What does a physical security specialist do?
A physical security specialist focuses on implementing security measures to keep establishments and people safe. Their responsibilities include installing and monitoring security alarms and systems, conducting physical inspections according to protocols, using metal detectors and other devices, screening guests and visitors, and performing regular maintenance checks on security systems to ensure its quality and efficiency. Furthermore, as a physical security specialist, it is essential to develop strategies to secure an establishment's entry and exit points, establishing guidelines and training programs for employees.
Physical security specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real physical security specialist resumes:
- Manage security force training plan and review, analyze, and plan security and anti-terrorism training and drills.
- Develop NIST compliant information security program.
- Know how in working with technical equipment like CCTV, surveillance system etc.
- Monitor alarms, motion sensors, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and other security systems, equipment and devices.
- Gather and prepare necessary document need to obtain building access badge such as obtain DHS clearance and take photograph.
- Create exceptions to policy to allow DoD personnel to escort more than the normally allot number of guests to DoD buildings.
- Develop system diagrams in AutoCad, pull new cabling, configure PC's and trace in-house problems for new encryption system.
- Brief patrol supervisors and inspect patrol members to ensure proper uniform and possession of require equipment.
- Implement and administer DoD policies on safeguarding classify information, personnel access control, communications security and technical security.
- Operate station computer in providing information/responses to queries from patrol officers pertaining to vehicle/suspect identification and outstanding citations or warrants.
- Analyze ABAP dumps, JAVA configuration and performance.
- Perform system parameter changes on both ABAP and JAVA stacks.
- Provide technical expertise and assistance in specialize areas such as encryption, authentication, and telecommunications.
Physical security specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Physical Security Specialists are proficient in Law Enforcement, Physical Security, and Control Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Physical Security Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Law Enforcement, 7%
Served as Physical Security office interface with law enforcement during protests and demonstrations conducted by organizations and individuals at CDC locations.
- Physical Security, 7%
Provided physical security assistance to commanders and directorate/activity managers.
- Control Systems, 7%
Oversee the alarm systems and access control systems (system admin).
- DOD, 5%
Implemented and administered DoD policies on safeguarding classified information, personnel access control, communications security and technical security.
- SCI, 5%
Ensured each subordinate SCI security official/representative conducts an annual self-inspection.
- Fire Protection, 4%
Evaluated and tested the fire protection system.
Most physical security specialists use their skills in "law enforcement," "physical security," and "control systems" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential physical security specialist responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a physical security specialist to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what physical security specialists do because "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Additionally, a physical security specialist resume shows how physical security specialists use analytical skills: "monitored and analyzed all physical security measures to ensure the viability of the installation security program. "
Detail oriented. Many physical security specialist duties rely on detail oriented. "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance.," so a physical security specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways physical security specialist responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "provided physical security detail or personally searched 206 patients for possible contraband, weapons, or sensitive or confidential intelligence information. "
Problem-solving skills. physical security specialists are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to physical security specialist responsibilities, because "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." A physical security specialist resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "charged with documenting deficiencies and vulnerabilities, then prescribing solutions, corrective actions and countermeasures. "
The three companies that hire the most physical security specialists are:
- Amazon13 physical security specialists jobs
- BT Group11 physical security specialists jobs
- Raytheon Technologies9 physical security specialists jobs
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Compare different physical security specialists
Physical security specialist vs. Specialist
Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to. The actions or tasks they work on are related to their educational background or work experiences. They are usually highly skilled in specializations related to the work they are assigned to. Specialists are also highly trained on the competencies that are required of their specialty. As such, they are focused on the skills and competencies that are needed to enhance their experience in their specific field further.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a physical security specialist are more likely to require skills like "law enforcement," "physical security," "control systems," and "dod." On the other hand, a job as a specialist requires skills like "patients," "customer service," "work ethic," and "patient care." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, specialists reach similar levels of education than physical security specialists. Specialists are 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Physical security specialist vs. Security management specialist
Security management specialists perform security assessments for organizations. These specialists may work in fields like banking, security engineering, and health care. Their tasks are to monitor tapes to identify the sources of losses, prepare documentation for case reports, and schedule security design work. They may interview witnesses to identify the person responsible for security breaches and pursue prosecutions. Also, they are tasked to train personnel in security procedures, respond to emergencies, and recommend an improvement for security procedures.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real physical security specialist resumes. While physical security specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "control systems," "fire protection," "icd," and "intrusion detection systems," security management specialists use skills like "infrastructure," "azure," "linux," and "database."
In general, security management specialists achieve similar levels of education than physical security specialists. They're 2.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Physical security specialist vs. Personal protection specialist
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a physical security specialist is likely to be skilled in "law enforcement," "control systems," "dod," and "sci," while a typical personal protection specialist is skilled in "safety rules," "cpr," "local law enforcement," and "threat assessments."
Personal protection specialists typically earn similar educational levels compared to physical security specialists. Specifically, they're 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Physical security specialist vs. Electronic security specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
