On mining, oil & gas, and large infrastructure camps across Australia, there are thousands of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers travelling in and out each week. Every person, every vehicle, every piece of equipment must pass through controlled access points. That’s the job of a FIFO security guard or access control officer.
As a security professional on a FIFO roster you’re responsible not just for locking gates or checking IDs — you are the face of safety and compliance in a remote work environment where mistakes can cost lives, hours of downtime, or millions in lost production.
For individuals with the right licences and attitude, this role offers strong pay, roster flexibility, career progression and the chance to work in some of the most remote and rugged workplaces in the country.
What the Role Really Involves
Core Responsibilities
- Managing the main entrance gatehouse: verifying worker IDs, signing in visitors, checking vehicles, baggage and freight.
- Monitoring CCTV, alarms, fences, external perimeter boundaries and patrols in accommodation zones, lay-down yards, and workshops.
- Conducting foot and mobile patrols (by vehicle or on foot) around camps, office blocks, quays, and industrial yards.
- Writing and submitting incident reports, shift hand-over logs, and security audit checklists.
- Enforcing site policies: alcohol & drug rules, permit to work systems, vehicle speeds, PPE compliance, housekeeping standards and behavioural codes.
- Supporting emergency response: working with fire teams or medical staff during alarms or shutdowns, performing crowd control or muster point verification.
- Assisting with logistics: directing buses, trucks, managing arrival and departure of workers, supervising contractor access.
Real-Life Example Tasks
- At a Pilbara iron ore site near Port Hedland, a security guard checks incoming flights, logs 250 workers before dawn, then performs a 90-minute perimeter patrol across mine access roads before afternoon shift change.
- On a LNG project near Darwin, the gatehouse operator monitors 4 bus departures each evening, enforces fatigue testing for drivers and coordinates with the control room after a vehicle breakdown in the night roster.
- In the Bowen Basin coal fields around Moranbah, a security officer conducts random breath tests, manages two guest lodges, and handles access for over 600 contractors during a maintenance shutdown.
Where the Jobs Are Located
Security and access control FIFO roles can be found in all major resource states. Below are key regions and example sites:
Western Australia
- Pilbara Region: Ports like Port Hedland, Karratha, Wickham, Roebourne. Companies like BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group have major camps and access control facilities.
- Goldfields: Around Kalgoorlie, Leinster, Laverton for gold and nickel operations.
- Mid West: Geraldton, Meekatharra upon smaller exploration and construction camps.
Queensland
- Bowen Basin: Towns such as Moranbah, Dysart, Emerald serve coal mines with full-scale security operations.
- Surat Basin: Roma, Chinchilla, Miles for gas fields and worker camps needing access control.
South Australia
- Roxby Downs (Olympic Dam), Carrapateena and Prominent Hill for copper and uranium sites run by major contractors.
Northern Territory
- Darwin, Gove Peninsula, Katherine – especially for LNG and port operations requiring permanent FIFO security staff.
New South Wales / Victoria
- Less common but possible on major infrastructure or shutdown projects (eg Broken Hill, Lithgow) with DIDO/FIFO style rosters.
Who Employs FIFO Security Staff
Major service contractors and security companies dominate this arena:
- MSS Security – large mining camp contracts across WA and QLD.
- Wilson Security – industrial, defence and remote site security roles including FIFO.
- ISS Facility Services – integrated camp services, including security.
- Sodexo – often bundled security within catering and accommodation contracts.
- Compass Group (ESS) – global contractor also conducting security operations on remote sites.
- Downer Group / Spotless – specialised facility and security contracts for long-term sites.
Jobs appear daily: for example over 270-500 FIFO security opportunities listed on major job boards like SEEK. SEEK+2SEEK+2
Required Licences, Training and Skills
Must-Have Licences & Tickets
- Security Licence (state based) including Crowd Control endorsement if required.
- Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218) or Certificate III (CPP31318) for more advanced roles. For example one job listing for FIFO security officer required Certificate II plus licences. Compass Group Australia
- White Card (CPCWHS1001) for mining and construction access.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- National Police Clearance (must be current).
- Pre-employment medical, drug & alcohol screening, vision, hearing test, fatigue screening.
Advantageous / Preferred Training
- Traffic Management (RIIWHS302D) for vehicle gate control.
- Fire Warden / Emergency Response (PUAFER005).
- 4WD or remote driving if vehicles used on site.
- Software/computer literacy for CCTV, logs, incident reporting.
- Leadership training for senior roles.
Core Skills that Employers Look For
- Observation and attention to detail (identifying unauthorized access, hazards).
- Strong communication with control rooms, supervisors, contractors.
- Calm under pressure — able to act when alarms or emergencies occur.
- Reliability, integrity and discipline — remote sites cannot tolerate personnel issues.
- Flexibility and readiness for roster changes, shift work and remote environments.
Pay Scales and Roster Structures
Pay in 2025 (Approximate)
- Entry Level FIFO Security Officer: AUD $38-$45 per hour
- Senior Access Control / Gatehouse Supervisor: AUD $45-$52 per hour
- Security or Emergency Response Supervisor: AUD $55-$65 per hour
- Specialist roles (e.g. with 4WD patrols, dog handling, emergency response) can reach AUD $65-$80+ per hour
Total annual income can range from AUD $90,000 to AUD $130,000 including allowances and overtime at remote sites.
Common Roster Patterns
- 2:1 (two weeks on, one week off) – very common in WA Pilbara.
- 14:7 – often for large remote camps.
- 8:6 or 7:7 – used in LNG / gas field contracts.
- Shifts often 10-12 hours; some roles include split shifts around flights or bus schedules.
Flights, accommodation, meals and uniform are typically included in the package.
A Day in the Life – What to Expect
Early Morning (5:00-8:00)
- Arrive at gatehouse, collect shift hand-over log.
- Perform equipment/vehicle checks (radio, CCTV, access panels).
- Begin inbound flight arrival checks: confirm lists, bus departures.
- ACL verification and sign-in of 200+ workers boarding buses.
Middle of Shift (10:00-15:00)
- Patrol lay-down yard and workshop perimeter; inspect fences and lighting.
- Monitor CCTV for unauthorized access, and log any incidents.
- Assist logistics by directing heavy vehicles or support contractors.
Evening (16:00-20:00)
- Manage shift change: bus arrivals, check-in of night shift workers, security screening.
- Conduct final patrols, close non-essential access gates.
- Write shift report and hand-over to next guard; debrief with supervisor.
Night (if on 12-hour rotation)
- Reduced staffing but higher alert: isolated areas, fatigue checks, emergency readiness.
Here’s a real job snippet: a FIFO security officer role in WA cited 12-hour day and night rotations, 2/1 roster and potential earnings of over AUD $5,800 per swing. Indeed
How to Apply and Get Accepted
Step 1: Licence & Ticket Up
Ensure you have your Security Licence, Crowd Control (if required), White Card and First Aid.
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume
Highlight:
- Licences held (state security, crowd control)
- Experience in industrial or remote settings (if any)
- Ability to operate CCTV, patrol vehicles, write logs
- Demonstrated safety mindset and professional reliability
Step 3: Register with Major Contractors
Apply directly via careers pages of MSS Security, Wilson Security, Sodexo, Compass Group (ESS), Downer Group.
Step 4: Prepare for Remote Site Fit
Expect: medical screening, drug & alcohol test, site safety induction, remote travel logistics.
Step 5: Mobilise
Once accepted you’ll receive flight and accommodation details; ensure your home affairs, finances and personal affairs are organised for your rostered time away.
Career Progression Pathways
- Security Officer → Senior Security Officer → Security Supervisor → Site Services Manager
- Access Control Officer → Logistics & Entry Coordinator → Camp Operations Supervisor
- Security Professional → Emergency Response Team Member → WHS / Safety Officer
- Security Officer → Contract Manager → Regional Security & Facilities Lead
Upskill via:
- Certificate IV in Security & Risk Management (CPP40719)
- G2 Risk Management Course
- S123 Mining Supervisor Course
- Diploma of Leadership & Management
Pros, Challenges and Lifestyle Considerations
Advantages
- High earning potential for non-trade roles
- Strong demand across Australia’s resource regions
- Structured roster allows substantial time off
- Exposure to adventure and remote working environments
Challenges
- Remote sites mean travel, isolations and being away from family
- Long shifts and shift changes can impact sleep and routine
- Physical and mental demands: fatigue, weather extremes, remote logistics
- Strict rules and professionalism expected at all times
Lifestyle Tips
- Maintain strong communication with your home network
- Focus on sleep hygiene and rest to manage fatigue
- Keep fit and stay hydrated – many jobs require patrols and mobility
- Use off-swing time to recharge; packing lighter and being organised helps
Ready to Begin? Here’s Your Checklist
- Secure your Security Licence and Crowd Control endorsement if required.
- Get your White Card, First Aid and National Police Clearance.
- Tailor your resume highlighting remote work, security and compliance experience.
- Apply to MSS Security, Wilson Security, Sodexo, Compass Group and others.
- Prepare for medical, drug screening and remote site travel.
- Be ready for your first rostered swing: flights, accommodation, induction.
Conclusion
Security guards and access control officers in FIFO roles are more than guards — they are trusted professionals managing access, safety, emergency response and logistics in some of Australia’s most remote and high-value industrial environments.
If you are reliable, disciplined, licensed and ready to step into remote site work, this role offers strong pay, clear progression and a genuine career path. With the right training you could be flying into Newman, Port Hedland, Moranbah or Darwin, and playing a key role in keeping Australia’s resource industry secure and operational.
Your next move: Get your licence, update your resume, apply to one of the major contractors and begin your journey into remote site security.
