Security Guard
Position Overview
DOI Security Guards are responsible for the protection and physical security of employees, the public, and property within the confines of Federal facilities and land. Security Guards provide protection from potential threats such as terrorism, vandalism, sabotage, trespass, theft, and security breaches. Guards are uniformed and trained to observe and detect suspicious activity and respond effectively. They work closely with law enforcement to prevent and manage all types of potential violations and dangers. DOI Security Guards serve in a variety of capacities to include access control and patrol along with emergency dispatcher positions.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
Security Guards serve as the alert, vigilant, and diligent public face of DOI at many locations. The ideal candidate possesses integrity, accountability, and independent problem-solving abilities. DOI Security Guards are not afraid to take initiative, responding to security and safety emergencies independently or in a group when necessary. He or she can tactfully deal with people from a variety of backgrounds and remain calm, using good judgment in the face of complaints, uncooperative people, and emergencies. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in a professional manner are paramount.
Candidates interested in joining the Bureau of Reclamation's Security Response Force (SRF) are required to pass specific training. Please click here for more information.
Work Environment
Security Guards work in and around DOI facilities both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions. Security Guards may work long hours both during the day and at night. Security Guards may be assigned work requiring them to stand or walk for extended amounts of time. Depending on the location, Security Guards may be required to traverse mountainous terrain and loose ground. Security Guards serve in an armed and unarmed capacity, depending on the location.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements on the OPM website.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Journey:
- Conducting vehicle and foot patrols, screening visitors and bags to detect explosive devices and weapons
- Controlling access to restricted areas
- Opening and securing doors, gates, and buildings
- Monitoring closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment
- Operating vehicle and handheld radios
- Providing professional customer service to employees and visitors
- Responding to emergencies independently or in a team as directed
- Proficient in operating firearms and tactical response procedures
- Ability to complete official and unofficial reports
- Managing vehicle and pedestrian traffic through check points, parking areas, and visitor use facilities
- Assisting with VIP/dignitary visits and special events
Senior:
- Assigning and monitoring workloads for individuals and teams
- Leading small and large groups during emergency situations
- Planning and preparing for various security and emergency situations
- Making split second decisions to address changing emergency situations
- Completing official and unofficial reports
- Coaching fellow Security Guards
- Hearing and resolving individual and group grievances
- Completing administrative duties regarding time and attendances and day-to-day operations
- Upholding DOI Directives and Policies
- Completing schedules and make modifications as needed
- Serving as the DOI representative during meetings
Strengths by Level
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
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Physical Strength and AgilityAbility to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
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Self-ManagementSets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
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StaminaExerts oneself physically over long periods of time without tiring (which may include performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or coding).Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipJourney 4-7Senior 8-9
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
Dispatching
Guide
Security Clerical And Assistance
Where We Are
DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."
