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About 1,000 security guards needed here

Hiring process underway for venue screening staff

Hiring is now underway for the estimated 5,000 security staff required for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and officials with Contemporary Security Canada (CSC) said more than 1,000 people will be needed in the Whistler area.

Todd Severson, project director for CSC, said staff needs are still being assessed for each region but positions that need to be filled in Whistler “exceed 1,000.”

CSC staff recently opened a recruitment centre in Vancouver to facilitate the hiring of security screeners and X-ray operators who will screen individuals as they enter Olympic venues. On Wednesday (Aug. 5), Severson said he hadn’t looked at the recruitment centre’s data to see whether any Sea to Sky residents have come in to apply.

He said people who live in the Sea to Sky and are interested in applying can do so online at www.hireme2010.com and CSC staff will follow up with them. One of CSC’s sister companies will eventually have a office front in Whistler, Severson said, but he’s not sure when it will be open.

“Hiring has begun and we’ve had a really good response,” he said.

With more than 1,000 security positions available for Whistler-area venues, CSC’s approach is to fill as many jobs as possible with people who live in the region. But the company is also working on securing accommodations for any outside staff that need to be brought in, Severson said. Negotiations on housing are underway and the hope is to finalize something “soon,” he said.

The estimated 5,000 security personnel are part of the 16,500 people who will work to secure the Games in both Vancouver and Whistler. The Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (ISU) includes about 7,000 police officers and 4,500 Canadian Forces personnel in addition to the private security staff, said Corp. Manon Chouinard of the 2010 ISU.

CSC was selected in April 2009 by Public Works and Government Services Canada and the RCMP to provide pedestrian security screening services for the 2010 Games. CSC’s successful bid includes an integrated team with Contemporary International Canada, Aeroguard and United Protection Security Group.

Severson said the screening for people entering Olympic and Paralympic venues will be similar to airport screening practices, or what’s known as “mag and bag.” People will walk through metal detection gates and have their bags inspected.

“It’s very similar to what you might see at the airport,” he said.

CSC is hiring a “peak number” of staff for the month of February 2010, but some positions will run from mid-January to the end of March, Severson said. Training in the Whistler area will begin in January.

Though CSC recruiters would be “very pleased” to find candidates who have previous security experience and Basic Security Training (BST) certification, Severson said those without the training will be able to take the BST course in Vancouver.

Further positions are available through Contemporary International Canada for venue security guards and supervisors, with jobs starting in September and running until April, Severson said. Those who are interested in the roles should email employment@contemporaryintl.com.

When asked about earlier reports that Mount Currie-based Lyle Leo was working to have band members trained in security with an eye to have them work at the Olympics, Severson said he wouldn’t comment on specific groups. However, he went on to say that CSC is “looking at a variety of sources” to create the total security workforce.

A message for Leo was not returned by press time.

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