Armed Protective Security Officer

First Coast Security Solutions; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

First Coast Security Solutions is seeking Armed Protective Security Officers for Des Moines, IA and surrounding areas. PSOs must travel and work weekends/holidays to support federally owned facilities and protect personnel and property.

Responsibilities include controlling access, patrolling, incident response, reporting, and maintaining safety. Candidates need 2+ years in relevant security, US citizenship, and the ability to obtain required licenses.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years verifiable experience in armed security, law enforcement, or honorable military service.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain suitability per DHS/FPS.
• Excellent written reports in English and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Control access to client facilities by verifying admittance and screening visitors.
• Provide courteous, professional interactions reflecting well on the client.
• Monitor entrances, CCTV, and vehicle inspections; patrol on foot or by vehicle.
• Respond to incidents such as fires or medical emergencies per procedures.
• Complete logs and reports with accuracy; communicate with teammates and authorities as needed.

Skills

Armed Security

Patrol

Incident Response

Team Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

60 college credits

Job description

First Coast Security Solutions provides security services nationwide. We are seeking Armed Protective Security Officers (PSOs) for the Des Moines, Iowa and surrounding areas. PSOs must be willing to travel, willing to work on weekends and holidays. This role provides support to federally owned and leased facilities by responding to incidents and ensuring safety for both personnel and property.

• Training Rate: $17.75/hour
• Base Rate: $36.59/hour + $5.93 Health & Welfare (H&W).

Responsibilities

• Control access to client facilities by verifying admittance, screening visitors, and preventing unauthorized entry.
• Provide courteous, professional interactions that reflect positively on the client and security department.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and openly with visitors, employees, and team members.
• Monitor entrances, exits, and overall facility activity, including vehicle inspections, gate operations, CCTV monitoring, and remote access systems.
• Patrol assigned areas on foot or in a vehicle to identify hazards, detect security violations, and ensure safe conditions.
• Respond to incidents such as fires, medical emergencies, disturbances, hazardous materials, inclement weather, and other situations following established procedures.
• Protect evidence and secure incident scenes as required, including setting up barriers and providing direction to others.
• Complete logs, reports, and documentation using proper grammar and accuracy.
• Report suspicious activities, safety concerns, or incidents to client representatives, supervisors, and public safety authorities as appropriate.
• Follow all safety rules, company policies, and site procedures, request clarification when unsure of policies.
• Other related duties may be assigned based on site needs.

Working Conditions

• Work may be performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Position requires standing and walking patrols for extended periods and responding quickly throughout the facility.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move equipment or barriers up to 25-50 lbs as needed.
• May involve exposure to noise, bright lighting, and fast-paced environments.
• Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• Must be available to travel.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must possess a valid Social Security Card by the Social Security Administration bearing the individual's name and social security number.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Shall fluently speak, read, comprehend, and compose coherent written reports in English.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain suitability as mandated by DHS/FPS.
• Must maintain all required licenses, permits and certifications.

Required State Licensing

• Must possess or be able to obtain required license.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years of verifiable experience is required in one of the following areas:

• Armed Security
• Law Enforcement
• Honorable Military Service in any component of the U.S. Armed Forces

Education

Must meet one of the following education requirements from an accredited learning institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or as identified on a DD 214.

• High School Diploma
• GED
• Minimum of sixty (60) related college credit hours