Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Security Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Security Assistant provides front-line security and loss-prevention support for warehouse and distribution operations. This position focuses on detection, deterrence and response to theft, safety hazards, unauthorized access and operational disruptions. The role combines routine patrols, CCTV and alarm monitoring, visitor and vehicle control, incident investigation, and daily reporting — all performed in close collaboration with operations, supervisory teams, and local law enforcement when required. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and a commitment to safety and compliance are essential.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Security Guard / Site Security Officer
Warehouse Associate or Material Handler with security responsibilities
Loss Prevention Retail Associate

Advancement To:

Senior Warehouse Security Officer / Lead Security Assistant
Loss Prevention Supervisor or Coordinator
Security Supervisor / Security Manager
Facilities or Operations Supervisor (warehouse-focused)

Lateral Moves:

Loss Prevention Specialist
Health & Safety Coordinator
Facilities Coordinator / Site Access Administrator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct scheduled and random foot and vehicle patrols of warehouse perimeters, loading docks, storage areas and parking lots to detect suspicious activity, unsecured property, safety hazards and policy violations; immediately document actions and escalate when necessary.
Monitor live CCTV feeds and recorded video using VMS (Video Management Systems) to identify theft, unauthorized access, equipment misuse, safety incidents and operational anomalies; flag, export and preserve footage for investigations.
Control access to the facility by verifying credentials, issuing visitor badges, maintaining sign-in logs, screening delivery personnel and conducting vehicle inspections at entry points to prevent unauthorized entry and contraband.
Respond promptly to alarm activations (intrusion, fire, motion, door-forced) and coordinate with facility management, in-house responders and emergency services; perform initial scene assessments and secure areas until relieved.
Investigate incidents of theft, damage, discrepancies and safety incidents by interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence (CCTV, photos, statements) and preparing detailed incident reports and chain-of-custody documentation for loss-prevention teams and law enforcement.
Enforce company security policies, warehouse access procedures and safety protocols (PPE, lockout/tagout, forklift exclusion zones) to reduce shrinkage, accidents and liability exposure.
Conduct inbound and outbound shipment inspections when required to verify seal integrity, manifest accuracy and chain-of-custody controls; report and quarantine suspicious loads to prevent inventory loss.
Maintain accurate daily logs, security incident reports, shift handover notes and electronic case files using security management software and reporting tools to support audits and investigations.
Escort high-value shipments, contractors and third-party vendors through secure zones, ensuring compliance with site-specific protocols and proper documentation.
Participate in or lead workplace safety checks, including fire extinguisher inspections, emergency exit checks, lighting surveys, and safety hazard identification; report deficiencies and coordinate corrective actions with facilities.
Coordinate with operations leadership and inventory control teams to analyze trends in shrinkage, access exceptions and recurring incidents; recommend process improvements and controls to mitigate risk.
Conduct basic investigations into employee theft or policy violations in coordination with HR and loss-prevention leadership, following legal and company procedures to preserve confidentiality and evidence integrity.
Operate two-way radio, phone and handheld devices to maintain continuous communication across shifts and between security, operations and management teams; provide timely situational updates during incidents.
Execute secure lock-up and open-up procedures for gates, doors and secure cages, maintaining keys, badge access logs and electronic access control records to ensure accountability and chain of custody.
Provide first-response assistance for medical emergencies by rendering basic first aid or CPR (when certified) and coordinating with emergency medical services until professional responders arrive.
Maintain and test security hardware and software (access control readers, alarm panels, panic buttons, CCTV cameras) and report or escalate equipment failures for repair to minimize downtime of critical security systems.
Assist in detaining suspects or coordinating lawful removal of trespassers in accordance with company policy and local law, ensuring safety of personnel and preservation of evidence until law enforcement arrives.
Support safety and security training initiatives by delivering or reinforcing briefings at shift start, onboarding new hires on site security procedures, and participating in drills for evacuation and active-threat scenarios.
Conduct regular perimeter and lighting inspections and arrange corrective action requests for facilities maintenance to reduce concealment points and improve observability.
Maintain chain-of-custody and secure evidence rooms for stolen property, recovered items and contraband; catalog and preserve items for internal investigations or law enforcement.
Compile weekly and monthly security performance metrics (incident counts, response times, losses prevented, CCTV coverage gaps) and present actionable insights to management to track KPIs and continuous improvement.
Screen incoming contractors and temporary staff by validating IDs, confirming work orders and ensuring appropriate escorting for access to restricted areas.
Support emergency planning by contributing to site-specific emergency response plans, evacuation maps, assembly points and continuity plans for warehouse operations.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, company safety standards and local regulations by performing routine checks, documenting non-compliance and facilitating corrective actions with the safety team.
Assist in audits by providing required security documentation, CCTV exports, incident logs and access control reports to internal auditors and compliance teams.

Secondary Functions

Liaise with receiving and shipping supervisors to reconcile access exceptions, missed seals, and delivery discrepancies that could indicate loss or security gaps.
Support security program administration tasks such as maintaining badge databases, access permission lists and temporary credential issuance.
Participate in post-incident debriefs and root-cause reviews to update SOPs (standard operating procedures) and reduce future incidents.
Help coordinate scheduled safety and security training sessions, onboarding materials, and refreshers for warehouse personnel and temporary labor.
Provide ad-hoc site safety observations and recommend low-cost fixes (lighting, signage, fencing) to reduce risk and enhance deterrence.
Assist inventory control teams during cycle counts and shrinkage investigations by providing CCTV evidence, access logs and incident histories.
Maintain a professional security presence on the floor to deter internal and external threats while ensuring minimal disruption to normal warehouse workflows.
Support seasonal surge operations by providing additional security coverage for extended hours, high-volume receiving windows, and cross-docking events.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

CCTV / VMS operation and video export — proficiency with live monitoring, tagging footage and preparing evidentiary exports for investigations.
Access control systems administration — experience issuing and revoking badges, configuring door schedules and troubleshooting reader/card issues.
Incident reporting and documentation — strong ability to write clear, chronological incident reports, preserve chain-of-custody and compile evidence packages.
Alarm panel and intrusion system response — knowledge of common alarm systems and escalation procedures.
Loss prevention and shrink analysis — familiarity with common theft schemes in warehouse environments and methods to mitigate loss.
Radio and communications protocols — professional use of handheld radios, event logging and interdepartmental coordination.
Basic first aid / CPR and emergency response procedures — certification preferred or willingness to certify.
Property and vehicle inspection techniques — search procedures, seal verification and cargo security checks.
Access to law enforcement and reporting procedures — experience working with police, preparing statements and supporting criminal investigations when required.
Security hardware familiarity — basic troubleshooting of cameras, sensors, locks and electronic systems.
Data entry and security software — use of security incident management and reporting tools, Excel and badge databases.

Soft Skills

Strong observational skills and attention to detail — able to notice and document small anomalies that indicate larger risks.
Excellent written and verbal communication — clear, concise reports and professional interaction with employees and external stakeholders.
Conflict resolution and de-escalation — calm, trained approach to handling aggressive or non-compliant individuals.
Integrity and discretion — handling sensitive investigations and personnel matters with confidentiality.
Team collaboration — works closely with operations, HR, facilities and management to balance security and productivity.
Problem-solving and situational judgment — make sound decisions quickly under pressure.
Dependability and accountability — reliable attendance, punctuality and consistent enforcement of policies.
Customer service orientation — professional demeanor when dealing with vendors, drivers and site visitors while enforcing rules.
Adaptability and resilience — able to operate effectively across shifts and adjust to changing operational tempos.
Time management and prioritization — manage multiple tasks, patrols and incident responses during busy periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Occupational Safety, or related field
Certifications such as Security Guard License, CPR/First Aid, OSHA 10/30, or loss-prevention coursework

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice
Security Management
Logistics / Supply Chain
Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–3 years in security, loss prevention, or warehouse operations with security responsibilities

Preferred:

2+ years of experience specifically in warehouse or distribution center security, loss prevention, or related enforcement roles
Prior experience with CCTV systems, access control administration, and incident investigation in a high-volume logistics environment