Security Officer jobs in Pretoria are open at the Council for Geoscience. Four permanent roles offer R299,179 salary and require PSIRA Grade C.
For security professionals looking for stable work in Gauteng, Security Officer jobs in Pretoria have opened at the Council for Geoscience, a government science institution responsible for geological research and national earth science services.
The organisation is currently recruiting four permanent Security Officers to work at its Pretoria Head Office, with applications closing on 26 March 2026.
While security jobs appear frequently in the private sector, permanent positions in national institutions tend to attract attention because they offer more structured working conditions and long-term employment prospects.
For experienced officers with PSIRA certification and firearm competency, the role presents a practical opportunity to work within a regulated and professional security environment.
What the Security Officer Role Involves Day to Day
Security work inside a national institution goes far beyond standing at a gate. The job described by the Council for Geoscience focuses heavily on access control, asset protection, and building safety.
One of the most important responsibilities involves managing entry and exit at the premises.
Security officers must determine whether visitors have legitimate appointments before allowing access. This typically involves confirming appointments with staff members, issuing visitor cards, and ensuring visitors are escorted to the correct offices.
In environments where research and government work takes place, access control becomes critical. Sensitive information, specialised equipment, and research facilities require controlled entry.
Officers may also operate X-ray machines or security screening systems where necessary.
Another routine part of the job is monitoring suspicious behaviour and preventing unauthorised individuals or dangerous items from entering the premises.
These tasks require alertness and the ability to respond calmly when something unusual occurs.
Patrol Duties and Safety Monitoring Across the Premises
Security officers in the role will also conduct regular patrols of buildings and surrounding areas.
Patrol duties typically include checking that doors are locked after working hours, ensuring that taps are closed, and identifying potential hazards such as exposed electrical connections or fire risks.
Even small issues — like unattended packages or leaking water — can become larger problems if ignored.
Security patrols also involve checking lighting conditions and ensuring areas remain safe for employees working late.
Officers must respond quickly to emergency alarms, including fire alarms, panic buttons, and burglar alarms.
In these situations, security personnel often become the first responders before emergency services arrive.
During special events hosted at the institution, security officers may also assist with crowd management and incident recording.
Protecting Equipment and Sensitive Assets
Another major responsibility of the position is asset control.
Government research facilities often contain expensive equipment and sensitive documents. Security officers therefore help monitor the movement of items leaving or entering the building.
This involves maintaining asset registers and confirming that any equipment leaving the premises has proper authorisation.
Vehicles entering and leaving the facility may also be inspected as part of routine security procedures.
In cases where equipment goes missing, officers may assist in gathering information and reporting incidents to management.
These duties highlight why attention to detail is essential in security roles within government institutions.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Applicants interested in the Security Officer jobs in Pretoria must meet several minimum requirements.
The most important qualification is Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates must also hold a valid PSIRA Grade C certification, which is a standard requirement for many professional security positions in South Africa.
Because the role involves armed security responsibilities, applicants must also have a valid firearm competency certificate.
In terms of experience, the position requires two to three years of relevant security experience.
This experience should ideally include knowledge of:
- Access control procedures
- Security inspections and patrols
- Emergency response procedures
- Asset and equipment monitoring
A basic understanding of critical infrastructure security regulations is also considered important for the role.
Why Critical Infrastructure Security Matters
The job description refers to National Key Point or Critical Infrastructure protection requirements.
South Africa uses legislation such as the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to protect facilities that play an important role in national safety, research, or government operations.
Institutions like the Council for Geoscience may fall within these categories because they support national scientific work and infrastructure planning.
Security officers working in such environments must follow stricter procedures than those typically used in retail or residential security.
For example, they may need to carefully document every incident in official occurrence registers and follow formal emergency evacuation procedures.
A Workplace That Emphasises Professional Conduct
Beyond technical skills, the job listing highlights several personal qualities expected from applicants.
Security officers must be able to work as part of a team, follow instructions accurately, and remain calm during incidents.
Shift work is also part of the role, meaning officers may work evenings, nights, weekends, or public holidays depending on operational requirements.
Because security officers often interact with visitors, researchers, and employees, the role also requires professional behaviour and strong communication skills.
Employment Equity and Hiring Considerations
The Council for Geoscience states that the organisation supports employment equity and diversity.
In line with national employment policies, preference may be given to candidates from under-represented groups, including women and individuals from historically disadvantaged communities.
All successful candidates must also pass positive vetting procedures, which are common for positions involving security responsibilities.
Applicants should note that the organisation will only contact shortlisted candidates, and those who do not receive feedback within eight weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Security Officer positions are available?
There are four permanent Security Officer positions available at the Pretoria Head Office.
What salary is offered for the role?
The position offers a CTC salary of approximately R299,179.75 per year.
What certification is required to apply?
Applicants must have PSIRA Grade C certification and a valid firearm competency certificate.
Do you need previous security experience?
Yes. The role requires two to three years of relevant security experience.
When is the application closing date?
Applications close on 26 March 2026.
Final Thoughts
Security roles inside national institutions are often more complex than they appear from the outside.
The Security Officer jobs in Pretoria at the Council for Geoscience reflect the growing importance of professional security services in protecting research facilities, assets, and personnel.
For experienced officers with the right qualifications, the role offers the chance to work in a structured environment where security procedures, accountability, and public service intersect.
APPLY HERE: Security Officer Jobs in Pretoria
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