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Security System Technician

Security system technicians fit and repair security systems in homes and businesses.

Security system technicians must develop a knowledge of the range of security equipment, including electronic and electrical surveillance systems and closed-circuit television (CCTV), as well as knowledge of simple electronic principles and terminating techniques.

They must also understand the principles of operation and characteristics of controllers, detectors, relays, sirens, screamers and telephone circuits.

Security system technicians work mainly indoors and sometimes have to work in confined roof spaces.

They have considerable contact with customers in businesses and in private homes.

TASKS

Security system technicians may perform the following tasks:

inspect sites and talk to clients to determine security requirements
provide estimates to clients for installation of equipment
route cables through roof spaces, cavity walls and support structures and position and terminate cables, wires and strappings
mount, position, calibrate, programme and label all items of equipment
test equipment and diagnose faults
make connections to telephone lines for alarm monitoring
maintain and adhere to operational procedures and complete appropriate documentation
be responsible for assigned tools, plant and test equipment
survey the workplace and complete a safety work method statement prior to commencement

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
normal colour vision and eyesight (may be corrected)
good communication and interpersonal skills
aptitude for technical activities

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Security Adviser - assesses risks and advises clients on security requirements, and designs and recommends security systems to meet security requirements. Security advisers may also conduct surveillance and make recommendations to improve security measures.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a security system technician you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship in Technical Security, Security Assembly and Setup or Security Equipment.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

People engaged in security installation work must be appropriately licensed and hold the required electrical and cabling licences. See www.asial.com.au/resource-centre/security-licensing for further information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Security system technicians are employed by security system installation companies. There has been significant growth in this field in recent years, especially in home security.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become self-employed or the manager of a team of security system technicians.