Transportation Security Officer

Quick Facts

• Role: Transportation Security Officer

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

• Work: Shift work (including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime); training may require mandatory travel

Description

Transportation Security Officers provide security and protection of travelers across transportation systems, primarily for air travel. The job includes operating screening technology, performing passenger and baggage searches (including physical screening such as pat-downs), controlling terminal entry/exit points, and maintaining high situational awareness in stressful environments. TSOs must follow Standard Operating Procedures and develop critical thinking to identify and respond to security threats.

Responsibilities

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

• Conduct searches and screening, including pat-downs and bag/property searches (lifting/carrying items up to ~50 lbs)

• Control terminal entry and exit points

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

• Maintain awareness in high-noise, distraction, and time-pressure conditions to identify life-threatening/mass-destruction devices

• Apply risk-based screening protocols based on program requirements

• Follow and implement Standard Operating Procedures; adapt to new information and unexpected obstacles

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. National

• Age 18+ at application

• Selective Service registration (if applicable)

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

• Subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing

• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, comprehension)

• Available for various shifts and overtime

• Willing/able to travel for New Hire training (minimum ~3 weeks, up to ~6 weeks full-time duty status depending on location)

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

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

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

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)); Flexible Spending Account

• Employee Assistance Program; paid leave and paid federal holidays

• Potential tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health/wellness programs, and fitness centers

• Employee development and training opportunities