Transportation Security Officer

Overview

Transportation Security Officers are responsible for providing security and protection of travelers across all transportation sectors in a courteous and professional manner. Their duties may also extend to securing high-profile events, important figures and/or anything that includes or impacts our transportation systems.

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and on passengers, and prevent objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform searches and screenings, which may include physical interaction with passengers (e.g., pat-downs, search of property, etc.), conducting bag searches and lifting/carrying bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Control terminal entry and exit points.
• Interact with the public, give directions and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain focus and awareness in stressful environments to identify and locate potentially life-threatening or mass destruction devices and to make effective decisions in crisis and routine situations.
• Engage in continuous development of critical thinking to mitigate security threats, including applying risk-based security screening protocols that vary by program requirements.
• Retain and implement knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, adapting to change and new information.

Realistic Job Preview: The Realistic Job Preview provides an honest portrait of what it means to work as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO). To view the video, please .

Notes: Depending on operations, the announcement may close before the published closing date. Frontline employees may be required to wear TSA-approved PPE (e.g., masks, face shields, nitrile gloves). Health and safety of employees is a top priority.

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

Physical Demands: Must meet and maintain physical requirements, including:

• Maintain physical agility to squat and bend.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and manipulate baggage up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk up to three miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours).

These requirements must be met at the time of application submission.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional travel required for TSA New Hire training (minimum three weeks; up to six weeks may be required).
• Selective Service registration verification for male applicants born after 12/31/59.
• Credit check: no delinquent taxes or past-due child support.
• Residency requirement: must have resided in the United States for three of the last five years; exceptions may apply.
• Reemployed Annuitants: may affect salary under NDAA provisions.
• TSO Dress and Appearance: adherence to the Master Collective Bargaining Agreement; tattoos/piercings must meet policy and may affect eligibility.
• Work schedules: full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (16-32 hours/week); shifts may include irregular hours, nights, holidays, overtime, and split shifts.
• Maintaining employment: certification and fitness for duty, training, recertification, and background checks, plus drug/alcohol screening.
• No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses paid for this position.
• Bargaining Unit: AFGE.

Education:
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

TSA offers a comprehensive benefits package for federal employees, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement;
Thrift Savings Plan;
Flexible Spending Accounts; and paid holidays. Additional information on benefits is available on the DHS Careers website.