These jobs are the definition of security
10:50 AM CDT on Sunday, September 21, 2008
As career fields go, this one has its downsides – but job security is probably not one of them.
People thinking about working as a security professional can choose from a wide range of skill and risk levels, in either government or industry.
"In my experience, the job market in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for industrial security is lacking in trained, available personnel to fill the vacancies," said Toma Blake-Caul, chief executive at Rybat Security Consulting and Outsourcing Services LLC in Burleson.
Ms. Blake-Caul founded the business last year with her husband, Greg Caul. For now, it's a small operation with just the two of them, and they consult with other experts when necessary.
"This is an important field to the national security of our country, and we feel strongly about making sure it is done ethically, morally and correctly," said Ms. Blake-Caul.
U.S. government contractors sometimes award work to independent consultants. From international terrorism and espionage to cyberspace and white-collar crimes, security has become a top concern that the government can't tackle alone.
Contractors undertake "a wide scope of work that was formerly done by the military or civil service," Ms. Blake-Caul said. "More and more every day are up and operating."
Industrial security is growing, too. Businesses try to safeguard employees, equipment and products, and protect confidential information from criminals and competitors.
Some industrial security jobs are direct employment; some are handled by independent contractors (especially temporary work).
It's not an easy field to crack. Many workers get their first break by joining security-related agencies in entry-level positions. Then they move up the ranks, said Gary Kuty, a Dayton, Ohio, recruiter specializing in this niche and a member of the American Society for Industrial Security.
A criminal justice education or security management background can be helpful, as can experience in law enforcement or the military.
Before starting Rybat, Ms. Blake-Caul worked for 12 years in industrial security. Mr. Caul's background included more than 20 years in the military and law enforcement, program management and training.
Ms. Blake-Caul was employed by DynCorp International LLC, a private military contractor and aircraft maintenance company based in Falls Church, Va., with various recruiting operations in Fort Worth and Irving. She worked extensively on State Department and Defense Department contracts worldwide.
When the time came to launch a business, "we were looking for a name that did not sound like all others," she said of Rybat. "It was a cryptogram used on the Oswald papers. It basically means 'not releasable to those without a need to know' or 'secret.' "
She and Mr. Caul caution that consultants typically need many years of experience before venturing out on their own. Most leads originate from networking and a solid reputation in the field.
"A growing trend is [for companies] to bring in a consultant," Ms. Blake-Caul said, "to assist as needed or to administer the security program. This augments their program in a unique way. They do not have to employ additional staff, pay employment taxes or provide benefits."
While security personnel must complete government-approved training, consultants tend to already be skilled and up to date on such policies and procedures. They can undertake the required actions in less time, keep the company on track and save it money.
Rybat is expanding its services to include outsourcing for administrative work, security guard and personal protection training, and job placement for disabled veterans.
"Government contractors locally and around the U.S. are hiring former military and law enforcement officers to send overseas on various contracts," Mr. Caul said.
Overseas positions offer a decent base salary while providing additional compensation for hazardous duty, meals and lodging. But these workers "are also most likely to be living in a tent and in a much more dangerous situation than here in the U.S.," he said.
Security guards working for a U.S. government contractor are usually employees of that company. They generally require clearance and must be armed. They tend to be former military police or law enforcement officers. And they earn a higher wage than security guards at a commercial company.
"Depending on the scope of the position, many companies will provide relocation packages for a very qualified candidate," said Mr. Kuty, the Ohio recruiter. "Companies that don't offer relocation are limited to local or home-grown talent."
Most of these positions are not advertised widely. Some are listed on specialized online job boards such as the one hosted by the American Society for Industrial Security.
The society is believed to be the largest organization for security professionals, with a global membership of more than 36,000. Founded in 1955, the society develops educational programs and materials dealing with broad security interests.
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