The Best Agencies for Security Jobs in Ottawa

Security services is one of the most established industries. Though the job is not for everyone, those who do really serve a very important role for the people they work with.

Whether it’s for a company, a property, or certain individuals, security officers are responsible for safeguarding and ensuring safety and peace of mind for those they work for. It’s not an easy job but can definitely be a rewarding one.

If you are interested in finding a job in the security industry or are looking for a reliable company that provides quality security personnel, we hope we could help you out with this list of the best agencies for security jobs in Ottawa.

Either way, it’s important to find a good agency that’s trustworthy and reliable. After all, a good reputable company most likely will also produce good quality personnel.

How much can you earn from security jobs?

Working in security is probably one of the most challenging jobs out there and can also be one of the most rewarding.

Being in charge of safeguarding others’ well-being requires a lot of accountability and discipline and thus, also needs the right amount of compensation.

The average base salary for a security guard in Canada is $17.27 per hour. This can go lower or higher depending on the nature of security services being provided and if there are additional benefits offered.

But aside from the usual security guard we know of, there are actually different kinds of security jobs with roles and responsibilities that differ from each other. Some may be more physically demanding, while others may require high proficiency in fields like cyber security.

If you are considering getting a career in the security industry, here’s a table of the average annual salary of various security jobs according to responsibilities and skills.

Type of Security Personnel	Average Annual Salary	Basic Responsibility
Security Guard	$35,785	Monitors safety and security usually of private property
Security Officer	$38,982	Armed personnel in charge of security at a private or public property
Surveillance Officer	$42,997	Monitoring of security systems such as CCTV control areas
Store Detective	$31,893	Monitors retail stores to prevent theft
Security Supervisor	$40,258	Manages security personnel and facilities
Information Security Analyst	$83,826	Establishes and monitors security IT systems of an organization
Cyber Security Specialist	$112,266	Secures IT information of a company from outsiders
Protection Specialist/Bodyguard	$41,384	Provides private security usually for high-profile clients

Depending on your skill sets, experience, and interests, there are different security services that can land you a fulfilling career in the security industry.

But security services require specific licenses and certifications, that’s why getting a job in this field often requires you to apply through a security service provider. Your next step now is to find a good agency or company that can give you the best opportunities.

Finding a Good Security Agency

Being responsible for the safety and protection of others can be a noble profession. It involves not only strength and combat skills but also mental aptitude and tons of courage too.

That’s why as much as the job is rewarding, it’s also good if security professionals are given not just the right wages but also training and benefits that merit their service and efforts.

With this in mind, we reviewed various security service providers that also provide great opportunities for those seeking out careers in the security field. Below are the criteria we used to rate them.

Credibility: We looked at the credibility of these companies by checking if they have security licenses and certifications that are required by law in running a security firm.

Competency: We also considered their reputation as a company towards their clients. We checked which ones have a stable and wide roster of customers to see if they are able to provide good opportunities for security personnel in their team.

Employee investment: One of the most important factors in joining a company is how well they treat and compensate their employees. That being said, we looked not just at the salary they provide but also other benefits that will make being a security personnel a good career choice.

• Pay and benefits: We looked if the company at least meets the required wages for the type of security service and if they provide paychecks on time. We also considered if they provide benefits for the healthcare and well-being of their security personnel.

• Insurances: Insurances are highly important for any security-related profession. So, we also checked if they offer health, safety, and liability insurance for the personnel they deploy.

• Training: Investing in employees does not only mean proper compensation but also providing them the chance to develop their skills in order for them to serve clients efficiently. That’s why we also considered if these companies actually provide training and courses, not just prior to deployment but during the course of their careers as well.

Accountability: Since we are talking about security, it is highly important that the agency or company is responsible for the overall well-being of their employees, so we also assessed this criterion with the following points in mind:

• Employee retention: We also considered each company’s turnover rate as a testament to how stable and reliable they are as an employer.

• Resolution of disputes: There’s no perfect job in the world, and in a career as demanding as security services, it’s important that the agency can deal with issues and concerns raised by their employees well.

With these points in mind, we hope you can find a reputable company that can give you great opportunities and benefits for a rewarding career in security services.

1. Commissionaires Ottawa

Credibility	★★★★★ (5/5)
Competency	★★★★★ (5/5)
Employee investment	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Pay and benefits	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Insurances	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Training	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accountability	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Employee retention	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Resolution of disputes	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Named by Forbes as one of the best employers in Canada for several years, Commissionaires Ottawa is known to have the lowest turnover rate amongst the security services in the country at less than 15%.

They offer a range of security services, from deploying security guards to providing digital security solutions, so there are also a lot of career opportunities available. Plus, there are also options for part-time and full-time work, which makes it a good job option for students and those who need additional part-time jobs.

They offer industry-competitive salaries and several benefits that are advantageous for people working as a security provider.

A small detail but often overlooked is how they actually provide security uniforms for free, whereas other companies will require you to pay for them or deduct them from your pay.

They have extended health coverages, life insurance, and even retirement savings plans should you stick with the company until you decide to retire.

They do provide training if you qualify during the recruitment process and will also provide subsidies for the licenses you need for the job. It’s also notable that they do provide a second-language training subsidy if it’s necessary for those who will need to work in highly bilingual areas.

The range of their clientele is also probably one of the biggest in Canada, not just in Ottawa. They serve not just commercial establishments but also embassies, airports, universities, and more.

They do have strict recruitment processes and require background checks, which is definitely necessary for a company providing security services. The management can also be quite rigid depending on the supervisor you’ll be assigned to.

Being a well-established and renowned security service provider, Commissionaires Ottawa’s career page is actually a good place to start browsing for opportunities.

Customer Reviews

Easy job to work in requires constructive thinking

Very good place to work, very professional staff. I highly recommend working here on my experiences so far has been awesome.

The pay scale is decent could be better. The benefits are very good and fair. – Security Guard (Full Time) (Current Employee)

Great co-workers and good pay

Pretty great place to work if you have previous military experience. A lot of your fellow co-workers are ex military, a d even those that aren’t have an understanding. Colleagues were super helpful with training and actually cared to ensure you were doing the job right.

Definitely a place I’d work again if I could but can’t due to medical issues. – Security Guard (Former Employee) – Brandon

2. Synergy Protection Group Inc.

Credibility	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Competency	★★★★★ (5/5)
Employee investment	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Pay and benefits	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Insurances	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Training	★★★★★ (5/5)
Accountability	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Employee retention	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Resolution of disputes	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Proud members of the American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS) and the Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Synergy Protection Group Inc. is a fairly new company that only started operations in 2014.

Aside from offering competitive pay according to industry standards, they also offer other incentive programs from time to time for those who show remarkable performances during their duties.

All security personnel is qualified for full benefits and retirement contributions as part of their compensation package.

Employed staff is also provided ongoing paid training and certifications. But for those who are not yet part of the team, they also offer various training courses.

These include a 40-hour security guard training course, a 50-hour private investigator course, a combination of both, and emergency first aid and CPR training. It’s something to consider if you want to learn first before applying for any company that provides related services.

One thing to take note of is that all their deployments are GPS monitored. This is beneficial not only for their clients but can also be helpful for deployed personnel who might face dangerous encounters.

However, since the company is still quite new compared to its other competitors, there’s a tendency to have little manpower to accommodate the shifting needs of some of its clients.

This can take a toll on some of the deployed personnel, and some supervisors can be inflexible. On the other hand, that also means more job opportunities for those who want to pursue a career as a security guard or officer.

Also, if you are interested to apply for a position, walk-in applications are not possible because their office is open only for appointments.

Customer Reviews

Fun workplace good management

The most useful review selected by Indeed

Good Management Teams, company need more highly trained professionals guards company is growing. Synergy management are very friendly to employees. They need some time to grow in commercial sites malls. – Tactical Guard (Current Employee)

Will see

I just started with Synergy. Everythings seems good. Paid training and unfiroms. All scheduling is online and easy to follow. I don’t like the amount of patrol and scans I have to do but I may ask to switch sites – Security Guard (Current Employee)

3. Iron Horse Security and Investigations

Credibility	★★★★★ (5/5)
Competency	★★★★★ (5/5)
Employee investment	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Pay and benefits	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Insurances	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Training	★★★★★ (5/5)
Accountability	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Employee retention	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Resolution of disputes	★★★★☆ (5/5)

“Putting customers first” is Iron Horse Security’s motto, and it has been a trusted security firm since 1994.

That being said, what sets them apart from other security companies is how they value excellent training for their personnel. You can see this in how satisfied their clientele is with their performance.

Their trainers are experts in their field, and this not only goes for their employees. They also offer security courses for anyone else interested through their Iron Horse Academy

This training course lasts for a week that also includes CPR and first aid to gear you up for Canadian Federal Government C.G.S.B. certification.

If you excel in their detailed training courses, they can actually absorb you and provide you with career opportunities in their team.

Nevertheless, they do accept applications for security positions, but of course, this entails a detailed screening process. If you are selected, you will undergo an in-depth training process that adheres to their strict security standards.

If you are hired, you’ll also be under constant monitoring through their GPS guard movement tracking, Guard Tour Systems, and random site inspections.

But despite all this strict monitoring, their employees actually affirm the kind of treatment they provide to their people. While other companies are rigid when it comes to their staff, Iron Horse is loved because of the good treatment they provide to their hires.

Their rates do meet industry standards but may not be as high compared to their competitors. However, employees prefer it here because they really care about their personnel.

They also have good benefits and incentives compared to other companies, which is something that’s really important to security-related employees.

And honestly, a really nice and tender working environment can be rare in the security industry, so that’s really a huge positive point to consider.

Customer Reviews

Managers are flexible and quick to offer help

I have been working with Iron Horse for several years as a security guard. The experience has been great and my Managers are flexible, professional and quick to offer help when needed. I was stuck few times due to transportation and could not get home and their Mobile team gave me a ride. I have met most of my direct supervisor and managers and I believe hard work, dedication, honesty and good customer service will pay off no matter what company you work for. Keep up the good work Iron Horse!!! – JB0AA 2015

Very Helpful Company

I have worked at Iron Horse for 8 years. They have always treated me well. The wages are normal guard wages, but the management treats us better than any other company. They really care about how we look and how we treat the customers. – Security in Long Harbour, BC

4. Falcon Security Services

Credibility	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Competency	★★★★★ (5/5)
Employee investment	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Pay and benefits	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Insurances	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Training	★★★★★ (5/5)
Accountability	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Employee retention	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Resolution of disputes	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Falcon Security Services in Ottawa is actually one of the security companies that do provide higher than standard hourly rates for their security guards.

They are fully insured with liability, workplace, and safety insurances as well. One thing to note too is that all of their personnel is required to be bonded, so you really have to stick with them for the long haul.

Nevertheless, they have good pay and insurance that may be worth the stay. The recruitment process is also quite thorough but as expected for any good security company.

As a candidate, you will be required to undergo a minimum of 120 hours off and on-site training, and it may even take longer depending on the type of security service you will be working on.

You will have to undergo multiple kinds of training and will be required to have an Emergency First Aid and CPR Certificate and then get a license before you can be fully hired.

They also offer a security guard course where you can enroll to learn more about the job. However, taking the course does not guarantee employment.

One notable thing about their career opportunities is that they have a good reputation when it comes to concierge security. Being a concierge security guard means opportunities to work in high-end establishments, not just keeping the area secure but also assisting guests with just about anything.

This means you’ll be having a higher level of training to be able to serve guests aside from being just an ordinary security guard.

If this kind of opportunity interests you and if you are in for the challenge might as well send in your application because they are deemed to be the best in this type of security service in Ottawa.

Customer Reviews

They value everybody

Excellent company. Best Employer and professional staff. Management always respond quickly and efficiently to any questions or concerns you may have. The Owner of the company and the staff all are respectful. They value everybody and are extremely responsive.

10/10 on professionalism and services they provide. You can count on them. There is no chance of regression or disappointment. – Ajay Mirdha

Potential good company

This company has the potential to be a well advanced company. The owner at the time when I worked there was well on his way to having a successful company. This company has good training in personal protection. – Security Officer (Former Employee)

5. TOERSA Security Inc.

Credibility	★★★★★ (5/5)
Competency	★★★★★ (5/5)
Employee investment	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Pay and benefits	★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Insurances	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Training	★★★★★ (5/5)
Accountability	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Employee retention	★★★★★ (5/5)
• Resolution of disputes	★★★★★ (5/5)

TOERSA Security Inc. is best known for handling large crowds of people. By this, we mean providing security for huge festivals and such kinds of big events.

They are also a favorite security service by bar owners too for their robust security personnel.

This is because their security team is trained to handle all alcohol-related incidents in such environments. Their company name actually stands for Training and On-site Enforcement of the Responsible Service of Alcohol.

If you are up for the challenge and if this is the kind of working environment you’d like to try or be in, then this is an agency worth considering.

Another interesting career opportunity with TOERSA is their close protection services or in simpler words, bodyguard services. They have been providing security for celebrities, athletes, diplomats, and other such high-profile personalities.

Currently, they employ over 600 security people deployed in Eastern Ontario, Greater Toronto Area, and Western Quebec.

Aside from providing security services, they also include loss prevention and private investigations as well. So, these can also be other opportunities to explore if you are interested.

They do provide security personnel candidates with all the training as mandated by law and also help in acquiring their licenses.

Their security training courses are also available for those who are not under their employment, as they are a registered training provider of the Ontario Security Guard Curriculum.

Compared to the services we mentioned earlier, TOERSA actually has a very interesting range of security service opportunities. We’d recommend it to anyone who’d like exciting and challenging careers in the security services industry.

Customer Reviews

A close-knit family

The training that TOERSA provides is exceptional, it teaches you everything you need to know about security and more. The staff are all friendly and professional. I have really enjoyed working with them, they are like a close knit family. – Austin Jovel

They really care about the guards

It is an amazing company to work for they really care about the guards as well as they work well with my availability. Great management staff you know in any of the service reviews they kinda wanna know what they can do better but there isn’t anything they need to do better they just gotta keep up the great work – Mike Foster

FAQs about Security Jobs in Ottawa

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That sums up our list of where to find security jobs in Ottawa. We hope this list can help you find the best career for you in the security services industry. Best of luck!

However, if you are actually looking for a career in private investigation or you need people who can provide you with this kind of service, you might want to check out our list of the top private investigation firms in Ottawa.

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