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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Armored Truck Guard

💰 $30,000 - $55,000

SecurityTransportationCash-in-Transit

🎯 Role Definition

An Armored Truck Guard (also referred to as Cash‑in‑Transit Specialist or Armored Car Guard) is responsible for the secure, on‑time transport and safeguarding of cash, valuables and sensitive assets between client locations and financial institutions. This role requires strict adherence to chain of custody procedures, route and situational risk assessment, defensive driving and customer service while maintaining compliance with company policy and applicable local, state and federal regulations. Successful candidates demonstrate disciplined firearm and safety protocol compliance (where applicable), strong observational skills, and the ability to operate armored vehicles and secure handling equipment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Entry-level Security Guard positions (retail or corporate)
  • Military service or veterans with logistics/security experience
  • Law enforcement or corrections officers transitioning to private security

Advancement To:

  • Lead Armored Truck Guard / Route Supervisor
  • Fleet/Operations Supervisor for cash-in-transit services
  • Security Manager, Loss Prevention Manager or Regional Operations Manager
  • Corporate Trainer for armored transport and firearms/defensive tactics

Lateral Moves:

  • Commercial Driver roles (CDL) or courier/secure logistics
  • Security Consultant specializing in cash-in-transit or retail loss prevention
  • Private security contractor roles supporting high-value transport

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute secure pick‑up and delivery operations for cash, negotiable instruments, and high‑value items while following established chain of custody procedures to ensure accountability and reduce risk of loss or theft.
  • Operate armored vehicles safely and defensively in urban and rural environments, following company driving policies and local traffic laws to minimize exposure to ambush or opportunistic theft.
  • Conduct pre‑trip and post‑trip vehicle inspections, verify security equipment functionality (locks, alarms, cameras, GPS tracking) and report maintenance issues to fleet operations to ensure continuous operational readiness.
  • Load, secure and unload cash containers and valuables utilizing approved handling equipment and procedures, maintaining proper documentation, seals and tamper‑evidence to protect client assets.
  • Maintain strict physical security protocols while on route and at client sites, including establishing secure perimeters at stops, minimizing exposure time and positioning escort vehicles to reduce vulnerability.
  • Execute route planning and on‑the‑spot risk assessment to identify potential hazards, suspicious activity or environmental concerns, and adjust stop sequences or request supervisory support as needed to mitigate threats.
  • Follow firearms and use‑of‑force policies precisely: maintain weapon safety, secure storage, and carry permits where required; participate in scheduled firearms qualifications and defensive tactics recertifications.
  • Communicate proactively with dispatch, supervisors and client representatives regarding ETA changes, route deviations, safety incidents or mechanical problems, using radios, in‑vehicle systems and mobile devices as authorized.
  • Respond to security incidents, attempted thefts or armed confrontations using approved de‑escalation, evasive driving and defensive techniques; coordinate with law enforcement and preserve evidence and incident scenes as required.
  • Document all activities thoroughly by completing transport manifests, incident reports, daily logs and audit documentation in a timely and accurate fashion to support internal compliance and client audits.
  • Perform cash verification procedures jointly with client personnel when applicable, ensuring counts, bundle seals and paperwork are reconciled prior to departure and immediately reporting discrepancies to management.
  • Support the implementation and continuous improvement of operational security procedures by providing field feedback on route vulnerabilities, client site practices and equipment needs.
  • Conduct covert and overt surveillance while on assignment to detect suspicious behavior, vehicles or patterns that could represent premeditated attempts to compromise the armored transport.
  • Provide courteous and professional customer service when interacting with bank tellers, retail personnel and other client staff while remaining vigilant for security threats and enforcing access restrictions.
  • Execute emergency procedures during vehicle breakdowns, severe weather, roadway incidents or civil disturbances, including safe evacuation, vehicle hardening, and establishing a secure perimeter until assistance arrives.
  • Coordinate with partner vehicles or escorts on multi‑truck convoys to manage spacing, signals and defensive postures for high‑value movements or high‑risk routes.
  • Strictly adhere to company and client confidentiality and privacy requirements, ensuring sensitive client data, routes and schedules are not disclosed or discussed outside authorized channels.
  • Participate in daily briefings and post‑shift debriefs to review intelligence, lessons learned, route changes and safety reminders to improve operational effectiveness.
  • Maintain fitness standards and ability to lift, carry and maneuver heavy cash bags, secure containers and tamper‑evident equipment safely while adhering to ergonomics and injury prevention recommendations.
  • Use in‑vehicle GPS, telematics and dispatch software to log trips, respond to real‑time route changes and support supervisor monitoring for performance and safety metrics.
  • Assist in the training and mentorship of new guards, demonstrating proper loading/unloading, vehicle operation, situational awareness and reporting practices.
  • Comply with all legal, regulatory and client requirements related to secure transport, including licensing, background checks, credential renewals and mandatory training.
  • Participate in audits and inspections by internal or external stakeholders and promptly remediate any findings related to transport, documentation or vehicle security.

Secondary Functions

  • Support corporate security initiatives by providing field data and suggestions for technology upgrades such as improved GPS tracking, armored vehicle modifications or enhanced PPE.
  • Assist in development and testing of emergency response playbooks, including mock drills for armed robbery, hostage scenarios and multi‑vehicle coordination.
  • Help maintain inventory and chain‑of‑custody logs for security seals, bags and evidence containers, ordering replacements when stock runs low.
  • Contribute to shift scheduling and coverage planning to ensure high‑risk routes have appropriate staffing and experienced personnel during peak times.
  • Provide input to the safety team on accident investigations, near‑miss reports and corrective actions to reduce future incidents.
  • Participate in community and client outreach programs to build relationships and promote awareness of secure transport protocols.
  • Support ad‑hoc administrative tasks such as scanning and uploading transport manifests and receipts to centralized records systems when required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient defensive and armored vehicle driving skills with a strong record of safe driving and familiarity with convoy driving techniques, route spacing and high‑value load protection.
  • Cash handling and reconciliation expertise, including use of tamper‑evident bags, seals, manifests and dual‑control verification procedures to maintain chain of custody.
  • Firearms handling and safety knowledge consistent with employer policy and local law, including routine qualifications, safe storage and incident reporting requirements.
  • Route planning and threat assessment abilities, including use of GPS, mapping software and situational intelligence to plan safer approaches and stop sequences.
  • Incident documentation and reporting skills, able to produce clear, factual, legally‑defensible reports, statements and chain‑of‑custody documentation under time pressure.
  • Proficiency with in‑vehicle technology such as GPS tracking systems, vehicle telematics, two‑way radios and mobile dispatch applications.
  • Basic mechanical awareness to conduct pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections and identify vehicle issues that require immediate reporting or intervention.
  • Knowledge of regulatory, compliance and licensure requirements for cash‑in‑transit operations, including local security guard licensing and transport regulations.
  • First aid, CPR and basic life‑saving response capabilities to stabilize injured persons until emergency services arrive.
  • Ability to maintain and operate security control devices (locks, alarm panels, surveillance equipment) and perform basic troubleshooting.

Soft Skills

  • High level of situational awareness and decisive judgement under stress to evaluate threats and make rapid, safety‑focused decisions.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact professionally with clients, law enforcement and internal stakeholders and to produce accurate reports.
  • Integrity, reliability and attention to detail to adhere to strict chain‑of‑custody and audit requirements while safeguarding client assets.
  • Conflict de‑escalation and interpersonal diplomacy to handle confrontational situations without unnecessary escalation.
  • Teamwork and leadership potential to coordinate effectively with convoy partners, dispatch and supervisors during dynamic operations.
  • Time management and punctuality to meet rigorous route schedules and minimize exposure during stops and transitions.
  • Emotional resilience and stress tolerance to operate in high‑risk or unpredictable environments while maintaining professionalism.
  • Problem solving and adaptability to alter plans in response to traffic, weather or security intelligence while preserving asset safety.
  • Customer service orientation to represent the company professionally and build trust with client personnel at pickup and delivery sites.
  • Continuous learning mindset to maintain certifications, adapt to new technologies and incorporate best practices from after‑action reviews.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; equivalent work experience (security, military, law enforcement) will be considered.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate in security operations, criminal justice coursework, or completion of an armored vehicle training program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Security Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Emergency Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–5 years depending on entry path; many employers prefer 1–3 years of security, military or law enforcement experience.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience in cash‑in‑transit, armored vehicle operations, or loss prevention.
  • Valid security guard license, firearm permit/qualification and company‑required certifications.
  • Clean driving record; experience with commercial/armored vehicles and defensive driving courses.
  • Experience working with banks, retail cash handlers or financial institutions and familiarity with client site expectations.
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