Wits University is hiring a Security Officer in Johannesburg. Learn about the IRC106753 vacancy, requirements, duties, skills, closing date and how to apply online.
The Wits University Security Officer vacancy is an opportunity for an experienced security professional to join the University of the Witwatersrand’s Protection Services department in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The position is advertised under reference IRC106753 and is aimed at candidates who can help maintain a safe, secure and professional environment for students, employees, visitors, contractors, university assets and facilities.
This opportunity may appeal to applicants who already have experience in access control, security patrols, inspections, visitor management, emergency response and security reporting. The role requires a Grade C PSIRA-accredited security certificate, Matric, relevant security industry experience and a valid driver’s licence.
The advertised closing date is 20 August 2026, so eligible candidates should prepare their applications early.
Wits University uses an online recruitment system for vacancies. Its official vacancies page states that external applicants should register on the i-Recruitment platform and submit applications online.
Wits University Security Officer Vacancy Overview
Before applying, candidates should understand the main information associated with the opportunity.
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Security Officer |
| Reference Number | IRC106753 |
| Department | Protection Services |
| Employer | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Employment Type | Not specified in the supplied advertisement |
| Minimum Salary | Not specified |
| Closing Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Minimum Qualification | Matric |
| Security Accreditation | Grade C PSIRA |
| Experience | 2–3 years in the security industry |
| Driver’s Licence | Required |
| Application Method | Online through Wits i-Recruitment |
Purpose of the Wits University Security Officer Position
The primary purpose of the Security Officer position is to provide effective security services throughout the university environment.
A university is a busy environment with students, academics, researchers, administrative employees, contractors, visitors and members of the public moving between buildings every day. Because of this, Protection Services plays an important role in maintaining order and helping protect people and property.
The successful candidate will be expected to support the University’s security procedures through access control, patrols, inspections, visitor management and incident response.
The role isn’t simply about standing at an entrance. A professional security officer must remain observant, communicate clearly and respond appropriately when something doesn’t look right.
The Security Officer may be required to monitor access points, check buildings, conduct patrols, report irregularities and provide assistance during emergencies.
Strong judgement is particularly important. Security personnel may encounter situations involving students, employees, visitors or contractors, and each situation needs to be handled professionally.
Why Access Control Matters
Access control is one of the key responsibilities associated with the vacancy.
The Security Officer must help ensure that people entering university premises follow established access procedures. Visitors may need to be registered through the University’s visitor management system before being allowed to proceed to their destination.
Where an individual is identified as not being permitted to enter campus, the officer must follow the appropriate university procedure.
This requires attention to detail and good communication skills. An officer needs to explain procedures professionally while maintaining the required security standards.
Visitor Management
Visitor management can involve registering visitors, checking relevant information and directing authorised visitors to the correct building or area.
The officer may also need to ensure that visitors are properly recorded when leaving the campus.
Good customer service is important here. Security officers are often among the first university representatives encountered by visitors, meaning their conduct can influence how people experience the institution.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate that they can be firm when necessary without being unnecessarily confrontational.
Key Responsibilities of the Security Officer
The Wits University Security Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities connected to campus security.
These duties include access control, patrols, inspections, escorts, emergency support, incident response and report writing.
The position requires an individual who can follow procedures while also exercising sound judgement when dealing with unexpected situations.
Access Control and Security Procedures
The officer will administer access control according to university requirements.
This can include:
- Monitoring entrances and exits.
- Registering authorised visitors.
- Checking visitor information.
- Directing visitors to appropriate areas.
- Preventing unauthorised access.
- Ensuring employees and visitors follow access procedures.
- Recording relevant security information.
- Checking property and asset movement according to university procedures.
Private property brought into university buildings may need to be declared in the relevant registers. Assets leaving university premises must be supported by the appropriate authorisation or removal documentation.
The officer should therefore be comfortable working with registers, electronic systems and written records.
Security Patrols and Inspections
Patrolling is another important part of the role.
Security officers may be assigned specific areas to patrol during their shifts. During these patrols, they should remain alert to security breaches, hazards, damaged equipment, unsecured doors and other irregularities.
Building inspections may include checking:
- Doors and entrances.
- Building perimeters.
- Security systems.
- Alarm equipment.
- Surrounding areas.
- Fire equipment.
- Potential occupational health and safety hazards.
- Other vulnerable areas or assets.
Any irregularity discovered during a patrol should be reported promptly through the appropriate channels.
Checking Security Systems
Security personnel may encounter faulty alarms or electronic security systems while conducting inspections.
The officer isn’t expected to ignore such problems. Instead, faults and unusual conditions should be reported so that the appropriate personnel can investigate and resolve them.
This makes attention to detail a valuable skill for the position.
A small issue noticed during a routine patrol could potentially become a larger security problem if it isn’t reported.
Protecting Vulnerable Assets
University campuses contain valuable equipment, documents, technology and other property.
Where vulnerable university assets are found abandoned or left in an unsafe location, the Security Officer may be required to place them in safe custody according to university procedures.
This responsibility requires honesty, reliability and a strong sense of accountability.
Emergency Response and Escort Duties
Security officers may also be expected to provide support during emergencies.
The university environment can experience different types of emergencies, including fires, medical incidents, evacuations, student unrest and other security-related events.
The Security Officer may be required to assist with access control, evacuation procedures and communication with the control room or other responsible personnel.
Supporting Emergency Procedures
During an emergency, officers must remain calm and follow established procedures.
Depending on the circumstances, duties may include:
- Supporting evacuation procedures.
- Assisting with access control.
- Communicating with the control room.
- Helping authorised personnel access relevant areas.
- Checking information available through security systems.
- Directing people away from restricted areas.
- Supporting emergency response teams.
- Reporting developments to supervisors.
The ability to remain composed under pressure is therefore essential.
Escort Responsibilities
The Security Officer may also provide escorts to students, employees, contractors and visitors.
Escort duties can arise from operational requirements and may involve accompanying individuals between locations or supporting access to particular areas.
Professional conduct is important during these interactions. Officers must protect confidentiality and treat people respectfully.
First Responder Responsibilities
Another significant responsibility is acting as a first responder when a security incident or suspected crime occurs.
The officer may need to secure the relevant area, communicate with the control room and protect the integrity of the scene until appropriate authorities or supervisors arrive.
The officer may also be expected to identify witnesses, record relevant information and provide assistance to authorised law-enforcement personnel within the scope of their duties.
The focus should always be on following university procedures, protecting people and preserving relevant information.
Security Report Writing
Report writing is an important part of professional security work.
A Security Officer may need to document incidents, security breaches, irregularities, patrol findings and other events.
Reports should be:
- Clear.
- Accurate.
- Concise.
- Complete.
- Objective.
- Easy to understand.
A good report should explain what happened without unnecessary speculation.
For example, instead of making assumptions about why an incident occurred, the officer should record observable facts and relevant information.
This is why strong written communication is included among the important competencies for the role.
Minimum Requirements for the Wits Security Officer Position
Candidates interested in the Wits University Security Officer opportunity should carefully compare their qualifications and experience with the advertised requirements.
The supplied vacancy information identifies the following minimum requirements:
- Matric qualification.
- Grade C PSIRA-accredited security certificate.
- Approximately 2–3 years of experience in the security industry.
- Knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Act.
- Knowledge of relevant legal requirements.
- Access control experience.
- Security patrol experience.
- Experience with escorts and inspections.
- Experience with ad hoc security duties.
- Computer literacy.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Good report-writing ability.
Candidates must also be prepared to work weekends and evenings when operational requirements require it.
Matric Qualification
A Matric certificate is listed as a minimum requirement.
Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly includes their highest school qualification and, where appropriate, the year it was obtained.
PSIRA Grade C Accreditation
A Grade C PSIRA-accredited security certificate is an important requirement for this opportunity.
Applicants should ensure that their security accreditation is current and that the details included in their application are accurate.
Because this is a professional security position, candidates should not assume that general security experience alone will replace a stated accreditation requirement.
Security Industry Experience
The position requires approximately 2–3 years of security industry experience.
Relevant experience can include access control, patrols, inspections, visitor management, incident reporting, escorts and other security responsibilities.
Candidates should describe their experience clearly rather than simply writing “security officer” on their CV.
For example, a CV can explain the types of security environments in which the applicant has worked and the responsibilities handled.
Skills and Competencies Required
Technical requirements are important, but personal qualities can also make a significant difference in a security position.
Wits University is looking for a candidate who can communicate professionally and work effectively with different groups of people.
Communication Skills
Security officers communicate with students, employees, visitors, contractors, supervisors and other stakeholders.
Good verbal communication helps prevent misunderstandings and allows procedures to be explained clearly.
Written communication is equally important because officers may need to complete reports and maintain records.
Interpersonal Skills
The university environment includes people with different backgrounds, opinions and perspectives.
The Security Officer should therefore be respectful, fair and professional when interacting with others.
Good interpersonal skills can help officers manage difficult situations without unnecessarily escalating them.
Professionalism and Discretion
Security personnel may encounter sensitive information or incidents.
Confidentiality must therefore be maintained.
A professional officer should understand when information can be shared and when it must be handled discreetly according to university procedures.
Decision-Making
Security work sometimes requires quick but sensible decisions.
The successful candidate should be able to assess situations, identify potential risks and take appropriate action within their authority.
Good judgement is particularly important during emergencies or unusual incidents.
Customer Service
Although security is the primary responsibility, the role also involves interacting with members of the university community.
A customer-service approach means being helpful and respectful while still enforcing security procedures.
It’s possible to be firm and professional at the same time.
Knowledge of Legislation
Applicants are expected to have knowledge of relevant legislation and legal requirements associated with security duties.
The supplied advertisement specifically identifies knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Act and the Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act.
This knowledge can help a Security Officer understand the legal boundaries within which access control, searches and other security activities should be performed.
Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate practical understanding of relevant legislation rather than simply listing legislation on their CV.
Legal awareness helps officers perform their responsibilities responsibly and consistently.
Working Environment and Shift Requirements
Candidates should understand that university security services can operate outside ordinary office hours.
The vacancy information indicates that successful applicants must be prepared to work weekends and evenings when operational requirements demand it.
This is important for candidates who are considering applying because security services need coverage at different times.
The position may involve standing, walking, patrolling and conducting inspections, depending on the assigned duties.
Applicants should carefully consider the operational nature of the role before applying.
Employment Equity at Wits University
The University of the Witwatersrand states that it is committed to employment equity.
The supplied vacancy information indicates that preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in accordance with applicable employment equity plans and policies.
The university also reserves the right not to make an appointment, to re-advertise a position and to verify information provided by candidates.
As with many competitive recruitment processes, only shortlisted candidates may receive further correspondence.
Applicants should therefore make sure their CV and application accurately reflect their qualifications and experience.
How to Apply for the Wits University Security Officer Vacancy
External applicants should apply online through the Wits i-Recruitment platform.
Wits University’s official vacancies page confirms that external applicants are required to submit applications online through its recruitment system. The university also advises applicants to use Google Chrome or Firefox to ensure that all application fields are displayed correctly.
Visit the official Wits University Vacancies page
Step 1: Create an i-Recruitment Profile
External applicants should register a profile on the Wits recruitment platform.
Applicants should use accurate personal and contact information when creating their profile.
Step 2: Find the Vacancy
Search for the relevant Security Officer vacancy using the position details and reference number IRC106753.
Using the reference number can help ensure that the correct vacancy is selected.
Step 3: Prepare Your Covering Letter
The application should include a covering letter that clearly identifies the position being applied for.
The letter should briefly explain why the candidate is suitable for the position.
Applicants should focus on relevant experience instead of filling the letter with unrelated information.
Step 4: Upload a Detailed CV
The CV should clearly show:
- Contact information.
- Matric qualification.
- PSIRA accreditation.
- Security industry experience.
- Access control experience.
- Patrol experience.
- Inspection experience.
- Report-writing experience.
- Computer literacy.
- Driver’s licence.
- Relevant training.
- Employment history.
- Referee information.
The supplied advertisement requests the names, addresses, contact numbers and email addresses of three referees.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
The advertised closing date is 20 August 2026.
Candidates shouldn’t wait until the last few hours to submit an application. Online recruitment systems can become difficult to access when many applicants are submitting applications at the same time.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Meeting the minimum requirements is the first step. The next step is making it easy for the recruitment team to understand your suitability.
Match Your CV to the Vacancy
Read the job requirements carefully and make sure relevant experience is easy to find.
If you have experience with access control, don’t hide it in a long paragraph. Give it its own bullet point under your work experience.
Highlight Security Experience
A strong security CV should explain responsibilities, not just job titles.
For example, relevant experience might include:
- Monitoring access points.
- Registering visitors.
- Conducting scheduled patrols.
- Inspecting buildings.
- Completing incident reports.
- Supporting emergency procedures.
- Monitoring security systems.
- Conducting workplace inspections.
Keep Information Accurate
Applicants should never exaggerate qualifications, security accreditation or experience.
The university states that it may verify information supplied by candidates.
Accuracy is particularly important for a security position where trust and integrity are essential.
Proofread Before Submission
Typos can make an otherwise strong application look rushed.
Check your:
- Name.
- Phone number.
- Email address.
- Employment dates.
- Qualifications.
- PSIRA details.
- Driver’s licence information.
- Referee contact details.
It’s a simple step, but it can make a real difference.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants can improve their chances of presenting a professional application by avoiding common errors.
Applying Without Checking Requirements
Don’t apply without checking whether you meet the stated minimum requirements.
The Grade C PSIRA requirement, Matric, experience and driver’s licence are particularly important.
Submitting an Incomplete CV
A CV that leaves out relevant experience can make it difficult for recruiters to assess suitability.
Make sure your CV provides enough detail about your security responsibilities.
Ignoring the Reference Number
Use IRC106753 when identifying the vacancy in your application materials where appropriate.
Waiting Until the Deadline
The closing date is 20 August 2026. Submit early where possible.
Using Unofficial Application Channels
Candidates should use the official Wits recruitment process rather than relying on unofficial job links or third-party application requests.
Wits confirms that external applications are submitted online through its recruitment system.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Wits Security Officer Vacancy
1. What is the Wits University Security Officer reference number?
The reference number supplied for the position is IRC106753.
2. Where is the Security Officer position located?
The position is located in Johannesburg, Gauteng, within Wits University’s Protection Services department.
3. What qualification is required?
Applicants need a Matric qualification and a Grade C PSIRA-accredited security certificate, according to the supplied vacancy information.
4. How much security experience is required?
The advertised requirement is approximately 2–3 years of experience in the security industry.
5. Is a driver’s licence required?
Yes. A valid driver’s licence is listed among the requirements supplied for the position.
6. Does the Security Officer need computer skills?
Yes. Computer literacy is listed as one of the requirements.
7. What type of security experience is useful?
Relevant experience includes access control, patrols, inspections, escorts, visitor management, emergency support and security report writing.
8. What legislation should applicants know?
The supplied requirements mention knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Act, the Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act, and other relevant legal requirements.
9. Can applicants be required to work weekends?
Yes. Applicants should be prepared to work weekends and evenings when operational requirements require it.
10. What is the closing date?
The advertised closing date is 20 August 2026.
11. How do external applicants apply?
External applicants should register a profile and apply online through the Wits i-Recruitment system. Wits University’s official vacancies page provides access to its online recruitment process.
12. Does the application require referees?
The supplied vacancy information states that the CV should include the names, addresses, contact numbers and email addresses of three referees.
Final Checklist Before Applying
Before submitting your application, take a moment to check the following:
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You have Matric.
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You have a Grade C PSIRA-accredited security certificate.
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You have the required security industry experience.
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You have a valid driver’s licence.
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Your CV is updated.
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Your access control experience is clearly explained.
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Your patrol and inspection experience is included.
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Your report-writing ability is highlighted.
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Your computer skills are listed.
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Your three referees are included.
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Your covering letter identifies the Security Officer position.
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You have used reference IRC106753.
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You have checked your contact details.
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You have submitted the application online.
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You have submitted before 20 August 2026.
Conclusion: Apply for the Wits University Security Officer Vacancy
The Wits University Security Officer vacancy provides an opportunity for an experienced security professional to work within the Protection Services environment at one of South Africa’s leading universities.
The position is suited to candidates who have practical security industry experience and can demonstrate competence in access control, patrols, inspections, visitor management, emergency support and report writing.
Applicants should pay close attention to the minimum requirements, particularly the Grade C PSIRA accreditation, Matric qualification, 2–3 years of security experience, valid driver’s licence and relevant legal knowledge.
A well-prepared application can make it easier for recruiters to see how your experience matches the position. Keep your CV accurate, provide the requested referee details, prepare a focused covering letter and submit your application through the official Wits recruitment system.
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
For the most reliable application information, candidates should use the official Wits University Vacancies page rather than unofficial recruitment websites. Wits states that external candidates apply online through its i-Recruitment system.
Reference: IRC106753 — Security Officer, Protection Services, University of the Witwatersrand.