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Armed Protective Security Officer (PSO)
Location: Austin, Texas and surrounding areas
Company: Meritus Solutions Group LLC
Position Overview
Armed Protective Security Officers (PSOs) provide security services at designated federal buildings and installations under the Federal Protective Service (FPS).
PSOs are responsible for safeguarding federal property, personnel, visitors, and government property through access control, security monitoring, patrol operations, emergency response, and force protection activities.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Secure federal buildings, property, and equipment
Control access to federal buildings and restricted areas for employees and visitors
Conduct inspections, patrols, and perimeter checks
Monitor security systems and screening equipment
Respond to emergencies and security incidents
Prepare clear and accurately written incident reports
Licensing & Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all requirements below to be considered:
Valid Texas Level III Commission Card (issued by the State of Texas)
Minimum 2 years of experience in one of the following:
Security
Military
Law enforcement
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must be a U.S. citizen and possess a valid Social Security card
High school diploma or GED
Valid driver’s license (if position requires PSO to drive a patrol vehicle)
Clean criminal background (no felonies or domestic violence/assault convictions)
Ability to fluently speak, read, and write in English
All applicants must successfully pass:
Federal background investigation (may take 3 months or longer)
Drug screening (company-paid)
Medical evaluation (company-paid)
Required Certifications
Valid State Driver's License
Valid Texas Level III Commission Card (issued by the State of Texas)
CPR / First Aid / AED
OC Spray Certification
Baton Certification
Valid semi-annual FPS pistol qual
NWDTP Screener training (if assigned to a post that requires certification)
Training Requirements
All new hires must be fully trained before standing post, as required by the federal government:
1 week of classroom training
1 week of range/firearms training
2 days of X-ray and screening training
Training Includes:
FPS PSO curriculum (with exam)
FPS Weapons Training (with qualification)
Security certification training
Contract-specific and site-specific operational training
Training Details:
All training takes place in Austin, TX
New hires are paid during training
Applicants must be available to attend in person
All uniforms, duty gear, firearm, and ammunition are provided by the company
Pay & Compensation
Training Pay: $17.75/hour with no additional benefits until standing the first shift of post on the contract
Base Pay: $32.50/hour as of 10/1/2026
Health & Welfare / 401(k): $5.95/hour - Health & Welfare benefits, per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, will be paid to the Union's Health and Welfare Trust Fund.
Total Compensation: $38.45/hour
All officers on this contract are covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement of the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA). Per Texas law, Union Membership is not mandatory for employment.
Benefits
Union Health insurance
Union 401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation and Sick Time
Additional Holiday Benefit Pay
Eligibility for Company Employee Referral Program
Employment Status
All new hires start as part-time
Full-time positions are awarded as they become available
Work Locations
Austin, TX and surrounding Areas
Work is performed on-site at designated federal facilities and associated locations within the service area.
Security Clearance Requirement
This position requires successful completion of federal background screening and the ability to obtain and maintain required government security credentials.
Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining eligibility and meeting all government suitability requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Meritus Solutions Group LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
