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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Night Watch Officer Intern

💰 $17 - $23 per hour

SecurityInternshipFacilitiesEntry-Level

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a vigilant, proactive, and detail-oriented individual for our Night Watch Officer Internship. This is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and mentorship in the field of corporate security and asset protection. As a Night Watch Officer Intern, you will be an essential part of our overnight security team, responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, and property. You will learn to observe, patrol, respond, and report on all activities occurring on the premises during your shift, acting as the first line of defense against potential threats and ensuring the integrity of our facilities. This role is ideal for a student or career-switcher passionate about criminal justice, security management, or a related field, looking to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Criminal Justice or Homeland Security Student
  • Customer Service or Hospitality Professional
  • Transitioning Military Personnel
  • Volunteer or Community Service Roles

Advancement To:

  • Full-Time Security Officer
  • Security Shift Supervisor
  • Corporate Security Specialist
  • Incident Response Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Emergency Dispatch Operator
  • Facilities or Building Operations Coordinator
  • Loss Prevention Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct thorough and systematic interior and exterior foot patrols of the campus to deter, detect, and report security vulnerabilities and safety hazards.
  • Diligently monitor a network of live and recorded CCTV cameras to observe and identify any unusual, suspicious, or unauthorized activity on the premises.
  • Manage and control access to the facility during overnight hours, verifying credentials and maintaining a precise digital log of all employees, contractors, and visitors.
  • Serve as the primary first responder to all security alarms, including intrusion, fire, and panic alarms, assessing the situation and escalating to senior officers or emergency services as required.
  • Author clear, concise, and accurate daily activity logs and detailed incident reports documenting any security-related events, observations, or actions taken during the shift.
  • Enforce company security policies and procedures in a firm but professional manner to ensure a safe and orderly environment for all personnel.
  • Perform scheduled security checks on critical infrastructure, server rooms, and sensitive areas to ensure they are secure and undisturbed.
  • Provide professional assistance and direction to any employees or authorized visitors on-site during overnight hours.
    aintain constant communication with the security command center and other team members using two-way radios and digital communication platforms.
  • Learn and execute emergency response protocols, including medical emergencies, fires, and evacuations, providing initial support until relieved by emergency personnel.
  • Conduct regular checks of doors, windows, gates, and other access points to confirm they are properly locked and secured.
  • Identify and report maintenance issues, such as broken lights, water leaks, or malfunctioning doors, that could impact safety or security.
  • Escort employees and visitors to their vehicles upon request to ensure their personal safety after hours.
  • Operate and manage the building's access control system, including issuing temporary badges and troubleshooting minor system errors.
  • De-escalate potentially volatile situations with a calm and professional demeanor, employing conflict-resolution techniques learned through training.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the regular testing and inspection of security systems and fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and emergency lighting.
  • Support senior security staff with special projects, data collection for security audits, мужчины and threat assessments.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy by providing accurate data for security metrics and trend analysis.
  • Collaborate with the facilities team to report and track a resolution for any identified property issues.
  • Participate actively in mandatory training sessions, team meetings, and safety drills to continuously improve skills and preparedness.
  • Manage the lost-and-found program during the night shift, properly logging and securing any items turned in.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to foot traffic, alarm activity, and patrol timings.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in operating and monitoring multi-camera CCTV surveillance systems.
  • Competence in using digital incident reporting software (e.g., TrackTik, Silvertrac) and standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
  • Familiarity with the operation of access control systems and badging software.
  • Basic knowledge of emergency response procedures, including First Aid and CPR (certification is a major plus).
  • Ability to effectively operate two-way radio communication systems using professional-grade lingo and etiquette.
  • Strong technical aptitude for learning and adapting to new security technologies and software platforms.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional observational skills with a keen eye for detail to detect subtle anomalies or potential security risks.
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities, essential for clear reporting, effective interaction, and de-escalation.
  • High level of personal integrity, honesty, and professionalism, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
  • Calm and decisive problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and act swiftly under pressure.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively獨奏 or with a partner.
  • Punctuality and reliability, with a strong sense of duty and responsibility for the assigned role.
  • Customer-service orientation, demonstrating a helpful and approachable demeanor when interacting with personnel.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Preferred Education:

  • Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree program from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Security Management
  • Sociology
  • Public Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 - 1 year. This is an entry-level internship; no direct security experience is required, as we provide comprehensive on-the-job training.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in a role demonstrating responsibility, such as customer service, retail, hospitality, or military service, is highly regarded.
  • Possession of a state-issued security guard license (or the ability to obtain one upon hiring) is a significant advantage.