Transportation Security Officer

Overview

Transportation Security Officer (TSO) positions are located at the Transportation Security Administration (DHS). TSOs provide security and protection of air travelers, airports and aircraft in a courteous and professional manner. Duties may include securing high-profile events and figures and addressing matters affecting transportation systems. The role may involve interactions with the traveling public and working in a security operations environment.

Salary information is location-specific. For Kotzebue, AK (OTZ - Ralph Wien Memorial Airport), the salary range is $73,809 to $91,767 per year (approximately $35.37 to $43.97 per hour) with locality pay and applicable incentives. A sign-on bonus of up to $15,000 may be offered for this duty location, paid in installments during the first year, subject to change based on operational needs.

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers and prevent objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Conduct searches and screening, including potential physical interaction with passengers, bag searches, and handling bags and property up to 50 lbs.
• Control terminal entry and exit points and interact with the public to provide directions and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain focus and situational awareness in a stressful environment to identify threats and make effective decisions in routine and crisis situations.
• Apply critical thinking and risk-based security screening protocols to mitigate potential security threats and adapt to program requirements.
• Comply with applicable Standard Operating Procedures and adapt to changes or unforeseen obstacles.

Realistic Job Preview: A preview describes what it means to work as a TSO and includes employee testimonies. Availability of the preview video may depend on the schedule.

Note: Frontline employees may be required to wear TSA-issued PPE, including masks, face shields, and nitrile gloves, to protect health and safety.

• You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• You must have reached the minimum age of 18 at the time of application.
• Selective Service registration is required.
• You must pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation; subject to post-employment random drug/alcohol testing.
• Must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed, and proficient in English.
• Mandatory travel for training; occasional travel may be required.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and chemicals is inherent in this position.

Physical Demands: Maintain physical agility and the ability to lift, carry, and manage objects up to 50 pounds; ability to walk up to three miles and stand for extended periods during a shift.

Additional Qualifications and compliance requirements include: odd-hour schedules, background checks, drug testing, residency requirements, and a number of program-specific policies (including Selective Service verification, credit checks, and potential travel for training).

• Full-time positions: approximately 40 hours per week with shift-work that may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Part-time positions: typically 16–32 hours per week with similar shift considerations.

TSA is an excepted service agency. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plans;
Thrift Savings Plan; flexible spending accounts; paid holidays and personal leave; and additional programs. Offers may vary by position and location.

Starting a career with TSA as a TSO may lead to opportunities within DHS. For more information on benefits, consult the DHS Careers site.

Note:

The announcement may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received. More than one position may be filled from this announcement.