Security Officer 1 (General)
Summary
A civil service Security Officer 1 with the City of Philadelphia who enforces security, safety, and conduct rules at municipal facilities on an assigned shift — preventing unauthorized entry, theft, and vandalism, investigating incidents, detaining offenders, and testifying in court. This is a protective-services role, not a software engineering position.
WHO WE ARE
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here:
Equal Access to Civil Service Testing
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350 or by email at janine.labletta@phila.gov. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
- https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/
- www.twitter.com/PhilaOHR
- www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr
General Definition
This is protective work enforcing on an assigned shift the security and conduct, rules and regulations of a municipal facility or installation to prevent disruptive and illegal actions, entry of unauthorized individuals and vehicles, theft and vandalism. Work involves investigating accidents, apprehending and detaining individuals committing illegal actions, and testifying in court. Contact with the general public and law enforcement officials is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the close supervision of a higher level security officer or administrative superior, and involves some disagreeable aspects and light physical effort.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Jacky Li
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2371
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: jacky.li@phila.gov
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.
Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
ELIGIBLE LIST: CITY-WIDE PROMOTIONAL
Departmental and interdepartmental promotional eligible lists will be established as a result of this examination. An appointment in any department may be made from either one of the above-established promotional lists as deemed appropriate by the appointing authority.Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS:
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.PROJECTED EXAM DATE:
This examination will be scheduled for October 28, 2026. Please note that this examination date is subject to change.
Candidates will need access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access to take the examination. Candidates will need to be able to operate computerized software proficiently and independently.
If you do not have access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access, or cannot operate computerized software proficiently and independently, please contact Jacky Li at jacky.li@phila.gov and alternative arrangements will be made for you to take this examination.
An Eligible List will be established the week of November 2, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
TEST REVIEW:
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091B, candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file appeals to the key answers. Call 215-686-0880 if you wish to schedule a Test Review.
Level of Education Required
High School/GED
Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.
1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS:
Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status and a Performance Rating of Satisfactory or higher.
AND
2. EDUCATION:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
3. GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience in protective work ensuring the public's compliance with facility security, and safety, and conduct rules and regulations.
OR
One year of active service in any of the Uniformed Services of the United States.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Age - Must have reached nineteenth (19) birthday at date of appointment.
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as a Security Officer 1 if required by work assignment.
Possession of a Security Officer's Commission issued by the City of Philadelphia during tenure of employment as a Security Officer 1 after completion of a firearms training program if required by work assignment.