Security Officer

Salary : $63,429.36 - $74,381.40 Annually
Location : Compton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-25:27
Department: Public Safety
Opening Date: 11/27/2024


GENERAL PURPOSE
Under supervision, to patrol city facilities, parks, playgrounds and parking lots around city property to ensure the safety of persons and property therein and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
The Security Officer position reports to the Security Lead Officer or to the Community Improvement Services Director or his/her designee. The position has no supervisory duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Shift work (day, night, early morning) may be required on weekends and holidays. Security Officers will be required to carry a side arm following proper qualification procedures.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  
  
  The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
  
  
  • Patrols an assigned area on foot and/or in vehicle.
  • Serves at a fixed post in or at the entrance to a city facility.
  • Checks security and safety of buildings, their contents, supplies and equipment.
  • Guards against fire, theft, vandalism and other related dangers.
  • Reports and takes action on problems caused by unruly persons, criminal activities, violations of city codes, rules and regulations, California State Laws, accidents, injuries, the need for building and equipment repairs and other hazardous conditions.
  • Cites persons for parking violations.
  • Acts as Sergeant of Arms at City Council meetings, handles mail between city departments.
  • Questions, detains and may perform arrests of law violators.
  • Restrains violent persons.
  • Prevents trespassing and loitering.
  • Escorts violators off city property, may carry loaded side arm.
  • May furnish the public with rules and regulations governing city facilities.
  • Assist law enforcement officers as directed.
  • Prepares reports and maintains records of activities.
  • Furnishes the public with information and directions as needed.
  • Testifies in court and performs other related duties as required.
  • Security personnel will perform the duty of dispatchers for the field staff.
  • Perform interior and exterior security sweeps of City facilities and address issues they encounter.
  • Security personnel will use all City issued safety equipment. Any training for issued equipment will be provided by the City.
• All security personnel will participate in quarterly firearms qualification sessions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from high school or G.E.D.

Experience Two (2) years experience as a Security Officer.

License Requirement: Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Certification Requirement: Possession of a valid Certificate of Completion for P.O.S.T. certified courses in Powers of Arrest and Firearms Training (P.C. 832(a)) at the time of application OR a valid and current certificate of completion of approved classes by the Bureau of Security and investigative Services (BSIS) with comparative curriculum.

Required Knowledge of:

• Security methods and procedures including basic police operations as related to security laws of arrest.
• Acceptable security work.
• Legal rights of citizens.
• Basic methods and techniques for effective public contacts.
• The geography of the local area.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of Security Officer duties.
• Properly use and care for firearms.
• Accurately observe incidents, and persons.
• Analyze situations quickly.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Write clear and comprehensive reports.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public and all individuals or groups contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: Applicants must meet health status and physical requirements for this classification and work category as defined in the City's Medical Standards for Applicants and Employees -- including the requirements for visual acuity no worse than 20/40 in each eye, separately, without correction, or 20/30 in each eye, separately, with correction.
Updated February 2026 : Please note that all candidates will need to pass the LA County Sherrif department's background check process, in addition to the City of Compton's standard background and medical screening process, in order to be eligible for this position. All offer letters are contingent on successful completion and clearance of all background and medical screening appointments.
EXAMINATION
The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.


Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.


Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via e-mail of their status at each step of the recruitment.


The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.


GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS


The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.


Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.


ELIGIBLE LISTS
Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).


PLEASE NOTE:
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.


Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill anyone (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.


EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE
A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).


EXAMINATION RECORDS
All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.


VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.


FRINGE BENEFITS
The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes; retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.
Why Work for the City of Compton?
We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

• CalPERS Retirement - Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees - Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program - Choice of 10 health plans , with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance - For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance - Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits - Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule - Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
• Educational Reimbursement - Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Confidential services for personal and professional support
• Professional Development Opportunities - Ongoing training and career growth resources

*Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
*City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position you're interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.
01


Have you completed Peace Officer Standard P.O.S.T) courses and Powers of Arrest and Firearms Training (P.C. 832(a)) and obtained a certificate of completion OR have a current valid certificate of completion of approved classes by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) with the comparative curriculum at the time of application? (please attach proof)

• Yes, I have the necessary certifications and have attached copies of my certificates.
• I am enrolled in a Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) program.
• I have completed my certification but have not received my certificates.
• No, I do not have the necessary certifications.

02


Do you possess at least two (2) years of experience as a security officer?

• I have 12 months of experience.
• I have (2) years of experience.
• I have more than (2) years experience.
• I have 18 months of experience.
• I have training but still need to gain experience in this field.

03


Are you at least 21 years of age or older at the of application?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess a valid California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles?

• Yes
• No
• Yes, I possess a valid California driver's license, and I have attached a copy to my application.
• I do not possess a valid California driver's license.

05


This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for.2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable.(Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.)3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable.4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

• I certify that I have read this notice and understand the instructions provided.

Required Question