Want to work alongside the country’s decision makers in one of our most iconic buildings? You’re in luck as Australian Parliament House is now hiring security officers – with no previous industry experience required.
“We’re looking for people with good observational skills who are calm under pressure, professional, enjoy working in a team, and a big part of it is customer service,” security service officer team leader at Parliament House, Leisha Armstrong told Canberra Daily.
With security officer intakes generally occurring three or four times a year, successful applicants will undergo four weeks of paid training before taking to the halls of Parliament House.
The four weeks of training cover everything from radio training to operational safety training, report writing, screening, entry points, confidential operational matters, and learning the entirety of the enormous building that is Parliament House.
“You’ve got your three levels plus basement so it’s a really big building to get your head around,” Ms Armstrong said.
They will look to employ around 20 new security officers with this intake; the total number of security staff at Parliament House sits at roughly 120-130 at any given time.
With no experience required for the role, Ms Armstrong said applicants from all walks of life are encouraged, particularly women.
“You have everything from other security industries, defence personnel, police force, mothers working from home looking to come back into the workforce, to the younger generation coming out of school,” she said.
Ms Armstrong joined the Parliament House security team from a background in the Navy and private security.
“I wanted something a little more professional, so I started here,” she said.
“It’s an exciting place, there’s always something new, there’s always something challenging, I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
Outside of getting to work in one of the nation’s most iconic and important buildings, Ms Armstrong said there are a host of other perks.
“We have a health and recreational centre; it is a big perk, it’s got the swimming pool, a steam room, a spa, you’ve got the gym, squash courts, we have tennis courts on site too,” she said.
“Then you’ve got everything from daycare on site, and free parking, and the uniform’s provided.
“Also being around Senators and Members and even the Prime Minister, it’s quite an exciting place to be.
“More so when it’s not COVID and the building is swelling with up to thousands of people, I enjoy that hustle bustle.”
Ms Armstrong said she has enjoyed the building slowly coming back to life since it reopened to the public in July.
“It’s been nice to see the tours and the school groups starting to come back through now, it’s been great to see the kids back in the building,” she said.
“To hear the noise of the kids and that excitement is always lovely.”
If joining the Australian Parliament House security team sounds appealing, click here to complete an online application before Monday 30 November.
