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)

Salary: $60,639 to $79,797

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 environment.

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 elevate 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
• Understand that security work is fundamentally about people

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

• 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

• Experience in security or screening environments
• 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 completion of 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. To initiate the PPS security screening process, candidates will be required to complete a personal history questionnaire, a pre‑interview questionnaire, and undergo fingerprinting.

The security screening process involves a comprehensive background investigation to assess the candidate’s reliability, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty to Canada and reliability as it relates to that loyalty. This security screening investigation includes, but is not limited to, a loyalty assessment, law enforcement verifications, financial verifications, internet inquiries, as well as personal and employment reference checks. Candidates will also be required to participate in a security screening interview, which will cover a range of topics needed to complete the security screening assessment.

Candidates should be aware that participation in, or completion of, the recruitment process does not guarantee eligibility for a PPS security screening. Security screening is conducted as a separate process, and the outcome may be influenced by several factors, including the length of time an individual has resided in Canada and the resulting ability to verify required background information. Interactions with law enforcement, credit history, personal associations, and other relevant security considerations may also affect a candidate’s eligibility to be granted the required security screening level and may influence the time needed to complete the security screening process.

Candidates who do not meet the security screening requirements will not be granted the required security screening level and will therefore be removed from the hiring process as it is a condition of employment.

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