Security Jobs in the Cannabis Industry

3/30/2020

Olusegun Akinfenwa

The global cannabis market is one of the fastest-growing industries in the past few years. With many more countries tapping the medical and economic benefits of marijuana, the cannabis industry, which was valued at $7.7 billion in 2016, is expected to reach $65 billion by 2023. This has opened widow of opportunities for different stakeholders, especially entry-level and experienced cannabis job seekers. While there are various positions in the marijuana industry, security is one of the most crucial needs in dispensaries and grow facilities in the United States. Are you a security expert with interest in the new multi-billion-dollars cannabis industry? There has never been a better time to land your dream job.

Surveillance System Installation

For many reasons, video surveillance is one of the most crucial needs of marijuana dispensaries and grow facilities. There are varying cannabis laws for different states in the United States. However, one common requirement is for every facility manager is to have a surveillance system monitoring their facilities at all times. Apart from being a requirement of the law, video surveillance is also needed to guide against a break-in by unauthorized persons, which can lead to theft, loss, and damages. It is also an excellent idea in preventing employee theft. With security cameras, remote check-in also becomes an easy task for facility managers. This makes experts in video surveillance some of the most sought-after in the industry.

Security Guards

To ensure adequate protection of their facilities, cannabis industry players need security officers to, in addition to video surveillance functions, monitor their huge investments. Due to legality issues surrounding the marijuana market in the United States, some industries which should ordinarily complement the efforts of cannabis investors businesses are skeptical in doing so. For instance, some banks are reluctant to take in proceeds from the cannabis market, in their bid to avoid breaking federal government laws. Certain security outfits don't also work with businesses in the industry for the same reason. All these pose security concerns to marijuana dispensaries in the United States, as they sometimes need to operate cash-only transactions. A situation like this could make them vulnerable to thefts, burglary, and robbery. This makes service of security officers a must in order to safeguard the funds, properties, and other inventories. They need personnel that can help in covering various areas of exposure in their facilities.

What are the Roles of Security Personnel in Cannabis Dispensaries?

The role overview will depend on what each company needs. However, the major responsibility of security officers is to ensure that product and fund transfers are done under a hitch-free atmosphere at all times. Security personnel are also expected to monitor movements in and around the facilities, checking people’s identities and guarding privacy for customers. They also guide against loss and damages and restrain trespassers. They are also expected to monitor the surveillance cameras and report any suspicious activities.

In some large scale facilities, the position and title can be much more prominent, such as the Director of Security. A bigger position like this has more expansive roles. For instance, a director of security may be asked to work directly with the chief administrative officer in developing the company's comprehensive security programs. The roles may include development and coordination of emergency management, facility security, delivery& access control, management of cash handling, and VMS installation and management.

What are the Requirements for Getting a Security Job in the Cannabis Industry?

The United States cannabis market is a massive industry with huge investments from various individuals and organizations. The financial status of many of the dispensary and grow facilities requires a topnotch security service, which is why they are usually meticulous when hiring security personnel. While each organization may have their varying preferences in terms of skill sets and experience, most of them prefer candidates who can meet the following criteria:

Skills and Qualifications

Having previous experience as a security officer is usually preferred by most companies. It becomes much more advantageous if your past experience is in a cannabis job. They also prefer a minimum academic qualification of a high school diploma.

Physical Requirements

Of course, you are expected to be physically fit to fit into the security demands of in the industry. You must be able to stand, sit, or walk for a long period of time, depending on the tasks expected of you. You must also posses the ability to lift at least 50 lbs and also squat, bend, and reach periodically.

Age and Other Preferences

In most cases, you must be at least 21 years of age. You will also be required to provide proof of legal status in the United States for both employment and residence purposes. Most employers prefer candidates within their states, which may require a valid State-issued ID or Drivers License as proof. Being a member of a reputable Security Guard association is also an added advantage that can help boost your chances.

Where Can I Get Cannabis Security Job in the United States?

Currently, there are over a thousand marijuana dispensaries in the United States. We also have many cultivation facilities in large, medium, and small scales across the country. Each of these companies needs security personnel and apparatus to protect their investment and keep their operations running. In Colorado, Ohio, and Oregon, for instance, there are over 500, 400, and 300 dispensaries in each of the cities, respectively. The United States marijuana market has in the past few years, contributed over 240,000 full-time jobs to the economy. The figure is expected to rise to 414,000 by 2021.

The top 10 states with the cannabis-friendly environment are California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Florida, and Arizona. Others are Nevada, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Illinois. These ten states have the largest number of marijuana employments in the country. For instance, California, Colorado, and Washington boast of over 39,000, 34,000, and 23,000 cannabis full-time jobs, respectively. Being a resident of any of these states can be an advantage. And if you reside in another state, chances are, there are job recruiters in your locality looking for security experts, especially if it is a state with cannabis-friendly legislation.

Tips to Getting Employment: How to Search and Find Your Dream Job in the Cannabis Industry

Just like in all other sectors, the secret to landing a job in the cannabis industry is adequate preparation. Whether you are applying for security, transport, or marketing position, it is important to have a high level of self-awareness. This implies knowing what the industry jobs entail and be sure your inclination, talent, and personal traits will fit in. This will help you to be mentally prepared.

You should also do some research to ascertain the legality of cannabis jobs and the types of positions available around you. You can also improve your knowledge of the industry by attending various organized cannabis events in your area. This is one of the best means to network and position yourself for opportunities ahead of your competitors in the labor market.

Apart from offline events, there are several other online job platforms like Indeed, Monster, and Linkedin advertising opportunities in the cannabis industry. On a daily basis, several marijuana jobs in different positions are being advertised on these media. There are also many websites solely dedicated to helping industry job seekers find employment opportunities. Our own website, Gigs420, is one of such platforms. We are committed to helping industry employers and cannabis job seekers meet for mutual opportunities. Being a regular user of our platform automatically increases your awareness of the opportunities in the industry and opens your eyes to how you can leverage them for your economic betterment. There are several entry levels jobs and experienced level cannabis jobs you can opt for in the United States. All you need is adequate preparation that will give you an edge ahead of competitions.