SECURITY OFFICER (X50 POSTS)

The Free State Department of Education is recruiting fifty Security Officers to be deployed across multiple sites within the Thabo Mofutsanyana District and surrounding areas. These positions are intended to strengthen physical security and safety at district offices, sub-offices, welfare centres, secure care centres, child and youth care centres, a halfway house, and an old age home. As a Security Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for safeguarding government property, staff, visitors, and sensitive information. The role is essential in supporting the department’s broader mandate by ensuring that all premises remain secure and that security protocols are consistently applied. These are entry-level security posts within the public service, offering a stable career path and requiring a professional, disciplined approach to access control and incident management.

Applicants must have completed a Basic Security Officer’s course and hold Basic Education and Training at NQF level 3. In addition, registration with PSIRA at Grade C is mandatory. Knowledge of access control procedures, the control and movement of equipment and stores, and prescribed security frameworks such as the Minimum Information Security Standards, the National Intelligence Security Act, and the Protection of Information Act is required. Candidates should also understand the authority granted to security officers under these documents and be familiar with relevant emergency procedures. Although formal security experience is not compulsory, it will be considered an added advantage. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo a security clearance as part of the appointment process.

The core duties of the post include performing access control functions at building entrances, ensuring the overall safety of persons on the premises, and preventing unauthorised equipment, documents, or stores from entering or leaving the facility. Officers must also ensure that all security-related incidents are accurately recorded in the occurrence book or relevant registers, and they may be required to operate control room security equipment such as CCTV surveillance systems, alarms, and communication devices. Vigilance, attention to detail, and the ability to respond calmly under pressure are essential personal attributes for these roles.

The department has indicated a strong commitment to promoting representativity through these appointments. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, particularly people with disabilities, women, and youth. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive CV detailing their full employment history, training, and competencies, together with the names and telephone numbers of three referees. Copies of qualifications need not be submitted at the application stage, as only shortlisted candidates will be asked to produce certified documents. All shortlisted applicants will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record verification, citizenship checks, financial record checks, and qualification verification, and may be required to consent to access of their social media accounts. Separate applications must be submitted for each post, and applicants who accepted voluntary severance packages from the public service may not apply. The department also reserves the right not to fill any advertised posts. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and non-RSA residents will only need to provide proof of permanent residence if shortlisted. New appointments will be required to participate in the Government Employee Medical Scheme from inception. Candidates who have not received any communication within four months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.