Austin Texas Area - Armed Protective Security Officer

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.