Unarmed Security Guard Requirements For Vermont

Climbing to the Top of the Security Ladder in the Green Mountain State of Vermont

It's a normal day as you pull into the office. The sky is shining, the birds are chirping their morning hello from their treetop homes. The air is crisp and cool, and while you know you have a busy day ahead of you checking activity logs and monitoring video cameras, it's a safe bet that today is going to be peaceful and quiet just like every day before it. That's not just a Disney tale for you to dream about; in Vermont, it's daily life and you are going to find it really easy to settle in and get used to it. In fact, unless you work in the state's bustling ski tourism sector, it's likely that each and every day you go to work will be rather run of the mill.

Vermont is an extremely safe state with crime rates that are well below national statistics. The violent crime rate is less than .1 per thousand residents. For comparison, the national median is 3.8 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate is just 15 per 1,000 residents. This is far lower than the national median of 26 per 1,000 residents. Thus, working as a security guard in Vermont means that your days are going to be relatively peaceful and quiet with few problems to note.   

It's a small state with just over 115,000 people making their home in the state's cities. Burlington is the largest and most populous city with just over 42,000 residents. Next up is South Burlington with 18,000 residents, and Rutland with 16,000. Thus, even the largest cities in the state have a real small town appeal and charm. Indeed, you will get to know all of your neighbors and they will get a chance to know you. This creates a strong sense of community where you can settle in and feel quite comfortable in no time at all. 

Security guards in Vermont earn an average yearly salary of $25,000 per year. Newly minted security guards can expect to earn just under $20,000 per year, while seasoned veterans with years of experience and training under their belts can command salaries upwards of $43,000 per year. These numbers show that if you are willing to put in the time and effort to do the job, the rewards can be well worth the investment.  

The cost of living in Vermont is about 16% higher than it is in the rest of the nation. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are more expensive than neighboring states. Housing and utility costs are also higher. All of this means that you will have to pay close attention to your monthly budget and develop ways to trim your expenses and take advantage of bargains and deals when you find them. 

The State of Vermont requires unarmed security guards to obtain a license before they can begin working. In order to obtain the license, individuals must be able to show that they are at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and a valid driver's license. Individuals must also show that they are mentally competent, have a clean criminal record with no felony convictions, and are not dependent on drugs or alcohol. Finally, individuals must show that they have completed 40 hours of coursework that covers the role of private security, basic law, incident response and reporting, customer service, First Aid, and surveillance. 

Vermont's largest employers include IBM, Fletcher Allen Health Care, the University of Vermont, and General Electric. These top tier employers have fabulous benefits packages and are known for taking good care of their employees. Just remember, their stellar reputation means that competition for these positions is tough and you will need to bring your "A-game" to the interview with you. Other notable employers include Killington Grand Resort, Jay Peak Resort, Stratton, Sugarbush, and Mt. Snow Resort. These resorts operate year round, however they see peak business during the winter months as the snows fall and the tourists flock to the state from around the world. 

Vermont is a chilly state, and the annual mean temperature is just 43 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a humid continental climate which can make the daily temperature feel much hotter, or considerably colder than what it shows on the dial. It gets hottest in August, and coldest in January. The climate doesn't vary much within each of the seasons, and indeed, it tends to stay fairly even with gradual changes taking place throughout the year. This makes it easy to plan ahead regarding work clothing, etc. If it's winter, you know it's going to be cold, and if it's summer, it's going to be cool unless it's August, in which case you are going to want to turn on the air conditioner and stay inside. 

When you move to Vermont, you are choosing to move into one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of the country. It is a true paradise where the shores of Lake Champlain glisten in the morning sky, and the snow covered slopes of Sugarbush Resort glimmer on a winter's day. It's a state where you can hike through the mountains during a Fall day, ski down the slopes throughout the winter, or cast a line into the water in the spring and summer afternoon's which are absolutely beautiful. Vermont is a thinking state, and you will also find plenty of opportunities to enrich your mind at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, or the Echo Lake Science Center. Indeed, the state's education level ranks among the highest in the nation and you will enjoy the many opportunities you will find to pick up a little bit of new knowledge along the way.