Transportation Security Officer

Quick Facts

• Role: Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

• Focus: Security and protection of air travelers, airports, and aircraft

• Work: Shift work including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and possible split shifts

Description

Transportation Security Officers provide security and protection to air travelers, airports, and aircraft in a courteous and professional manner. The role includes operating screening equipment, conducting passenger and property searches (including pat-downs), controlling terminal entry/exit, and maintaining situational awareness to identify potentially life-threatening devices.

Responsibilities

• Operate screening equipment/technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers

• Perform searches and screening, including physical interaction (pat-downs) and lifting/carrying bags and bins (up to ~50 lbs)

• Control terminal entry and exit points

• Interact with the public, provide directions, and respond to inquiries

• Maintain awareness in stressful, noisy, and high-distraction environments; make effective decisions during crises and routine operations

• Apply risk-based security screening protocols based on program requirements

• Follow and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and adapt to new information

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. National

• Age 18+ at time of application

• Selective Service registration (if applicable)

• Pass structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation

• Subject to random post-employment drug and/or alcohol testing

• Available for various shifts and overtime as needed

• English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, comprehension)

• Mandatory training travel (minimum ~3 weeks; may require up to ~6 weeks)

• Physical ability to squat and bend; repeatedly lift/manipulate ~50 lbs; walk up to 3 miles per shift; stand up to 4 hours

• Meet qualification standard for SV-D (GS-5/6 equivalent): either 1 year full-time security/aviation screening/X-ray technician experience or appropriate high school equivalency credentials

• No delinquent federal/state taxes or past due child support

• Reside in the U.S. for 3 of the last 5 years (exceptions may apply)

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance

• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

• Flexible Spending Account

• Employee Assistance Program

• Paid leave days and paid federal holidays

• May include flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, and health/wellness programs