Contingent Building Security Guard - Department of General Services

Howard County Government Building Security Guard

This is a part-time, unarmed building security guard position, assigned to one of several security posts located within Howard County Government buildings. Building security guards perform a variety of general tasks which are common to all building locations or security posts. Each security post has a set of specific tasks based on building type and use. Both general and specific tasks for each security post are defined in operational procedures or general orders. Individual and group security training is provided relative to assignment for both general and specific duties.

Essential duties and responsibilities consist of the following which are common to all security posts, training is provided for building specific duties prior to security post assignment:

• Arrive on time for the start of each shift fully attired in the County supplied building security guard uniform
• Greet visitors; check visitor credentials/identification; issue visitor pass/badge; log visitor entry/exit from the building
• Provide information and directions to visitors, delivery persons, responding emergency personnel
• Attempt to deescalate situations involving disruptive visitors; monitor building interior and exterior security cameras and report suspicious activities according to established procedures
• Monitor intrusion and fire alarms; provide first report to 911 of various alarms to include: fire, intrusion, panic or disruptive visitors who will not comply with instructions
• Participate in fire evacuation, active shooter, shelter-in-place and other building wide drills
• Conduct daily shift change briefing with relieving building security guard; complete daily report of events; complete daily activity and incident reports
• Conduct daily building rounds to ensure safety within the building as well as the security of doors and windows is maintained; activate/deactivate building alarms

Minimum required education/experience consists of the following:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Minimum of six months experience working as a building security guard or other similar equivalent experience
• Experienced in use of electronic security systems: access card system, intrusion alarms, panic alarms, CCTV system
• Basic personal computer system use
• Two-Way radio operation
• Experience assisting with building safety drills such as, fire evacuation, shelter-in-place
• Preferred education, knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Ability to greet and interact positively and courteously with the general public and employees of the County
• Must be able to read, understand, and apply written rules and directions
• Must be in good general health and able to stand and/or walk for an extended period of time and able to lift or carry objects up to fifty (50) pounds
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairs, up to five stories
• Must maintain a current First Aid Card
• Must be able to maintain poise and self-control under stressful conditions
• Must be CPR certified by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other recognized certifying body
• Must be willing and able to participate in building fire evacuation drills
• Must have basic computer skills and telephone etiquette
• Security guards must not have criminal records or be on probation
• Security guards must not have been charged or convicted of any form of violence
• Physical demands and work environment:
• Ability to sit for extended periods while interacting with the public, and other building users
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while conducting rounds, both inside and outside of buildings and during all weather conditions
• Ability to walk at a brisk pace for short periods of time
• Language skills, mathematical skills and reasoning ability:
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions such as: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentage calculation
• Ability to reach conclusions and make sound and defendable judgments by use of rational thought and examination of available evidence

Certificates, licenses and registrations:

CPR, AED and First Aid trained and certified. Training will be provided by Howard County following employment and must be maintained during tenure of employment.

Additional information:

To apply: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at View email address on click.appcast.io. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.