Armed Security Officer (CSO)

Akima, LLC; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima, LLC is seeking Armed Contract Security Officers to protect TVA facilities in Chattanooga, TN. Officers will be responsible for access control, visitor screening, and the operation of security systems while ensuring compliance with TVA policies and USCIS regulations.

Applicants must meet strict suitability standards, complete required training, and pass background, medical and drug screenings. Physical endurance and firefight readiness are essential, with long shifts and high attention to

Qualifications

• Must fluently speak, read, comprehend, and write in English.
• Three (3) years of security experience within the past five (5) years or equivalent.
• Must pass background screening, psychological evaluation, drug testing, and initial training.

Responsibilities

• Provide access control and visitor processing at TVA facilities.
• Operate and monitor security equipment (X-ray, WTMD, HHMD, CCTV).
• Respond to emergencies and report safety issues and incidents promptly.
• Maintain records, complete reports, and provide testimony when required.

Skills

Security awareness

English proficiency

Public interaction

Emergency response

Computer proficiency

Education

Associate degree or higher in security or law enforcement

Police academy training

Tools

X-ray machines

Walk-through metal detectors

Hand-held metal detectors

CCTV

Firearms

Job description

Armed Contract Security Officers (CSOs) provide protective services at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) facilities. Prior to assignment, all personnel must fully meet contract requirements, including experience, physical and psychological evaluations, initial drug screening, background checks, and completion of required training.

No personnel may perform under this contract until compliant with all suitability standards.

The Contractor shall ensure all CSOs comply with TVA Personnel Security policies, procedures, and requirements, as well as United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations regarding eligibility to work in the United States.

Position is contingent upon contract award.

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Responsibilities

CSOs assigned to TVA facilities will be responsible for, but are not limited to, the following:

• Access control operations.

Visitor processing and screening using:

• X-ray machines.
• Walk-through metal detectors (WTMD).
• Hand-held metal detectors (HHMD).
• Vehicular and foot security patrols.
• Traffic control and direction.
• Alarm monitoring and response.
• Receipt, accountability, and safeguarding of keys.
• Operation of security and safety systems.
• Compliance monitoring and conduct oversight.
• Reporting safety issues, hazardous conditions, and incidents.
• Responding to injury or illness until emergency personnel arrive.
• Completing reports, maintaining records, and providing testimony when required.
• Managing civil disturbances and emergency situations.
• Serving as the primary security response personnel.
• CSOs must be properly trained by the Contractor in all required areas prior to assignment.
• Physical and Operational Requirements.

CSOs must be physically capable of performing all job-related functions, including:

• Frequent and prolonged walking, standing, sitting, and stooping for up to 12 hours per day, indoors or outdoors, in all weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain, wind, sleet, and snow).
• Regular interaction with the public, law enforcement, and dispatch personnel while maintaining clear communication and composure under stressful situations.
• Remaining on post for up to four consecutive hours without sitting, eating, or using restroom facilities.
• Sustaining alertness for up to 12 hours and reacting quickly to unexpected situations using sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
• Operating security equipment, including metal detectors, X-ray systems, and CCTV, while safely utilizing a firearm as required.
• Demonstrating computer proficiency, including typing and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook.
• Reading post orders, writing accurate and grammatically correct reports, and responding appropriately to routine and emergency dispatches.
• Performing emergency actions, including first aid, CPR, and resuscitation until emergency medical personnel arrive.
• Occasionally running, sprinting, lifting heavy items, moving objects, and climbing stairs in support of emergency operations or facility evacuations.
• Contractor personnel must successfully complete an approved physical evaluation demonstrating proper endurance, physical conditioning, proficiency in the use of firearms and security equipment, and the ability to tolerate physical exertion and sudden emotional stress.

Qualifications

• All Contractor personnel must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
• Three (3) years of security experience within the past five (5) years.
• Three (3) years of military or National Guard service (active or reserve).
• Associate degree or higher in a security or law enforcement-related field.
• Successful completion of a police officer's basic training academy.
• Equivalent experience or education approved by the Contract Technical Supervisor (CTS).
• All Contractor personnel must also meet the following requirements:
• Must fluently speak, read, comprehend, and write in English.
• Must successfully pass background screening, psychological evaluation, drug testing, and all required initial training.
• Must meet all Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) suitability criteria prior to assignment.
• The Contractor must maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with all TVA Personnel Security requirements and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations.
• Temporary foreign workers holding non-immigrant visas may not be assigned under this contract unless explicitly authorized by TVA.