Security Officer

Security Officer – Screening & Access Control (Detection Specialist)

Control access. Detect risk. Protect people—and the institutions at the heart of Canada’s democracy.

Official position title:
Detection Specialist, Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS)

Location:

Ottawa, Ontario |

Employment Type:

Full-time, shift work (24/7)

The Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) is responsible for safeguarding Parliament, its members, employees, and visitors. Every day, thousands of people move through the Parliamentary Precinct, relying on a secure, open, and professional protective setting.

As a Security Officer – Screening & Access Control (Detection Specialist), you are a frontline presence responsible for controlling access to Parliamentary buildings. You screen people, belongings, and vehicles using security screening technology, including X‑ray and related detection equipment, to prevent prohibited or dangerous items from entering secure spaces. This role is public‑facing and service‑oriented, requiring vigilance, sound judgment, and professionalism at all times.

Shifts rotate 24/7, including nights, weekends, and statutory holidays.

• Screen people, personal belongings, and vehicles using screening technology
• Interpret images to identify prohibited or suspicious items
• Identify, report, and escalate security concerns
• Direct visitors respectfully and professionally
• Maintain situational awareness in high‑volume environments
• Work collaboratively as part of an integrated protective posture

You are a strong candidate if you remain calm and professional under pressure, communicate clearly with diverse populations, exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations, work effectively as part of a team, and understand that security work is fundamentally about people.

Education

Post‑secondary diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and vigilance
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Judgment and decision‑making
• Teamwork and reliability
• Integrity and professionalism
• Ability to interpret visual information from screening equipment

Assets

• Experience in security or screening environments
• Experience using detection equipment
• Training in security or a related field
• Bilingualism (English and French)

• Ability to work rotating shifts (including nights and weekends)
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Willingness to wear a uniform
• Ability to complete PPS training and certifications
• Eligibility for required security clearance before employment start date

All candidates must obtain both a Site Access Clearance and a PPS Enhanced Reliability Status. The PPS security screening process includes a personal history questionnaire, a pre‑interview questionnaire, fingerprinting, a comprehensive background investigation, and a security screening interview that assess reliability, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty to Canada, and financial and criminal history. Candidates who do not meet the security screening requirements will not be granted the required screening level and will be removed from the hiring process.

PPS is committed to an inclusive, barrier‑free workplace. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process.