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.
- Where do Security Guards Work?
- What do Security Guards do?
- How do I become a Security Guard?
- Are there any special requirements?
- What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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