Security Officer

Summary:

Average Education:

The primary purpose of a security officer on a mine site is to provide surveillance of the mine site and its surrounding areas, including buildings and offices located on site. They also protect the property against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.

Compensation:

Average Salary: $45,000 - $67,000

Depending on factors such as the location of the mine and the type of mineral or metal produced, annual salaries range from $45,000 – $67,000. In addition, These salary averages do not account for benefits or bonuses.

What is it like to work in this field?:

Security

Safety is the top priority in the mining industry and employers take every precaution to create a safe workplace. All mine employees observe strict health and safety rules and wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, respirator, steel-toed boots, hard hats, ear protection, etc.). This equipment also reduces the risks that come with exposure to various environmental conditions, extreme temperatures and hazards.

Working hours vary considerably from mine to mine. You might have standard weekday working hours or shift work that involves evening and/or weekend work. Overtime is generally not required but you may have opportunities to work overtime in return for extra compensation.

Some mines are located near communities, which would enable you to live at home and commute to work. These mining communities tend to be close-knit, with strong friendships forming among co-workers and their families. Because these communities are often small towns, they provide wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking.

Success Profile:

Common traits that successful miners share are:

  • Ability to share knowledge with colleagues.
  • Analytical
  • Embraces new techniques and technologies.
  • Have a deep level of understanding and respect for established safety procedures, regulations and legislation.
  • Patient, flexible, adaptable and resilient
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication skills (verbal)
  • Strong computer skills

Many of these traits can be developed. If you are interested in following this career path, first determine your strengths and weaknesses, and set goals to develop the traits you need to succeed.

Job Entry Requirements:

Note: this table reflects what is required at the time of hire. The requirements listed below illustrate what it takes to start the career and does not consider on-the-job training given to new employees.

Fixed Requirements:

  • Must be able to pass a medical test
  • Must be able to pass a drug test
  • Willingness to work in a diverse workplace
  • Physically fit and mobile
  • Willingness to relocate

Companies that offer this position:

ACGACG aggregate-industriesaggregate-industries AlbemarleAlbemarle Baker Hughes Drilling FluidsBaker Hughes Drilling Fluids Brahma GroupBrahma Group Broadbent & AssociatesBroadbent & Associates Empire CATEmpire CAT Coeur MiningCoeur Mining WestLand ResourcesWestLand Resources EP MineralsEP Minerals Forsgren AssociatesForsgren Associates general-molygeneral-moly Geotemps, Inc.Geotemps, Inc. Granite Construction CompanyGranite Construction Company Graymont Western USGraymont Western US Halliburton Energy ServicesHalliburton Energy Services Hecla NevadaHecla Nevada Hycroft Mining CorporationHycroft Mining Corporation Jerritt Canyon GoldJerritt Canyon Gold KGHMKGHM Kinross Gold CorporationKinross Gold Corporation Lhoist North AmericaLhoist North America ManpowerManpower Nevada Cement CompanyNevada Cement Company nevada-copper-corporationnevada-copper-corporation Newmont Mining CorporationNewmont Mining Corporation novnov RAM EnterpriseRAM Enterprise SimplotSimplot SSR MiningSSR Mining University of Nevada, RenoUniversity of Nevada, Reno Vulcan PrecisionVulcan Precision