Uniformed Armed Security Officer I/Ii/Iii

The nonpartisan Legislative Affairs Agency provides objective, accurate, and timely services and products to the Alaska Legislature and Alaskans to support and inform policy making, facilitate public access to the legislative process, and preserve the legislative institution.

Working in seamless partnership across sections, staff approach their tasks with professionalism, grace, and courtesy in supporting the challenging and vital work of the legislative branch.

Job Summary

The Uniformed Armed Security Officer provides security and safety for the Capitol Complex by monitoring, patrolling, and providing immediate emergency response. This position must complete additional training in firearms handling and defensive tactics.  This recruitment is open until the position is filled.

This is a fully exempt job class under AS 39.25.110(3). Positions in the Legislative Affairs Agency are required to be politically neutral.

Distinguishing Characteristics - Flex Position

This is a flex position. It may be filled at the 1, 2, or 3 level, depending on training and/or experience. If filled at a lower level, promotion to the higher level may occur upon successful completion of required training, meeting the minimum qualifications of the higher job class.

Security Officer One (Range 16)

This is a full or part-time armed position. Criminal background, physical condition, and psychological testing are required. This position must also pass the Alaska Department of Public Safety's current Duty Pistol course and LAA Security's Defensive Tactics training which includes the proper use of firearms, batons, tasers, chemical irritants, and open hand techniques. Through performance-based testing, the officer must demonstrate the basic knowledge and techniques to handle upset individuals and professional agitators. Nationally recognized First Aid/CPR/AED certification should be obtained as soon as possible and is required within the first six months of employment. This position must operate X-ray and metal detectors, cameras, radios, computer, and alarm equipment.

Security Officer Two (Range 18)

Meet all the requirements of a Security Officer One, plus one year of experience as a Legislative Security Officer who has worked both session and interim on day and night shifts or equivalent experience and/or advanced training. Those with advanced training must still pass performance-based testing which includes the proper use of firearms, batons, tasers, chemical irritants, open hand techniques, and the advanced knowledge and techniques to handle upset individuals and professional agitators.

Security Officer Three (Range 19)

Meet all the requirements of a Security Officer Two, plus have one or more of the following:

• Prior law enforcement experience and the ability to obtain a special commission from the Department of Public Safety.

• Possess training certification in firearms, defensive tactics, First Aid, hostage negotiation, conflict resolution and/or other skills deemed advantages to the Security Section.

• Trained in and proficient with specialty Legislative Security Services equipment such as electronic surveillance detection equipment.

Examples of Duties

Depending on the job class selected, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Monitors the Capitol and legislative office buildings and the transiting of legislators, legislative employees, and visitors, and staffs the Capitol security desk.

• Patrols the exterior and interior of the Capitol Complex monitoring all access points and rooms, preserving order, protecting property, and ensuring the occupants and buildings are secured and safe from criminal acts or hazards.

• Watches for and reports safety-related irregularities, such as fire hazards, leaking water pipes, and unsecure spaces.

• Provides warnings of rule infractions or violations and may apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.

• Investigates incidents and reports to Chief of Security.

• Contacts Juneau Police or Fire Department in emergencies (fire, medical, presence of unauthorized persons), and assists with building evacuations.

• Responds to calls for assistance from building occupants.

• Administers first aid and assistance to individuals during emergencies, accidents, or illnesses.

• Monitors closed circuit cameras and responds to any incidents.

• Prepares incident reports including equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences. Prepares daily Security Log. Submits reports to the Chief of Security.

• Receiving Threat Reports from legislators and staff, providing guidance and escalating as appropriate.

• Trains with security equipment and attends classes as required for security-related qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess many of or all the following desired strengths:

• Knowledge of fire protection, safety, and security procedures.

• Knowledge of and training/certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED procedures.

• General knowledge of the Alaska Legislature and the legislative process, state government, Alaska laws, regulations, executive orders, Agency rules.

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service.

• Ability as well as applicable training/certification to use a handgun and other police equipment.

• Ability to convey a commanding appearance to potentially disruptive persons entering the building through professional appearance and the use of strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and common sense.

• Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) clearly and concisely.

• Ability to interpret written and oral instructions.

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify potential threats and determine an appropriate response.

• Ability to recognize an emergency and react in a mature, controlled manner.

• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and entire body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, and stooping.

• Comfortable with using computers and ability to learn basic software programs, such as MS Outlook and Word, and navigate the legislature's website.

• Ability to act professionally, objectively, and impartially in dealing with legislators, legislative employees, and the public.

• Ability to concentrate on a task without being distracted.

• Ability to work independently and handle a variety of projects simultaneously.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.

Why work for the Legislative Affairs Agency?

Working here is a chance to be a part of Alaska history. LAA employees provide essential nonpartisan support to the Legislature where vital policy and laws are created. The Agency is made up of eleven sections led by a management team with 200 years of combined legislative experience and institutional knowledge who, along with our staff, share an unwavering commitment to serving Alaskans. We work in a dynamic environment and teamwork is not just a buzzword, but fundamental to everything we do.

We value:

Accountability. We are committed to responsible use of human, financial, and environmental resources.

Respect. We provide services without discrimination or judgment.

Integrity. We are honest and ethical in our work.

The Alaska Legislature values the unique contributions that candidates with diverse experiences, knowledge and backgrounds can bring to our work.  We are an equal opportunity employer committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace.

Comprehensive Benefit Package

The Alaska Legislature offers health benefits including a range of coverage choices for medical, dental, and vision; a health flexible spending account; as well as other health services such as Teladoc, Hinge Health, and Surgery Plus. In addition, there are a variety of supplemental elections: life insurance, additional accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, and both short- and long-term disability.

Health and Wellness

Employees have access to a 24/7 Wellness Center, which is a small fee-based workout facility ($50 annually) with two treadmills, two ellipticals, one recumbent bike, strength training equipment, free weights, two showers, one steam room, lockers, and towel service.

For mental health wellness, the State of Alaska offers free, confidential help through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Financial Well-Being

The State offers savings and investment plans, paid leave, insurance options, and more to help employees meet their financial goals.

This includes:

• Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), with either a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution based on original State of Alaska hire date.

• Deferred Compensation plan with options for before or after payroll taxes.

• Supplemental Benefits System Annuity (SBS) in lieu of Social Security.

• Workers Compensation Insurance.

• Voluntary Savings Plan (Defined Benefit participants only)

Professional Development

The Legislative Affairs Agency encourages employees to improve their skills by enrolling in professional development courses directly related to their job responsibilities. Employees may apply for reimbursement for the cost of tuition and books for one undergraduate college-level course per calendar year for which they receive a minimum of a 'C' letter grade.

Work/Life Balance

Work/life balance is supported through:

• The potential for flexible work schedules during interim when the legislature is not in session.

• Agency staff may accrue as compensatory time up to 150 hours of hours worked over the standard work week. There is no cash value to compensatory time.

• The State offers paid leave starting at 6:04 (h:mm) a pay period or 21 days a year.  If you have previous time working for the State of Alaska in a leave eligible position, the time will be calculated into your accrual rate.

• 11 paid State holidays each year

• The Legislative Affairs Agency is a family-friendly employer.

• The Alaska State Legislature has an onsite daycare with priority given to legislative employees' children.

• An assigned parking space may be available upon request.

High school diploma or equivalent. Must pass a criminal background check, psychological evaluation, medical exam, and pass a certified armed security guard course which includes 80 hours of firearms training, defensive tactics, and First Aid/CPR/AED.

Each level has different minimum qualifications/requirements as stated above.This is a fully exempt job class under AS 39.25.110(3). Positions in the Legislative Affairs Agency are required to be politically neutral.

To apply, you can either apply through Workplace Alaska OR submit a Resume, cover letter, and professional references to the Personnel Section at PersonnelGroup@akleg.gov .