Share
If you’ve Googled “CCTV operator job description” before, you’ve probably seen the same dry format repeated everywhere:
bullet points, generic wording, no personality, and zero insight into what actually attracts the right candidates.
But here’s the truth: a CCTV operator isn’t just “someone who watches security screens.” They are the eyes and ears of your security operation—responsible for spotting risks early, keeping environments safe, and supporting investigations when things go wrong.
The problem with most job posts online? They fail to communicate the importance of the role. They read like legal checklists, not like opportunities that matter.
👉 That’s what we’re fixing with this guide.
We’ll show you how to write a CCTV operator job description that’s:
- More educational than templated
- More human and conversational
- Built to attract top candidates who actually care about safety, responsibility, and precision
And if you haven’t already, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it breaks down why generic job descriptions don’t convert and how to write ones that do.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What a CCTV Operator Actually Does - Their Roles Explained
A CCTV Operator isn’t just someone sitting in front of a monitor all day. They are the people who keep watch over your organization’s safety in real time.
In simple terms:
- They monitor live security camera feeds to spot suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.
- They respond quickly to incidents, whether that’s contacting security teams, reporting emergencies, or escalating issues to management.
- They maintain accurate records, logging observations, incidents, and reports that can be critical for investigations or compliance.
- They help prevent losses and risks—from theft to workplace accidents—by being alert, detail-oriented, and proactive.
In many ways, a CCTV operator is the guardian behind the scenes. They protect people, property, and information by staying observant, calm under pressure, and always alert.
This means that beyond technical know-how, qualities like responsibility, focus, communication skills, and integrity matter just as much as operating the equipment itself.
Two Great CCTV Operator Job Description Templates
Option 1: Experienced CCTV Operator
📌 Job Title: Experienced CCTV Operator – Guardian Security Services (Downtown Nairobi)
💼 Full-Time | On-Site | KSh 45,000 – 60,000/month (Based on Experience)
🕒 Schedule: Rotational Shifts (Day/Night | 8 hours each)
🎥 Hear From Our Team
[Insert Loom/YouTube link here – e.g., “A quick word from our head of security operations about why this role matters and what it’s like to work here.”]
Join Our Security Team
At Guardian Security, we’re trusted by businesses, residential estates, and institutions to keep their people and property safe. We’re hiring an experienced CCTV Operator who can monitor, detect, and respond to incidents in real-time.
This is a role where attention to detail, fast decision-making, and professionalism make a real difference.
About Guardian Security
Guardian Security Services has protected Nairobi businesses and communities for over 15 years. We pride ourselves on vigilance, professionalism, and trust. Our team blends cutting-edge security technology with human expertise to deliver unmatched safety.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Monitor live CCTV feeds and security systems across multiple sites.
- Detect suspicious behavior, safety hazards, or unusual activity.
- Respond to incidents by alerting on-ground security teams or emergency services.
- Keep accurate logs, reports, and evidence footage when required.
- Perform routine checks to ensure camera systems are working properly.
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years of experience as a CCTV Operator or in security monitoring.
- Strong observational skills and ability to stay focused for long periods.
- Familiarity with security systems and surveillance technology.
- Calm, professional, and reliable under pressure.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive pay with overtime opportunities.
- Health cover and staff wellness program.
- Structured career progression (shift lead, control room supervisor).
- Training and certification opportunities.
- A company culture built on trust, respect, and continuous learning.
Our Hiring Process
We review every application and reply to all candidates within 2 weeks.
Shortlisted applicants will complete a skills evaluation via WorkScreen.io (our fair, performance-based hiring tool). From there, we’ll invite top candidates to interviews with our security leadership team.
📥 How to Apply
Apply through this link: [WorkScreen application link]
Option 2: Entry-Level CCTV Operator (We Train You)
📌 Job Title: CCTV Operator (Entry-Level – Training Provided) – Guardian Security Services
💼 Full-Time | On-Site | KSh 25,000 – 35,000/month (Starting Range)
🕒 Schedule: Rotational Shifts (Day/Night | 8 hours each)
🎥 Hear From Our Team
[Insert Loom/YouTube link here – e.g., “Our junior CCTV operators share their journey from training to becoming trusted members of the control room team.”]
Start Your Career in Security With Us
Do you want a career where your focus and reliability truly matter? We’re looking for an entry-level CCTV Operator to join our control room team. No experience? No problem. We’ll train you to use our systems and support you every step of the way.
This is an excellent opportunity if you’re dependable, detail-oriented, and interested in growing your career in the security industry.
About Guardian Security
Guardian Security Services has safeguarded Nairobi for more than 15 years. Our clients range from small businesses to large institutions, all trusting us to keep people and property safe. We believe in building careers, not just filling roles.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Monitor camera systems and watch for unusual activity.
- Support experienced operators in responding to incidents.
- Learn how to write clear incident reports and maintain logs.
- Communicate with on-ground teams when support is needed.
- Participate in structured training to build your career.
What We’re Looking For
- High school certificate or diploma.
- Tech-savvy and comfortable learning new systems.
- Dependable, responsible, and detail-oriented.
- Strong communication and willingness to learn.
- No prior experience required — we train you.
Why Join Us?
- Paid training and certifications.
- Entry-level pay with opportunities to grow quickly.
- Health cover after probation period.
- Flexible shifts to support work-life balance.
- Be part of a respected team that makes a real impact.
Our Hiring Process
We respond to every applicant within 2 weeks. Shortlisted candidates will go through a WorkScreen.io evaluation (simple, skill-based, no resume bias) followed by an interview with our team.
📥 How to Apply
Apply through this link: [WorkScreen application link]
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These CCTV Operator Job Posts Work
1. Clear & Specific Job Titles
Instead of the vague “CCTV Operator,” the posts specify:
- “Experienced CCTV Operator – Guardian Security Services (Downtown Nairobi)”
- “CCTV Operator (Entry-Level – Training Provided)”
This instantly communicates who the job is for, where it’s based, and whether it’s senior or entry-level. Clear, descriptive titles cut through job board clutter and attract the right applicants.
2. Warm Introductions With Context
Both templates start with a human intro:
- For experienced candidates: the role is positioned as mission-critical to safety.
- For entry-level: the tone is encouraging, making it clear that training is provided.
This creates an emotional connection and makes candidates feel the role is meaningful.
3. Team Video Builds Trust
By including a short video from the team before the “About Us” section, the post feels more personal. Candidates see real people, not just words. This small touch can boost engagement significantly since applicants are more likely to apply to companies that feel approachable.
4. Transparent Salary & Perks
Both posts state salary ranges upfront.
This builds trust, sets expectations, and prevents wasted applications from candidates with mismatched expectations. Transparency = credibility.
5. Culture & Values Are Highlighted
The “Why Join Us” sections go beyond perks — they highlight culture:
- For experienced hires: “career progression, respect, continuous learning.”
- For entry-level hires: “paid training, growth opportunities, being part of a respected team.”
This shows candidates what it’s like to work inside the company, not just what they’ll do.
6. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
Instead of dry lists like “monitor screens,” the responsibilities explain why the tasks matter:
- “Detect suspicious behavior before it becomes a problem.”
- “Keep our office and projects running smoothly.”
This gives meaning to the role, making candidates feel their work has real value.
7. Respectful & Transparent Hiring Process
Both job posts emphasize fairness:
- WorkScreen.io evaluations ensure candidates are assessed on skills, not just resumes.
- Promising that “we reply to every applicant within 2 weeks” sets a tone of respect.
This alone can set your job apart, since most candidates are used to ghosting.
8. Human Tone That Connects
The wording is conversational: “Start your career in security with us,” “Your focus and reliability truly matter.”
It avoids legalistic or robotic HR-speak, helping the posts resonate with real people.
Example of a Bad CCTV Operator Job Description (And Why It Falls Short)
📌 Job Title: CCTV Operator
💼 Full-Time | Location: Nairobi | Salary: Not Disclosed
Job Summary
We are looking to hire a CCTV Operator to monitor surveillance systems and report incidents. The ideal candidate should be reliable and able to work shifts.
Responsibilities
- Monitor CCTV cameras.
- Report suspicious activities.
- Write incident reports.
Requirements
- High school diploma.
- 1–2 years of experience preferred.
- Must be able to work shifts.
How to Apply
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@company.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Job Title
Just saying “CCTV Operator” gives no sense of the company, location context, or whether it’s entry-level or experienced. It’s forgettable. - Cold Introduction
The “Job Summary” is one line of filler text. It doesn’t explain the importance of the role, the mission, or why someone should care. - Zero Transparency
No salary, no perks, no culture, no benefits. It signals a lack of respect and makes candidates wonder what the company is hiding. - Responsibilities Are Vague
“Monitor CCTV cameras” is too broad. Candidates don’t get a sense of the actual day-to-day impact or why their work matters. - No Mention of Team or Values
Nothing about company culture, values, or what it’s like to work there. This misses the chance to attract mission-driven applicants. - Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels impersonal and outdated. Good candidates want clarity and respect, not silence. - Cold, Transactional CTA
Just an email address. No motivation, no warmth, no reason to feel excited about applying.
Bonus Tips to Make Your CCTV Operator Job Post Stand Out
If you want your CCTV Operator job description to cut through the noise and attract the right candidates, don’t stop at just responsibilities and requirements. Add these small but powerful details:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Build trust with candidates from the start by showing you care about their information:
🔒 “We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any stage of our hiring process.”
This reassures candidates and positions your company as transparent and ethical.
2. Mention Leave or Flex Time
Surveillance roles often mean long shifts. Showing that you respect work-life balance is a huge plus:
🌴 “Enjoy up to 21 annual leave days plus flexible scheduling, so you have time to recharge and return sharp.”
Even a small benefit like this can make your job post more attractive than competitors’.
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
For many CCTV Operators, the role is just the start of a security career. Make this clear:
🎓 “We invest in our team. From CCTV certifications to career pathways into control room leadership, you’ll have opportunities to grow with us.”
This appeals to entry-level applicants and experienced candidates alike.
4. Include a Short Video
A 30–60 second Loom or YouTube video from your head of security or team lead instantly makes your post more human.
It could cover:
- What the role means for the company.
- How the team works together.
- Why candidates should be excited to join.
This simple touch sets you apart from 95% of job descriptions online.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
Should You Use AI to Write a CCTV Operator Job Description?
AI is everywhere right now—even some hiring platforms promise “one-click job description generation.” But here’s the problem: if you rely on AI alone, you’ll end up with the same generic, lifeless posts that fail to attract serious candidates.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- You’ll get generic templates that don’t reflect your company’s voice, values, or mission.
- It attracts the wrong candidates—people spraying resumes everywhere instead of those aligned with your culture.
- It hurts your brand. Remember, a job description is often the first impression someone gets of your company. A copy-paste AI draft makes you look careless.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI (Smart, Not Blind)
AI is a great assistant — if you give it the right input. Think of it as a polishing tool, not a replacement for your thinking.
Here’s how to use it properly:
- Give Context
Tell AI about your company, values, culture, and the type of candidate you want.
Example prompt:
“We’re Guardian Security Services, a Nairobi-based security company. We’re hiring an experienced CCTV Operator to monitor multiple sites. Our culture is professional and supportive, and we want candidates who are reliable, calm under pressure, and detail-oriented. Write me a job post in a clear, conversational tone.” - Provide Raw Ingredients
Add notes like:- Salary range
- Benefits
- Shift details
- Growth opportunities
- Respectful hiring process
- Salary range
- Use AI to Refine, Not Replace
Ask it to improve clarity, tighten flow, or rephrase jargon. But make sure the voice remains yours.
👉 Bottom line: AI won’t magically write a job post that attracts top CCTV operators. But with the right guidance, it can help you polish your draft into something sharper and more professional.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste CCTV Operator Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: CCTV Operator – [Your Company Name]
💼 Full-Time | [Location] | [Salary Range]
🕒 Shift: [Day/Night/Rotational]
About the Role
At [Company Name], we don’t just watch screens—we protect people, property, and information. We’re looking for a CCTV Operator who can stay alert, respond quickly, and help keep our environments safe.
This role matters because every second counts. From spotting suspicious activity to preventing risks before they escalate, you’ll play a key part in our security team.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor live surveillance feeds and detect unusual behavior.
- Respond to incidents and escalate when necessary.
- Keep accurate records of events and observations.
- Ensure camera systems are functioning properly.
What We’re Looking For
- Reliable, detail-oriented, and focused.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Tech-savvy and willing to learn.
- Prior security experience is a plus, but not required.
Why Join Us
- Transparent pay and shift schedules.
- Ongoing training and certification opportunities.
- Respectful, supportive culture where your work is valued.
- Growth paths into control room supervision and beyond.
📥 How to Apply
Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We review every application and respond within 2 weeks.
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Description Template (Traditional Format)
📌 Job Title: CCTV Operator
💼 Full-Time | [Location] | [Salary Range]
🕒 Shift: [Day/Night/Rotational]
Job Brief
We are seeking a CCTV Operator to join our security team. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring surveillance systems, detecting suspicious activity, and coordinating responses with on-ground teams.
Responsibilities
- Monitor live CCTV feeds across designated sites.
- Identify and report suspicious activity.
- Maintain accurate incident logs and reports.
- Perform equipment checks to ensure system reliability.
- Work closely with the security team to manage emergencies.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Prior experience in security monitoring preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to stay alert for long periods.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Willingness to work rotational shifts.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Paid training and development opportunities.
- Health cover after probation period.
- Career growth in security operations.
📥 How to Apply
Please apply via [Insert WorkScreen Link].
We respect every applicant’s time—expect a response within 2 weeks.
What Happens After You Post the Job? Let Workscreen Take It From Here
Writing a compelling job post is only half the battle. Once applications start rolling in, you need a way to quickly identify the best candidates without drowning in resumes.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- ✅ Spot your most promising candidates instantly
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- ✅ Assess candidates with one-click skill tests
Workscreen allows you to easily administer one-click skill tests. This way you can Assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- ✅ Eliminate low-effort and AI-generated applications
Workscreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- ✅ Hire confidently and holistically
By combining performance data with cultural insights, you can make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions while giving every candidate a fair shot.
👉 So once your CCTV Operator job description is ready, let WorkScreen handle the next step.
It saves you hours of manual screening and helps you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
start hiring smarter.
FAQ
If you’re interviewing a CCTV Operator candidate, the best answer you should look for is one that shows reliability, focus, and commitment to safety. Strong candidates often say things like:
- They are detail-oriented and capable of staying alert for long shifts.
- They have experience in monitoring, reporting, or coordinating with security teams.
- They care about preventing risks and protecting people/property.
A great answer will balance technical skills (like camera operation, logging, reporting) with soft skills (alertness, integrity, communication, and calmness under pressure).
While requirements vary, most CCTV Operator roles look for:
- High school diploma or equivalent (baseline qualification).
- Security training or certification (e.g., CCTV surveillance, private security courses).
- Prior experience in security monitoring (preferred, but not always required for entry-level).
- Licensing (in some regions, CCTV operators must hold a security industry license).
- Tech proficiency (ability to operate security systems, software, and basic IT tools).
For higher-risk environments (airports, malls, government buildings), you may need candidates with more formal training or compliance certifications.
The best CCTV Operators combine technical competence with soft skills:
- 🔎 Observation & Attention to Detail – spotting suspicious activity others may miss.
- 🕒 Concentration & Patience – staying alert during long monitoring shifts.
- 📑 Reporting & Documentation – writing clear, accurate incident logs.
- 🤝 Communication Skills – relaying information effectively to on-ground teams.
- ⚡ Quick Decision-Making – knowing when and how to escalate incidents.
- 🛡️ Integrity & Responsibility – trusted to handle sensitive information.
CCTV Operator salaries vary by country and industry. On average:
- Kenya: KSh 25,000 – 60,000/month (depending on experience & location).
- UK: £18,000 – £28,000/year.
- US: $30,000 – $45,000/year.
- India: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000/month.
Factors such as shift work, high-security environments (airports, banks), and experience can push salaries higher.
In many regions, yes. For example, in the UK, operators must hold an SIA CCTV Public Space Surveillance License. In other countries, licensing requirements may vary. Always check local regulations.
CCTV Operators are in demand across:
- Retail & shopping malls
- Banks & financial institutions
- Airports & transportation hubs
- Hospitals & healthcare facilities
- Corporate offices & residential estates
- Government facilities & law enforcement support
