certification
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, entry-level security rolesActive security posts, patrols, access control
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning security procedures, observing, reportingMonitoring premises, enforcing rules, patrolling

The Security Officer Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often requiring basic certifications. In contrast, a Security Guard is a fully qualified role responsible for maintaining security at various sites. The trainee role serves as a stepping stone to becoming a licensed security guard, with similar work environments and responsibilities but at different stages of professional development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security officer trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Officer Trainee, you need a basic understanding of security procedures, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with surveillance cameras, access control systems, and the ability to obtain relevant security certifications are typically required. Strong observation skills, integrity, and effective communication help trainees excel in monitoring environments and responding to incidents. These skills and qualifications are critical for maintaining safety, deterring threats, and ensuring quick, appropriate responses to security situations.

What are some typical challenges security officer trainees face during their initial training period?

Security Officer Trainees often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning to stay vigilant during periods of low activity, and quickly familiarizing themselves with site-specific protocols. They must also develop strong communication skills to effectively report incidents and collaborate with other team members. Overcoming initial nerves when dealing with the public or handling unexpected situations is common, but with support from experienced officers and ongoing training, most trainees adapt successfully.

What cities are hiring for Security Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Security Officer Trainee job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Officer jobs?

The most popular types of Security Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Security Officer Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Security Officer Trainee jobs include:

Infographic showing various Security Officer Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,075 per year, or $25 per hour.

Safety and Security Officer 1

New York State

Tupper Lake, NY

$55K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include, but not limited to: Security patrols, on foot or by vehicle, in order to detect evidence of irregularities and deter criminal activity. Perform environmental searches and maintain security in a State Agency, Facility, or Community Residence. Inspect buildings to ensure that all areas are appropriately locked, secured and free of hazardous conditions.

Maintain communication by radio, P.A., or telephone for routine and emergency needs. Questions suspicious persons. May direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic

Enforces state, municipal and institution laws, rules and regulations. Instructs employees and Individuals about Emergency Fire & Safety practices and procedures. May operate security cameras, computers, and related electronic security equipment.

Answers questions and gives directions to visitors. May occasionally arrest suspects and violators in order to protect persons and property. May testify in court.

May need to conduct searches to locate missing individuals. Responds to, investigates and prepares detailed written reports at the scenes of fires, accidents and other incidents. Summons medical assistance and applies first aid as the situation indicates.

May physically intervene in fights and may physically restrain unruly individuals in order to prevent injury to others. Interview's victims, witnesses, complainants and suspects in order to collect information needed to assist in criminal prosecution. Conducts quarterly reviews of Agency properties as assigned by supervisor to ensure compliance with NYS Uniform and/or Life Safety Code, and Agency rules and regulations.

Daily and/or overnight travel within the Region and to other Regions within the State may be required. May be involved in emergency management through planning, implementing and assessing disaster plans. Performs other related duties to ensure the safety and security of Individuals, property and grounds.

Other duties as assigned. #LI-AK1 #LI-NB1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nys-office-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities/posts/?feedView=all Minimum Qualifications OPEN COMPETITIVE: Safety & Security Officer Trainee: High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma or similar equivalency such as a General Education Development Certification or higher degree. Safety & Security Officer 1: High school or equivalent diploma and one year of experience patrolling, inspecting, and monitoring buildings, grounds, and equipment to identify and resolve safety and security hazards and risks, deter criminal activity, and ensure compliance with local, State, and federal laws, rules, and regulations

In addition, candidate: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a United States Citizen and a resident of New York State. Must pass a medical examination administered by the Department of Civil Service's Employee Health Services, which includes an agility test.

Must undergo a thorough background investigation to determine suitability for appointment. Conviction of a felony will bar appointment; conviction of a misdemeanor or other violation of law may bar appointment. Background investigation includes fingerprinting for both state and federal identification records check.

Candidates may also be required to be cleared through the New York State Child Abuse Register. Must have a driver's license valid in New York State. A conditional license is not acceptable.

Ability to work effectively within the treatment team. Ability to act independently. Ability to meet and maintain criminal background and physical standards.

Ability to accurately observe and document conditions relating to welfare and security. NOTE: Due to the peace officer status of incumbents, re-fingerprinting, including payment of all applicable fees, is required even for an existing employee who may already have "search and retain" status with the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Transfer: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/c status in the posted title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law

The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades. To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT-IT website: https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/index.cfm. Additional Comments This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS)

HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non-competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status.

You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status. Appointments may also be made at the Safety and Security Officer Trainee level. Candidates hired at the entry-level title (Safety and Security Officer Trainee 1) may be advanced to the full-performance level (Safety and Security Officer 1) following satisfactory completion of one year of service.

Salary range listed below encompasses the hiring rate of a Safety and Security Officer Trainee 1 through the job rate of a Safety and Security Officer 1. Safety and Security Officer Trainee 1: $46,921* Safety and Security Officer 1: $55,012* - $67,564* If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee. Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures

If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume. All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.

If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice

Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA). If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at (518) 486-7222 or email accommodationrequests@opwdd.ny.gov to obtain information and RA forms. Savings programs such as the U.S

Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan. Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses. Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.

Life insurance and Disability insurance. The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Paid Holidays and Leave: Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.

Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially. Five (5) days paid personal leave each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.

Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events. Health Care Coverage: Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.

Paid Parental Leave: Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care. Retirement Program: Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.

Professional Development and Education and Training: NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development. Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure

For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp. OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system with a diverse team of employees

With such a large workforce, we rely on the collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, ideas and talent that our employees bring to their work. This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.

***All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.*** APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit cover letter and resume by August 28, 2026 to: Sunmount-OHRM 2445 State Route 30 Tupper Lake, NY 12986 E-Mail: sunmount.careers@opwdd.ny.gov Phone: (518) 359-4150 Fax: (518) 359-4161 Please reference the above EOA # 26-104 in all correspondence. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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