Job Description
Security Officer
£31,500 per annum
Permanent, Full time
Menwith Hill Station, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 2RF
About the job
Job summary
Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS). Be part of the front line protecting the UK s most critical Defence sites. Play a vital role in national security.
At the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), we safeguard the UK s Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets, and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. Our Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust, and excellence and we re looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.
Who We Are:
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty s Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.
Why Join Us?
A meaningful career Play a crucial role in national security and defence.
Career development Access specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression opportunities.
Job security Be part of a well-established organisation with over 30 years of service.
A strong team culture Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.
Our Vision & Values
Our goal is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services, guided by our core values:
Integrity Always do the right thing, treat others fairly.
Vigilance & Preparedness Stay alert, ready to respond.
Professionalism Maintain high standards, continuously improve.
Helpfulness Provide excellent service, leave a positive impression.
Teamwork Work collaboratively, support colleagues, and protect Defence.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
As a Security Officer, you will:
Ensure site safety and security Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property.
Conduct patrols Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
Control access Check credentials, issue passes, and escort visitors as required.
Perform searches Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage, and personnel.
Respond to incidents Identify risks, manage security breaches, and escalate as needed.
Assist employees and visitors Provide professional and courteous support on-site.
Monitor security systems Operate CCTV, alarms, and communication devices.
Manage traffic and parking Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
Report and document Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.
This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Shift Pattern & Flexibility
This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week, this will be 12 hour shifts each week rostered between Sun Sat. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice, (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.
Training & Development
We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role.
New starters will complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by structured on-the-job training. You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.
If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at
Person specification
What We re Looking For
Are you resilient, alert, and highly organised? Do you thrive in a team-based, high responsibility environment?
We need individuals who can stay vigilant, act decisively, and provide outstanding customer service in security-sensitive locations. If you have previous experience in security or customer service, we want to hear from you!
You must also maintain a good level of physical fitness, as the role involves prolonged periods of standing, patrolling large areas, and responding quickly to incidents.
A background in administration and strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and electronic booking-in systems) will also be beneficial, as you will work closely with office-based personnel.
Behaviours:
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Communicating and Influencing
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Medical:
MGS applicants are required to attend an MGS Security Officer Medical Check.
Licences
Full UK Driving Licence
Evidence of qualification/Licence/Membership will be required at interview.
All qualifications/licences/memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalents will not be accepted.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £31,500, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,125 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers.
Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD.
The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include:
A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
A generous annual leave allowance.
Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave (pro-rated to your contracted hours) per year
Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments.
Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing.
Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and Cafeterias and Shops.
Entitlement to apply for Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards.
Free MGS Security Uniform.
This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
If you align with our values and have experience in security or customer service we would love to hear from you.
At application stage you will be assessed against the following:
Experience:
CV including Job History and Previous Skills.
At interview you will be assessed against the following:
Behaviours:
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Communicating and Influencing
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing 20/10/25.
Interviews are due to take place via Microsoft Teams and will be conducted week commencing 03/11/25.
We want to offer opportunities to all who are successful at interview for our roles . click apply for full job details
£31,500 per annum
Permanent, Full time
Menwith Hill Station, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 2RF
About the job
Job summary
Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS). Be part of the front line protecting the UK s most critical Defence sites. Play a vital role in national security.
At the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), we safeguard the UK s Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets, and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. Our Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust, and excellence and we re looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.
Who We Are:
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty s Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.
Why Join Us?
A meaningful career Play a crucial role in national security and defence.
Career development Access specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression opportunities.
Job security Be part of a well-established organisation with over 30 years of service.
A strong team culture Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.
Our Vision & Values
Our goal is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services, guided by our core values:
Integrity Always do the right thing, treat others fairly.
Vigilance & Preparedness Stay alert, ready to respond.
Professionalism Maintain high standards, continuously improve.
Helpfulness Provide excellent service, leave a positive impression.
Teamwork Work collaboratively, support colleagues, and protect Defence.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
As a Security Officer, you will:
Ensure site safety and security Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property.
Conduct patrols Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
Control access Check credentials, issue passes, and escort visitors as required.
Perform searches Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage, and personnel.
Respond to incidents Identify risks, manage security breaches, and escalate as needed.
Assist employees and visitors Provide professional and courteous support on-site.
Monitor security systems Operate CCTV, alarms, and communication devices.
Manage traffic and parking Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
Report and document Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.
This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Shift Pattern & Flexibility
This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week, this will be 12 hour shifts each week rostered between Sun Sat. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice, (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.
Training & Development
We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role.
New starters will complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by structured on-the-job training. You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.
If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at
Person specification
What We re Looking For
Are you resilient, alert, and highly organised? Do you thrive in a team-based, high responsibility environment?
We need individuals who can stay vigilant, act decisively, and provide outstanding customer service in security-sensitive locations. If you have previous experience in security or customer service, we want to hear from you!
You must also maintain a good level of physical fitness, as the role involves prolonged periods of standing, patrolling large areas, and responding quickly to incidents.
A background in administration and strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and electronic booking-in systems) will also be beneficial, as you will work closely with office-based personnel.
Behaviours:
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Communicating and Influencing
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Medical:
MGS applicants are required to attend an MGS Security Officer Medical Check.
Licences
Full UK Driving Licence
Evidence of qualification/Licence/Membership will be required at interview.
All qualifications/licences/memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalents will not be accepted.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £31,500, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,125 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers.
Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD.
The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include:
A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
A generous annual leave allowance.
Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave (pro-rated to your contracted hours) per year
Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments.
Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing.
Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and Cafeterias and Shops.
Entitlement to apply for Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards.
Free MGS Security Uniform.
This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
If you align with our values and have experience in security or customer service we would love to hear from you.
At application stage you will be assessed against the following:
Experience:
CV including Job History and Previous Skills.
At interview you will be assessed against the following:
Behaviours:
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Communicating and Influencing
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing 20/10/25.
Interviews are due to take place via Microsoft Teams and will be conducted week commencing 03/11/25.
We want to offer opportunities to all who are successful at interview for our roles . click apply for full job details
About Ministry of Defence