LCR at John Day or The Dalles - Armed Guard II

Armed Security Officer

Location: Lower Columbia River (LCR) Basin – The Dalles Dam & John Day Dam, Oregon
Company: Meritus Solutions Group

Overview

Meritus Solutions Group (Meritus) is an SBA-certified Department of Veterans Affairs Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Meritus provides critical infrastructure protection and security services to federal agencies throughout the United States.

Meritus is seeking Armed Security Officers to support security operations at the Lower Columbia River Basin (LCR) – The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam. This position plays an important role in protecting federal infrastructure, personnel, and government assets.

Position Summary

Armed Security Officers assigned to this federal contract are responsible for performing security and patrol functions to protect federal facilities, personnel, and property. Officers will maintain a visible security presence, control access to secured locations, and respond to incidents or emergencies in accordance with government security procedures.

The role requires professionalism, reliability, and the ability to operate effectively in a structured federal security environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform armed security patrols of federal buildings, property, and surrounding areas.

• Control access to restricted locations by verifying credentials of employees, contractors, and visitors.

• Protect government personnel, equipment, and materials from unauthorized access or damage.

• Conduct perimeter checks and facility inspections.

• Monitor activity and report suspicious behavior or security concerns.

• Respond to incidents, emergencies, or security violations in accordance with federal and contract requirements.

• Complete required incident reports and government documentation.

• Maintain accurate logs and written security reports.

• Follow all federal, contract, and company security procedures.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age

• Must be able to pass a federal government background investigation

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently

• Must possess a valid state driver’s license

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED

• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Oregon Armed Security License (company assistance provided)

Certification & Training Requirements

Meritus will assist selected candidates in obtaining required certifications and provide necessary training at no cost to the employee, including:

• Oregon Armed Security License

• Baton / OC Spray / Handcuff certification

• CPR / First Aid / AED certification

• U.S. Army Pistol Qualification Course

• Medical evaluation and drug screening

• All Department of Defense (DoD) or U.S. Army required training

• Uniforms, duty gear, and firearm issued by the company

Union Representation

All security officers on this contract are represented by a labor union, which ensures fair wages and structured annual wage increases.

Overtime opportunities may be available and are compensated at time-and-a-half in accordance with union agreements and federal contract requirements.

Compensation

Base Pay:

• $23.24 per hour

Health & Welfare:

• $4.80 per hour

Total Compensation:

• $28.04 per hour

Full-time Signing Bonus for John Day/Rufus Location ONLY: Bonus for full-time Employees as of 4/3/2026

• $500 upon successful completion of training.
• $500 after one year on the contract as a full-time employee working a full-time schedule. 

Benefits

Meritus offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off (Vacation and sick time)

• Referral Program

• Professional Development Assistance

Paid Leave

• 11 Paid Federal Holidays per year (paid even if the holiday is not worked)

• Vacation Leave: 80 hours earned after 1 year of service

• Sick Leave: 56 hours per year accrued beginning on day one

Work Schedule

Security officers typically work a rotating schedule designed to support work-life balance:

• 8 to 12-hour shifts are common

• Additional shifts may include:

  • Day shifts

  • Night shifts

  • Holidays

  • Overtime

  • Weekend coverage as needed

Work Environment

This position operates within federal infrastructure facilities at the Lower Columbia River Basin, including The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam. Officers must comply with all federal security regulations and contract requirements while on duty.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Meritus Solutions Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.