Transportation Security Officer

Summary

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) provide security and protection of travelers across all transportation sectors in a courteous and professional manner. Their duties may extend to securing high‑profile events, important figures, and any activity impacting transportation systems.

For Columbus, OH (LCK – Rickenbacker International Airport) the salary range is $45,784 to $58,730 (or $21.94 to $28.14 per hour) and includes locality pay of 22.15%.

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, preventing such objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform searches and screening, which may include physical interaction with passengers (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 while working in a stressful environment (noise from alarms, machinery, crowds, time pressure, disruptive passengers).
• Engage in continuous development of critical‑thinking skills necessary to mitigate actual and potential security threats and apply appropriate situational options and approaches.
• Retain and implement knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures and demonstrate responsible and dependable behavior, adapting to new information or unexpected obstacles.

The Realistic Job Preview provides an objective portrait of the role, including employee testimonies.

Employees occupying frontline positions may be required to wear TSA‑approved personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, face shields, and nitrile gloves.

• Must possess U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. national.
• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Selective Service registration is required.
• Must pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
• Subject to post‑employment random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed.
• Must be proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Mandatory travel for training; occasional travel may be required.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in this position.

• Maintain physical agility to squat and bend.
• Lift and manipulate baggage and containers (≈50 lbs) repeatedly.
• Walk up to three miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours).

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

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

Credit for experience is based on a 40‑hour workweek; part‑time experience is credited on a part‑time ratio. Volunteer experience through national service programs is credited.

• Occasional travel:
  Minimum 3 weeks of travel in a full‑time duty status, potentially up to 6 weeks. Travel may occur away from your airport of record.
• Selective Service registration verification for male applicants born after 12/31/59.
• Credit check:
  No delinquent federal or state taxes, or past‑due child support payments.
• Residency:
  Reside in the U.S. for three of the last five years (exceptions for certain overseas employment or study).
• Reemployed annuitants:
  Salary may be reduced to account for pension; net pay could be zero.

TSOs must adhere to the current Master Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Earrings, piercings, and visible tattoos are regulated per the CBA.

Full‑time positions: 40 hrs/week; shift work any day, including nights, holidays, overtime, extended, and split shifts.

Part‑time positions: 16‑32 hrs/week; shift work any day, including nights, holidays, overtime, extended, and split shifts.

• Complete classroom training, on‑the‑job training, and initial certification testing.
• Complete recurrent and specialized training and recertification tests periodically.
• Pass background investigations, criminal check, credit check, and random drug and alcohol screening.

DHS offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, long‑term care insurance, retirement plan, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, personal leave days, paid federal holidays, flexible schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, wellness programs, and fitness centers.

TSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.