What Is a Security Operations Center Operator and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a security operations center operator, or SOC operator, you monitor a variety of technologies including access control, video surveillance, and alarm systems to provide security service and threat elimination for industrial, business, or residential customers. You respond to medical crises, safety incidents, natural disasters and other emergencies, and dispatch security officers, police, fire, EMS personnel, and other services as required. Your duties and responsibilities also include investigating incidents, escalating situations to appropriate parties in the SOC, and filing incident reports. In some roles, you are responsible for monitoring social media and other news and information channels to support threat identification.

The qualifications to become a security operations center operator include a high school diploma or, preferably, an associate degree. Many employers prefer candidates who have experience in law enforcement or at a police dispatch center. You must be able to speak clearly and concisely while providing information and instructions during an emergency. Previous experience with CCTV and physical access control systems is an asset, and you must have strong computer skills. Additionally, employers typically require pre-employment drug screenings and criminal and financial background checks. You should be self-motivated and able to make decisions independently, but still comfortable in a team environment.