Transportation Security Officer

Summary

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) 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, or any activity that includes or impacts transportation systems.

• Operating screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Performing searches and screening, 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.
• Controlling terminal entry and exit points.
• Interacting with the public, giving directions and responding to inquiries.
• Maintaining focus and awareness while working in a stressful environment which includes noise from alarms, machinery and people, crowd distractions, time pressure, and disruptive and angry passengers, in order to preserve the professional ability to identify and locate potentially life‑threatening or mass‑destruction devices, and to make effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations.
• Engaging in continuous development of critical thinking skills, necessary to mitigate actual and potential security threats, by identifying, evaluating, and applying appropriate situational options and approaches. This may include application of risk‑based security screening protocols that vary based on program requirements.
• Retaining and implementing knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, demonstrating responsible and dependable behavior, and being open to change and adapting to new information or unexpected obstacles.

The salary range for Gering, NE (BFF – Western Nebraska Regional) is $46,105 to $56,844 (approximately $22.09 to $27.24 per hour), and includes locality pay of 17.06%.

The Realistic Job Preview gives you an honest, objective and vivid portrait of what it means to work as a TSO and provides employee testimonies about both the good and the challenging aspects of being a TSO. To view the video, please .

• You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• You must have reached the minimum age (18) 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 and occasional travel may be required.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in this position.

Employees occupying frontline positions (i.e., individuals who have contact with the traveling public on a regular and recurring basis) may be required to wear TSA‑approved and issued personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks, face shields, and nitrile gloves. PPE is part of TSA’s top priority for employee health and safety.

• Maintain physical agility to squat and bend.
• Repeatedly lift and manipulate baggage, containers, weighing approximately 50 lbs.
• Walk up to three (3) miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours).

To qualify for the SV‑D pay band (GS‑5/6 equivalent), you must meet one of the qualification requirements (A OR B) below:

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

Credit for experience is given based on a 40‑hour workweek. Part‑time experience is credited on a part‑time ratio. No additional credit is given for overtime.

• Occasional travel:
  Minimum of three (3) weeks of travel in a full‑time duty status may be required for TSA’s New Hire training; up to six (6) weeks may be required.
• Selective…