LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The primary responsibility of Bureau of Reclamation Security Guards is the protection of life and property.  Security Guards control access to Reclamation facilities and deter individuals who might consider criminal activities or terrorist acts.   Security Guards protect facilities, employees, visitors, and the general public from hazards.  These hazards include, but are not limited to, vandalism, sabotage, trespass, theft, fire, accidents, or willful damage or destruction, or other criminal activities or terrorist acts.

1. Where do Security Guards Work?
2. What do Security Guards do?
3. How do I become a Security Guard?
4. Are there any special requirements?
5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
6. What benefits do Security Guards earn?

1. Where do Security Guards Work?

Reclamation armed Security Guard positions are located at Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State, and unarmed Security Guard positions are located at Hoover Dam on the Nevada / Arizona border and Shasta Dam in California.

2. What do Security Guards do?

Reclamation Security Guards perform a variety of duties such as manning a stationary post, conducting foot or roving vehicle patrols, and checking locks, gates, or other barriers.  Security Guards patrol perimeters; areas open to the public, and restricted areas to detect faulty fences and detection equipment, respond to and investigate alarm activations, and check for trespass and other security violations.  Security Guards control access to restricted areas and regulate pedestrian and vehicular traffic to prevent accidents, congestion, and parking problems.  Related duties include escorting persons and valuables, driving emergency vehicles, conducting operations to detect explosives, and preparing reports of incidents or security violations.  These positions are not authorized to enforce either Reclamation or other Federal laws.

3. How do I become a Security Guard?

The need to fill Reclamation Security Guard positions occurs periodically.   When there are vacancies for Security Guards, they will be announced by the appropriate Regional Reclamation Human Resource office. Individuals seeking information about Security Guard vacancies can check the Office of Personnel Management’s web site at USAJOBS.

4. Are there any special requirements?

Each Reclamation Security Guard must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old and pass a national security public trust background investigation. Applicants must certify being registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. They are subject to a drug test prior to entrance on duty and random drug tests while the position is occupied.  Security Guards must be available to work random 12 hour shifts which include working nights, weekends, and holidays. A high school diploma or equivalent certification is required. The position requires the operation of a motor vehicle and therefore a valid state driver’s license is required. Security Guards are required to wear a uniform for which a uniform allowance is provided.  The duties require moderate to arduous physical exertion and may be of a hazardous nature.  Applicants must be in good physical condition and pass both pre-employment and periodic medical exams which are provided a no cost to the applicant.  Some Security Guard positions require the employee to be armed as part of their assigned duties.  Those Security Guards must maintain qualification with the firearms, pass a pre-employment and periodic physical fitness test, and may not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence.

5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?

Reclamation Security Guards enter on duty at the GS-4, 5 or 6 level depending on qualifications, experience, and duty location.  The career ladder promotion potential for the security guard position is up to a GS-7 level.  Promotion to a GS-7 is competitive and is neither guaranteed nor automatic.  After gaining experience in the field, some officers may decide to advance their career and apply for supervisory and management positions.

A variety of training opportunities exist. Training received will depend on the needs of the individual and the agency.   Specialized on-the-job training will be provided.  Specialized training may include information about Reclamation dams and how the facilities operate, their vulnerabilities, and methods of protecting the Reclamation facilities, its employees, and the public against criminal activity and terrorist acts. Some armed Security Guards will attend up to 10 weeks of on-site or off-site training focusing on the protection of a critical infrastructure. 

6. What benefits do Security Guards earn?

Security Guards enjoy all the benefits of Federal employment. This includes Federal retirement benefits, however, the position is not included in the special law enforcement retirement program. Security Guards are compensated, in addition to base salary, with locality pay, premium pay for work performed as overtime, at night, on Sundays, and on holidays.  In addition, health and life insurance may be obtained through Federal employee programs. 

Insurance plans are available to immediate family members.  Financial protection is provided, without cost, in the event of a job-related injury or death.  Annual leave accrues at the rate of 13 to 26 days per year, based on length of employment.  Prior Federal civilian or military service is credible.  Sick leave is earned at the rate of 13 days per year and there are 10 paid Federal holidays per year.