Summer Creates More Jobs For L.A.'s Security Guards
Throughout the summer season, Los Angeles' calendar of events is loaded with activities that attract the masses. From public musical performances to street festivals, qualified security guards are always needed to patrol property, help supervise parking and seating, direct traffic, and control crowds.
In L.A., these trained professionals earn an average annual salary of more than $31,000, according to current data. Seasonal job openings, especially from June to September, allow guards to enhance their skill sets, network and put additional money into their bank accounts.
"Warmer and longer days provide more outdoor job opportunities for events, entertainment and other types of destination activities," said Dennis Riera, Security Director at Noble-LA Events. "Security is typically increased at sporting events, concert venues, shopping malls, parks, and outdoor dining and recreational facilities during the summer months."
How does a summer job test a guard's principal duties?
"Having to deal with more people competing for the same types of activities is certainly challenging. Traveling, parking and ticket sales become more competitive. Outdoor dining and other recreational facilities grow increasingly congested and over-crowded, causing elevated wait times and a rise in levels of anxiety and anxiousness."
What type of guard is best suited for summertime work?
"Being accommodating and patient, and armed with providing options are the best qualities a security professional can provide. We cannot necessarily reduce the size of the crowd, but can assist with providing ideas and solutions to better manage the risks summertime brings."
What is your message to guards seeking extra work during summertime?
"I encourage them to find a type of working environment they are personally connected to. Being empathetic and similar to those around them makes it easier to make the connection of security consciousness and accommodation at the same time. If they are not a sports fan, they may not have the needed qualities or sensitivity to connect with and be hospitable to those who are. Summer is a great time to step away from a desk at an office building and into an outdoor setting that allows them to add another proof of performance to their resumes."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.