As full-time RVers, we’ve embraced a life of adventure and flexibility. Gate guarding, often associated with oil fields in Texas, has been a staple in our journey, offering not just income but also a window into unique settings and communities. Yet, the world of gate guarding extends far beyond the stretches of Texan oil fields. Diverse Gate Guarding Roles rich with opportunities that align with the dynamic workamping lifestyle. Now, security companies are expanding into other areas of energy development, including wind, solar, pipeline development, and various construction projects. This opens up opportunities for gate guards to find work in many different areas, not just in the oil fields.
From the bustling activity of construction sites to the serene gates of agricultural farms, gate guarding comes in various forms, each with its unique rhythm and requirements. This versatility makes it a perfect match for those of us who call the open road our home. In this post, we’ll delve into various gate-guarding roles, examining how they can provide not only financial benefits but also enrich our experiences as we travel across the country.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer seeking your next adventure or a newcomer to the lifestyle curious about the various job opportunities, this guide will shed light on the numerous ways gate guarding can enhance your journey. So buckle up, and let’s explore the diverse world of gate guarding together!
Gate Guarding Basics
What is Gate Guarding?
Gate guarding is a type of security work where individuals, and often couples living in RVs, are stationed at access points to monitor and control entry to specific locations. These locations can include oil fields, solar farms, pipeline projects, construction sites, and even special events. The primary role of a gate guard is to ensure that only authorized personnel and vehicles enter the property, typically by checking IDs, logging entries and exits, and maintaining a visible presence to deter unauthorized access.
The Role of a Gate Guard
Here are some key aspects of the gate guarding role:
- Monitoring Access: Keeping track of who comes in and out, often requiring checking IDs or maintaining a log.
- Security Checks: In some settings, this may involve basic security checks of vehicles or equipment.
- Visitor Management: Providing directions, answering questions, and sometimes managing guest lists or appointments.
- Maintaining Order: Ensuring that the entry point remains orderly and safe.
- Roving Security: Travel the construction area looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Skills and Traits of a Successful Gate Guard
Successful gate guards often share certain skills and traits:
- Attention to Detail: Noticing small things can make a big difference in security.
- Good Communication: Being able to interact effectively with a wide range of people.
- Patience and Diplomacy: Handling potentially stressful situations with calmness.
- Adaptability: Every location has its unique challenges and requirements.
Why It’s Ideal for Full-Time RVers
Gate guarding is a popular choice among those who embrace the workamping lifestyle. Here’s why:
- Flexibility: Many gate guarding jobs offer flexible schedules, making them ideal for RVers who value freedom and mobility.
- Diversity of Locations: Opportunities are available in various settings, allowing RVers to explore different parts of the country.
- Income Stream: It provides a steady income, which is essential for sustaining the RV lifestyle.
Can single RVers be Gate Guards
Yes, there are roles available for single RVers. While many oilfield gates require 24-hour guarding on-site, perfect for couples, projects like solar farms and pipeline work can allow singles, depending on how they are set up.
The Bigger Picture
Being a gate guard is more than a job; it’s a way to experience different facets of life and work while on the road. It offers a unique blend of responsibility and freedom, perfectly suited for those of us who call the open road our home.
Getting Started
The State of Texas requires that security guards working the oilfield gates obtain and maintain a Level 2 Non-Commissioned Security Guard License. This license permits you to perform unarmed security work. To ensure that you are eligible for this license, go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website.
There are four steps to becoming licensed:
- Start an Application at TOPS (Texas Online Private Security).
- Complete a Private Security Bureau Level II Course. This course takes approximately six hours to complete. There are multiple courses available through which to obtain your license. We took the course provided by Texas A&M Engineering (TEEX) and found it to be both efficient and cost-effective.
- Fingerprinting through IdentGo provides convenient, fast, and accurate Live Scan fingerprinting services.
- Completing a Background Check will serve to qualify you are eligible for Security Guard Licensure. This is done through IdentGo when you do your fingerprints.
The cost to get licensed is about $89.00-$125.00 per person, with all fees included.
Experience at a Solar Farm Construction Site
Overview
Our journey as full-time RVers recently led us to an exciting opportunity: working as gate guards at solar farm construction sites. These experiences not only diversified our workamping resume but also offered us a firsthand look into the growing renewable energy sector.
Construction sites are dynamic and ever-changing environments, where the role of a gate guard is not just about security, but also about being the first point of contact for a multitude of site activities. In these bustling hubs, gate guards play a crucial role in ensuring that only authorized personnel and vehicles enter the site, maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.
Daily Responsibilities
A typical day for a gate guard at a construction site starts early, often before the first worker arrives, or lasts throughout the night while the construction workers are home sleeping. Responsibilities include:
- Checking IDs: Ensuring that everyone entering the site is authorized to do so.
- Vehicle Logging: Keeping track of all vehicles and equipment entering and leaving the site.
- Roving Patrols: Ensuring no unauthorized personnel are accessing the site or attempting to steal products or equipment.
- Managing Deliveries: Construction sites often have numerous deliveries; gate guards must direct these deliveries efficiently to avoid disruptions.
- Incident Reporting: In the event of any security or safety incidents, the gate guard is often the first to respond and report.
Daily Life on the Solar Farm
Unlike the oil fields, solar farm construction presented a different rhythm and set of challenges:
- Eco-Friendly Environment: Embracing the renewable energy ethos, the site was a blend of technology and environmental consciousness.
- Visitor and Contractor Management: Our role involved coordinating with a diverse group of professionals, from engineers to delivery personnel.
- Safety Protocols: Given the unique nature of the site, adhering to specific safety measures was crucial, especially around high-tech and heavy equipment.
Unique Challenges and Rewards
Working on a solar farm construction site, there was a learning curve:
- Adapting to New Technology: Understanding the basics of solar technology added an educational aspect to our job.
- Weather Elements: Being in an open field meant more exposure to the elements, requiring us to adapt our living and working conditions.
- Sense of Contribution: There was a profound sense of contributing to a sustainable future, making our work feel even more rewarding.
Reflections and Takeaways
Our stints at solar farm construction sites have been an eye-opener, showing us the vast possibilities of gate guarding. It’s not just a job; it’s a way to be part of different industries and witness the evolution of new technologies.
The first solar farm job we had was a 12-hour shift that entailed checking in and out people at the main gate and roving the property, making sure no unauthorized personnel were on site after hours.
Our second solar farm job was 12-hour shifts overnight during the week and 24 hours on the weekends that Lisa and I split. This one was strictly roving patrol, opening and closing access gates before and after the shifts, and making sure people were not accessing the site after hours. For this job, we were provided a company truck to use as a roving patrol.
Why It’s Great for RVers
For those of us living the RV lifestyle, these roles can be particularly appealing due to their seasonal nature. Many construction projects ramp up during specific times of the year, offering temporary but rewarding opportunities for workamping. Plus, the chance to be part of creating something tangible can be incredibly satisfying – you’re contributing to the development of new structures that will stand long after you’ve rolled on to your next destination.
The Community and Lifestyle
Usually, for the solar farm and pipeline projects, you’ll be living off-site. This makes the job suitable for not only RVers but also locals in the area where the Solar Farm or Pipeline is going in. Solar Farm and Pipeline projects are usually 12-hour shifts, making them suitable for single RVers, too.
Experience on a Pipeline Project
Another Gate Guarding Job we got to experience was working on a Pipeline Project.
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