The Parliamentary Security Service (PSS) performs a range of contemporary security functions in Parliament House. The PSS operates 24 hours, seven day a week and PSS officers provide security services and response capability, with duties including, but not being limited to:

• entry screening of persons and property
• access control and monitoring
• mobile patrolling
• immediate response to security incidents, and
• first aid and emergency response.

What we offer

We offer full-time, part-time, and casual employment opportunities. Full time PSS officers work rostered shifts servicing Parliament House 24 hours, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Part-time ‘Sessional’ PSS officers work during Parliamentary Sitting periods. Casual employees are called in to meet operational requirements

Benefits include:

• generous employment conditions
• shift penalties apply where staff are rostered between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:30am, Monday to Friday and on weekends and public holidays.
• onsite staff dining, cafes, and coffee outlets
• free gym membership, pool, and sporting facilities, and
• free onsite parking.

Who we are looking for

People from all backgrounds and cultures who are committed to delivering high levels of customer service. You do not require a background in Security, as we will train you.

You might be:

• seeking to commence a career in security
• mid-career, seeking a change in direction
• recently retired and looking for part-time, or casual work
• a tertiary student looking for part-time, or casual work to support your studies, or
• returning to the workforce after raising a family.

DPS is looking to employ people who are responsive, have the right attitude, want to be challenged and demonstrate a desire to learn. Successful applicants will:

• demonstrate great customer service
• possess good judgement and communication skills
• be able to work rostered shifts
• value teamwork and foster team cohesion
• demonstrate values of honesty, integrity, inclusion, and accountability, and
• meet the selection requirements.

What is required?

Security clearance

PSS Officers are required to either hold or be able to obtain a security clearance of Negative Vetting Level 1.  You must be an Australian citizen to hold a security clearance.

DPS will pay for your security clearance, however, If your engagement takes effect before the Department has the result of your security assessment, and you are subsequently assessed as not meeting the requirements for the security clearance, your employment may be terminated.

Health and fitness

As a PSS officer, you will often undertake physical tasks such as:

• standing for prolonged periods
• walking several kilometres a day
• climbing stairs and ladders, and
• entering and working in confined spaces.

In an emergency, PSS officers may also be required to:

• move rapidly to a specific area of the building
• react quickly and swiftly to situations, and
• utilise unarmed defensive tactics to remove people from the building.

Prior to employment, you will need to undertake a Pre-Employment Functional Assessment (PEFA).  The PEFA is designed to ensure you have the required level of physical fitness to perform the role of a PSS officer.  The testing techniques applied assess physical traits such as strength, endurance and flexibility and are specifically tailored to the PSS role.

PSS officers are also expected to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness whilst employed in the PSS

Behaviour and appearance

All employees of Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) are required to be able to provide professional, courteous and impartial advice and services to all Senators and Members, official guests and members of the public.

All DPS staff are required to meet the behavioural expectations set out under the Parliamentary Service Values and Code of Conduct.

PSS officers are issued with official uniforms and appropriate personal protective equipment and are expected to maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance whilst adhering to required policies and procedures at all times.

Specific rules or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be in place for certain teams and locations to meet operational, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements.

How to join?

The recruitment process for the PSS is a multi-stage process as listed below:

• applications must be lodged online
• short listing
• assessment day (details below)
• medical
• offer of employment
• online onboarding, and
• assessed ongoing suitability.

Applications

Applications must be submitted online and address the selection criteria and all aspects as detailed in the advertisement.

Assessment Day

The purpose of the assessment day is to evaluate whether you have the necessary abilities and skills to perform the role of a PSS officer. The assessment day content is designed to test a candidate's abilities in the following key areas:

• written and observation
• oral, and
• customer service.

Candidates will participate in an interview and undertake a fitness assessment.

Fitness standards

The fitness standards for entry to the PSS consist of:

• complete a timed walking test over a defined course to assess your cardiovascular fitness
• 10 push-ups
• 20 sit-ups
• hand strength test, and
• simulated 50 kg body drag.

What happens next?

Basic training

All training as a PSS employee is provided by the department and is free of charge with PSS recruits being paid a salary whilst they undergo their training.  Induction training typically includes training in areas such as:

• security procedures specifically for the Parliament of Australia
• first aid
• operational safety training
• report writing and communication skills
• x-ray and Explosives Trace Detection screening, and
• many other areas relevant to a modern security environment.

Failure to complete any module of the initial recruitment training may result in termination of employment.

Competency maintenance

All PSS officers are expected to undergo on-going annual competency training and assessment in areas including but not limited to:

• operational safety training
• security screening techniques, and
• first aid. 

Register your interest

We run regular PSS recruitment rounds. If you would like to receive notification of these opportunities, you can initiate an email alert by creating an account on our careers page and/or register your details here.

Further information

For additional information regarding the recruitment process or Security positions please contact the DPS Recruitment Team via email at dps.recruitment@aph.gov.au.