Transportation Security Officer

Summary

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) protect travelers and transportation systems by providing security and protection across all transportation sectors with professionalism and courtesy. They may also secure high‑profile events and important figures that impact transportation infrastructure.

• Operate screening equipment to detect dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and passengers, preventing them from being transported aboard aircraft.
• Perform physical searches, including pat‑downs and bag inspections that may require lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Control terminal entry and exit points.
• Interact with the public, answer questions, and provide direction.
• Maintain focus and awareness in a stressful, noisy environment while identifying and responding to potential threats and making effective decisions.
• Develop critical thinking skills and apply risk‑based screening protocols as required.
• Retain and implement all applicable Standard Operating Procedures and adapt to changing conditions.

The salary range for Austin, TX (AUS – Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport) is $52,141 to $64,286, or $24.98 to $30.80 per hour. The compensation includes locality pay of 20.35% and a retention incentive equal to 10% of adjusted pay, contingent on annual approval and funding.

TSO applicants may receive a sign‑on bonus of up to $2,000, paid in two installments during the first 12 months of service. The bonus amount is subject to change.

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. national is required.
• Minimum age of 18 at time of application.
• Selective Service registration required.
• Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, background investigation, and post‑employment drug/ alcohol testing.
• Available to work various shifts, overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, comprehension).
• Travel for training and occasional work may be required.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent.

• Maintain physical agility necessary to squat, bend, and lift baggage weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Walk up to 3 miles during a shift and stand for extended periods (up to 4 hours).

To qualify for the SV‑D pay band (GS‑5/6), applicants must meet one of the following:

• Experience:
  
  At least one year of full‑time work in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X‑ray technician.
• Education:
  
  High‑school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC equivalency certification.

Occasional travel may be required for training. Training may involve up to 6 weeks of full‑time duty away from the primary airport. Other travel may be required while employed.

TSOs must comply with the Master Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding personal protective equipment, ear, nose, and tongue piercings, and visible tattoos. Specific limits on ear and body piercings and tattoo visibility are enforced.

• Required 40 hours per week.
• Shift work can occur any day, including nights, holidays, and weekends. Shifts may be irregular, split, or extended.

• Typically 16–32 hours per week.
• Shift work follows the same pattern as full‑time positions.

• Complete classroom training, on‑the‑job training, and all initial certification testing.
• Engage in recurrent and specialized training and recertification tests as scheduled.
• Pass background investigations, criminal checks, credit checks, and random drug/alcohol screenings.

DHS offers a competitive benefits package that may include health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term care insurance; a retirement plan; a Thrift Savings Plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance programs; personal leave days; paid federal holidays; flexible work schedules; telework options; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness center access.