Finding New Jobs in Fire and Security

Fire & security

Fire & security careers include crucial roles that require skilled professionals with expertise to protect people, assets, and property from potential threats.

Whether you’re looking at recruitment as you’re starting your career or seeking to progress to higher positions, companies recruiting in the fire & security industry offer a range of exciting employment opportunities to ensure they maintain a great service and a high growth team.

This article explores the different types of jobs available to candidates looking for fire and security careers, the necessary qualifications and experience for each role, and the career paths that professionals and contractors in this field can pursue.

Types of Jobs in the Fire & Security Industry

Fire & security careers include a variety of job roles, ranging from front-line security personnel to management and executive positions. Here are some of the most common types of jobs we recruit for in the fire and security industry:

  • Fire & Security Engineer – A diverse job that includes installing, servicing, and commissioning large commercial fire alarm, fire detection and intruder alarm systems, CCTV, and access control systems. This field offers various job roles such as Fire Alarm Engineer, Fire Alarm Installation Engineer, Security Installation Engineer, Security Service Engineer, Warden Call Service Engineer, Fire Alarm Small Works Engineer, and Security Project Engineer.

  • Security Service engineer – Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of security systems such as CCTV, intruder alarm systems, access control systems, and other electronic security technologies. This role requires an individual to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a timely manner, while ensuring all the systems are operating efficiently.

  • Fire & Security Project Manager – Key responsibilities are for the planning, execution, and delivery of complex fire & security projects. They manage all aspects of the project, including budget, schedule, resources, and scope.

  • Project Managers work closely with clients, engineers, and technicians to ensure that the project meets the requirements, specifications and attention to safety required by UK national accounts.

  • Security Installation Engineer – Specialises in installing security systems such as CCTV, intruder alarms, access control systems, and other security technologies. They must have knowledge of wiring, circuitry, and electrical components to install security systems correctly. They also need to test the system to ensure that it is operating effectively and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the installation process.

  • Service and Small Works Engineer – A professional who is responsible for installing and maintaining security systems, as well as conducting small works such as upgrades or repairs to existing systems. They work for security system installers, manufacturers, and security consulting firms.

Recruiting the Right Candidate into Fire and Security Careers

The qualifications and experience required for recruitment into roles using fire and security systems vary depending on the role. However, most positions in a fire & security company require some level of formal education and training, as well as experience in the field and excellent customer service.

Here are some of the most common qualifications and experience required for fire & security jobs:

  • Fire & Security Engineer – Must possess engineering skills and previous experience of security systems such as intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, fire alarm service and door entry systems. The required skill sets may vary depending on the specific needs of the employer. The individual should have a driving license and be able to visit client sites. Additionally, they should be able to pass the required security screening and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

  • Security Service engineer – For Security Service Engineer roles in the UK, most employers require a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including Maths, English, and Science. An engineering degree, relevant certifications, or industry training can be beneficial in advancing your career as a Security Service Engineer. Many employers also require a driving license and a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) license.

  • Security Project Manager – Along with years of relevant experience, a PM in the fire and security industry should have established excellent communication skills, as they must be able to communicate with clients & engineers to ensure the business development to provide the security needed.

  • Security Installation Engineer – For Security Installation Engineer roles in the UK, most employers require a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A-C, including Maths, English, and Science. Some employers prefer an install engineer with a degree or certificate in engineering or security-related fields. Many employers also require a driving license and a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) license.

  • Service and Small Works Engineer – The qualifications required to become a Service and Small Works Engineer may vary depending on the employer and the specific project. However, most employers in the UK require a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A-C, including Maths, English, and Science. Some employers prefer candidates with a degree or certificate in engineering or security-related fields. Many employers also require a driving license and a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) license.

Competitive Salary Ranges in Fire and Security Careers

What is the earning potential for a Fire & Security Engineer?

The average salary of a Fire and Security Engineer working on UK fire systems such as Chubb fire can range from £20,000 to £35,000 per annum, depending on experience and skill level. This field offers many additional excellent benefits, such as overtime pay, a company vehicle, a great team, paid travel time, and increased pay on weekends.

What is the earning potential for a Security Service Engineer?

The average salary for a Security Service Engineer varies depending on whether a junior or a senior engineer and skill level. The salary range for this role can vary from £25,000 to £40,000 per annum. The benefits offered can vary between companies, but they usually include company vehicles, paid travel time, overtime pay, and training opportunities.

What is the earning potential for a Project Manager in the Fire & Security Industry?

The earning potential for a Project Manager in the fire and security industry varies depending on factors such as experience, education, location (IE London) and the size and complexity of the projects they run. According to salary data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a Project Manager in the fire and security industry in the UK is around £44,000 per annum.

However, the salary range for Project Managers in the fire & security industry can vary significantly, with some earning as low as £30,000 per annum and others earning as much as £75,000 or more each year. Factors that can influence a Project Manager’s salary include their level of experience, the specific sector they work in, the size and scope of the projects they run, whether they are small or large sites, and the city of their employer.

In addition to their base salary, Project Managers in the fire and security industry may be eligible for additional benefits such as bonuses, profit sharing, and health insurance. Some employers also offer perks such as paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities.

What is the earning potential for a Security Installation Engineer?

The salary range for a Security Installation Engineer varies depending on the experience and skill level. The average salary for this role can range from £25,000 to £35,000. Some employers also offer benefits to install engineers such as company vehicles, paid travel time, overtime pay, and training opportunities.

What is the earning potential for a Service and Small Works Engineer?

The salary for a Service and Small Works Engineer may vary depending on the employer, experience, and skill level. The average salary for this role can range from £25,000 to £35,000. Some employers also offer benefits such as company vehicles, paid travel time, overtime pay, and training opportunities.

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