HERMISTON -- Uncle Sam wants you, if you need a job and want to work as a civilian security guard at the Umatilla Chemical Depot.

The Army is actively recruiting candidates for those jobs at the depot, said Lt. Col. David Holliday, but finding qualified people isn't all that easy.

"We're making progress," Holliday said during a meeting of the Oregon Demilitarization Citizens Advisory Committee on Thursday. "We have some great candidates."

But the pool of prospective employees, who eventually might work in areas where chemical weapons are stored and destroyed, is limited by the extensive background checks necessary to qualify.

The depot, 30 miles south of the Tri-Cities, stores 220,604 munitions and containers filled with 7.4 million pounds of deadly nerve and mustard agents that are to be destroyed under international treaty, possibly beginning in July.

As incineration nears, the Army is increasing its security force. National Guard and Department of Defense staff to improve security at the depot.

Holliday wouldn't say how many additional guards he needs to hire because that information could have a possible effect on security.

"I need additional guards," Holliday said. "You can never have too many."

Because of the sensitive nature of the job, Holliday said any job candidates must undergo financial and medical checks, family history as well as background checks.

After a person is hired, he or she must go through a stringent training program to receive certification through the Army's personnel reliability program. That could take from six months to a year, Holliday said.

In the interim, those hired would work in administrative security areas, such as at the front gate or around the perimeter of the depot.

Holliday said the hiring process will not interfere with startup of incineration.

He's also looking for toxic waste handlers, who would move chemical weapons from storage areas into the plant where they will be destroyed.

Qualifications for those jobs are even more demanding, he said, because those hired will also have to have the physical stamina to wear protective gear as they work.

Candidates for those jobs would also have their backgrounds scrutinized.

"It's very critical to have only the most reliable people," Holliday said.