Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

Transportation Security Officers are responsible for providing security and protection of travelers across all transportation sectors in a courteous and professional manner. Duties may also extend to securing high‑profile events, important figures, and any activity that impacts our transportation systems.

Salary Information: The salary range for Hobbs, NM (HOB – Lea County Airport) is $46,105 to $56,844 (or $22.09 to $27.24 per hour) and includes locality pay of 17.06%. A sign‑on bonus of up to $2,000 may be offered, paid in two installments during the first 12 months of service.

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform searches and screening, which may include physical interactions with passengers (e.g., pat‑downs, property searches, bag searches, lifting and carrying bags 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, alarms, machinery, crowds, time pressure, disruptive passengers) to identify and locate potentially life‑threatening or mass‑destruction devices and make effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations.
• Continuously develop critical‑thinking skills, evaluate and apply appropriate situational options, and use risk‑based security screening protocols as needed.
• Retain and apply knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, demonstrating responsible and dependable behavior, and adapt to new information or unexpected obstacles.

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

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. national.
• Minimum age 18.
• Selective Service registration required.
• Pass structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, background investigation, and post‑employment random drug testing.
• Availability to work various shifts, overtime, and occasional travel for training.
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Engagement in occasional travel or long‑term travel (up to 6 weeks) may be required for training.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in the position.

• Full‑time positions: 40 hours per week, shift work on any day Sunday–Saturday, may include irregular hours, nights, holidays, overtime, extended shifts, weekend shifts, changing shifts, and split shifts.
• Part‑time shifts generally range from 16–32 hours per week, with similar shift variety.

• Credit check must show no delinquent federal or state taxes or past‑due child support.
• Residency:
  Must have resided in the United States for three of the last five years prior to applying (exceptions apply for prior federal service, foreign assignments, study abroad, or completed background investigation).
• Selective Service verification required for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.

• Adhere to the current Master Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding jewelry, piercings and visible tattoos.
• TSA issued personal protective equipment (PPE) including surgical masks, face shields, and nitrile gloves required for frontline positions.

• TSA may apply a sex‑specific (male or female) hiring preference to meet security mission and same‑sex pat‑down job‑related requirements.

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term care insurance.
• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan.
• Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, personal leave days, and paid federal holidays.
• Other benefits: flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs.