Security Officer Jobs in Boston

Security Officer Roles in Boston

Boston assignments include stores on Newbury Street in Back Bay and Boylston Street, Copley Place and the Prudential Center, the Seaport District and Downtown Crossing, along with suburban centers such as the Natick Mall and Chestnut Hill. Officers also cover lobbies in Financial District and Seaport office buildings, residential buildings and events.

Many Newbury Street stores occupy historic brownstones with narrow entrances, several floors and limited sightlines, so officer placement and communication between floors matter more than in an open mall store. Boston’s large student population and heavy seasonal tourism mean officers need to handle high foot traffic professionally and tell the difference between a busy afternoon and a coordinated theft attempt. Office buildings rely on officers for lobby coverage, access control and clear incident reporting.

What McCray Offers Officers

• Weekly pay for every officer.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage and a 401(k) with match for eligible employees.
• Advancement to supervisor and management roles based on performance, qualifications and available positions.
• Roles from entry-level officer posts to Tier III positions for retired law enforcement officers with 20 or more years of sworn service. See the Officer Classification Program.

Before assignment, officers complete McCray’s five-stage screening process and tier-based training, including de-escalation and, for retail posts, organized retail crime recognition.

Massachusetts Security Officer Requirements

Massachusetts does not issue a state license to individual unarmed security guards. The Massachusetts State Police licenses watch, guard and patrol agencies under Chapter 147 of the General Laws, and section 23 exempts employees of a licensee from separate licensing. In practice, unarmed officers in Boston work as employees of a licensed agency and complete the training their employer and post require. At McCray, that includes the five-stage screening process and tier-based training before assignment. Requirements change, so applicants should confirm current rules with the regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice.

Additional Requirements for Armed Officers

Armed officers must hold a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms. According to Mass.gov, residents apply through the police department in the town where they live and must submit a Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate. In Boston, City of Boston Code section 17-17 also allows the Police Commissioner to require private armed security guards who operate openly in public to register and obtain a special police officer license. McCray assigns armed posts only after a review of the site’s risk, lease and insurance requirements.

What McCray Looks For

McCray looks for officers who are reliable, use sound judgment and communicate clearly. In Boston that means keeping track of activity across several floors of a brownstone store, staying patient with large student and tourist crowds, and writing reports that are accurate and complete. Courteous, professional service matters on Newbury Street and in Back Bay lobbies, where the officer is often the first person a visitor meets.

How to Apply

Open positions are listed on the McCray careers portal, hosted by ADP. Not every location has openings at all times. Applicants can check the portal for current openings in the Boston area, select a position and apply online.

The recruiting team reviews each application and contacts qualified candidates. Questions can be sent to hr@mccraygp.com, and more about working at McCray is on the Careers page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do applicants need a license before applying?

Massachusetts does not require a state license for individual unarmed guards who work as employees of a licensed watch, guard or patrol agency. Armed roles require a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms. Questions can be sent to hr@mccraygp.com.

What training do new officers in Boston complete?

Because Massachusetts does not set a state training requirement for individual unarmed guards, training is set by the employer. McCray officers complete a five-stage screening process and tier-based training, including de-escalation and, for retail posts, organized retail crime recognition.

What is required for armed posts in Boston?

Armed officers need a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms, and the Boston Police Commissioner may require armed guards working openly in public to hold a special police officer license. McCray assigns armed posts only after a review of each site’s requirements.

Are there openings in Boston right now?

Not every location has openings at all times. Applicants can check the careers portal for current openings in the Boston area.