Armed Security Officer

The Armed Security Officer protects County facilities, employees, and the public by maintaining a professional armed presence, enforcing County and State laws, deterring threats, and responding decisively to incidents. 

Department:  Risk Management

Pay Grade:  70, Non-Exempt

Starting hourly rate:  $21.56

The Armed Security Officer protects County facilities, employees, and the public by maintaining a professional armed presence, enforcing County and State laws, deterring threats, and responding decisively to incidents. 

Minimum Experience: 

• One years of experience as an Armed Security Officer

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or GED; Associate degree or higher in Criminal Justice or related field preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Qualifications: 

• Must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Possess and maintain a valid Tennessee Armed Security Guard/Officer registration card issued by the Private Protective Services Program, including 16 hours of initial firearm training and a minimum score of 70% on a state‑approved course of fire.
• Complete a TBI and FBI fingerprint‑based background check (T.C.A. § 62‑35‑116).
• Renew armed guard registration every 2 years, including 4 hours of refresher training and firearm re‑qualification.
• Maintain endorsements in firearm, OC spray, expandable baton, and CEW/Taser as required by state law and County standards.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED (American Red Cross, AHA, or equivalent).
• Certification in Naloxone (Narcan) administration within 6 months of hire.
• Successfully pass a pre‑employment drug screen and subject to random testing.
• No felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or disqualifying criminal history; not prohibited from firearm possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

The Armed Security Officer protects County facilities, employees, and the public by maintaining a professional armed presence, enforcing County and State laws, deterring threats, and responding decisively to incidents. 

Officers must comply with all provisions of the Tennessee Private Protective Services Act of 1987 (T.C.A. § 62-35), maintain all required armed guard endorsements and classifications (firearm, OC spray, expandable baton, CEW/Taser), and demonstrate proficiency in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and lawful use of force. The position requires coordination with local law enforcement and emergency management partners, as well as positive engagement with the public to promote a safe and secure environment.

GENERAL POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Provide armed patrol of interior and exterior areas; detect, document, and mitigate safety or security hazards.
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, and calls for service with appropriate action including de-escalation, restraint, or lawful force.
• Maintain annual qualification with duty firearm (minimum 70% score) and certifications in OC spray, expandable baton, and CEW/Taser.
• Prepare accurate incident reports, daily activity logs, and preserve evidence in compliance with state standards.
• Operate CCTV, access-control, and intrusion detection systems; demonstrate proficiency with digital incident reporting software.
• Serve as a security ambassador by providing directions, customer service, and professional assistance to staff and the public.
• Cooperate with local, state, and federal law‑enforcement agencies; testify in court when necessary.
• Participate in security drills, emergency evacuations, and fitness/skills training to maintain readiness.
• Control access to buildings using badge and visitor management systems; conduct screening with X‑ray and magnetometer equipment as required.
• Perform other related security duties as assigned.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position has no fiscal responsibilities

COUNTY ORGANIZATION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents the Department to other County departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinates Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.

• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

   

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Wear County‑issued uniform, firearm, ammunition, and assigned less‑lethal equipment.
• Complete County orientation and site‑specific training within 30 days of hire.
• Qualify annually with firearms and less‑lethal tools under County and State standards.
• Maintain compliance with Tennessee Private Protective Services Act of 1987 and related rules.
• Complete annual legal update training (Tennessee Code, case law, use‑of‑force standards).
• Participate in emergency preparedness and evacuation drills annually.
• Comply with OSHA/TOSHA workplace safety standards and County risk‑management policies.
• Strictly adhere to County policies on ethical conduct, confidentiality, and use of force.
• Knowledge of physical security administration, crime prevention, patrol, and records management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of state, county, and city ordinances related to public safety.
• High standards of safety and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and make decisions during high-stress situations.
• Proficient in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to interact with staff, officials, external agencies, and the public professionally and effectively.
• Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS/ACTIVITIES:

• Stand or walk for extended periods (8–12 hours) on various surfaces.
• Run, jog, and ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs quickly during emergencies.
• Lift, drag, or carry up to 50 lbs; restrain or assist individuals in distress.
• Perform defensive tactics and firearms training requiring kneeling, prone, and rapid positional changes.
• Maintain vision correctable to 20/30 in each eye, with normal color vision and depth perception.
• Hearing within normal limits, with or without correction.

• Pass County‑mandated annual physical fitness assessment (aligned with regional benchmarks).

   

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE:

Work is performed in County facilities, both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. Duties may involve exposure to large crowds, noise, and hostile situations. Shifts include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Position is subject to 24‑hour recall for emergencies.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and is not a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may also be assigned job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

Montgomery County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1966 (Section 1981) and 1964 (Title VI, VII,) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Equal Pay Act (EPA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA).