Federal Air Marshal

Federal Air Marshals—commonly called FAMs—are highly trained federal law enforcement officers who protect commercial aviation from terrorism, aircraft piracy, and other criminal threats. Working within TSA's Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service, they operate both in the air and on the ground to help safeguard passengers, flight crews, airports, and the nation's transportation system. This is a demanding career that requires discretion, sound judgment, physical readiness, firearms proficiency, and the ability to work independently in high-pressure situations.

Federal Air Marshals travel frequently and may receive assignments with limited advance notice.

• Location:
  
  Browns Valley, CA
• Employer:
  
  Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security
• Pay: $30.00 - $60.00
• Pay Band: SV-F
• Appointment Type:
  Fulltime

The duty location is the assigned Federal Air Marshal field office—not a guarantee that all flights will begin or end in Browns Valley. Applicants may indicate preferred locations, but final placement is based on agency needs and may not match the applicant's first choice.

• Protect commercial passenger flights from terrorist activity, aircraft piracy, and other criminal threats
• Work discreetly aboard domestic and international flights
• Assess developing situations and respond to potential threats with limited backup
• Carry a firearm and maintain the firearms proficiency required for federal law enforcement duties
• Conduct law enforcement, investigative, analytical, and advisory activities
• Identify and interview witnesses or suspects when required
• Make arrests and seek or execute warrants within their legal authority
• Participate in multi-agency operations with federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners
• Support ground-based transportation-security and counter terrorism missions
• Perform other specialized assignments, which may include Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations

Applicants must qualify through experience, education, or an acceptable combination of both. Depending on the vacancy, qualifying candidates may meet the requirement through:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience that demonstrates problem-solving, planning, organization, and effective written and verbal communication; or
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
• A qualifying combination of post-secondary education and relevant experience

If education is used to qualify, applicants must provide the transcripts required by the official announcement. Review the current vacancy carefully because qualification standards and document requirements can change.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Must be at least 21 years old when applying
• Must meet the maximum-entry-age requirement for a covered federal law enforcement position unless an authorized exception applies
• Must successfully complete a full background investigation
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
• Must pass required drug screening, medical evaluation, physical testing, and polygraph examination
• Must be legally eligible to possess and carry a firearm
• Must obtain and maintain a valid driver's license and U.S. passport
• Must agree to mobility, travel, irregular-duty, and temporary-assignment requirements

Federal law enforcement age rules are detailed and may include exceptions for certain veterans and applicants with qualifying previous federal law enforcement service. Candidates should rely on the age instructions in the active announcement rather than assuming an exception applies.

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