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, and any activities that impact our transportation systems.

The salary range for Juneau, AK (JNU – Juneau International Airport) is $57,546 to $71,046 or $27.57 to $34.04 per hour. This includes locality pay of 32.36%, COLA pay of 1.49%, and a retention incentive of 10% of adjusted pay, unique to this duty location. The incentive is contingent upon annual approval and funding.

The Transportation Security Administration is offering a sign‑on bonus of up to $10,000 for this location. The bonus is paid in two installments during the first 12 months of service. The amount may change or be eliminated based on operational needs; the final bonus will be communicated during the job offer process.

• Operate various screening equipment and technology to detect dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, preventing such objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Conduct searches and screening, including physical interaction with passengers (pat‑downs, searches of property, etc.), bag searches, and lifting/carrying bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Control terminal entry and exit points.
• Interact with the public by giving directions and responding to inquiries.
• Maintain focus and awareness in stressful environments with noise, alarms, machinery, people, crowd distractions, time pressure, and disruptive passengers.
• Engage in continuous development of critical thinking skills to mitigate actual and potential security threats, applying risk‑based screening protocols.
• Retain and implement knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, demonstrating responsible and dependable behavior, and adapt to new information or unexpected obstacles.

This preview provides an honest, objective portrait of what it means to work as a Transportation Security Officer. View the video by .

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. nationality.
• Minimum age 18 at the time of application.
• Selective Service registration required for applicable applicants.
• Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
• Subject to post‑employment random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Availability to work various shifts, overtime, and occasional travel for training.
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, comprehending).
• Must meet physical demands (see below).

• Maintain physical agility to squat and bend.
• Lift and manipulate baggage and containers weighing up to 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 (equivalent to GS‑5/6), you must meet 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 high school equivalency certificate.

Occasional travel may be required for new‑hire training and other duties. Selective Service registration is required for male applicants born after 12/31/59. Credit check: applicants must not have delinquent federal or state taxes or past‑due child support. Residency: applicants must have resided in the United States for three of the last five years, unless specific government experience exceptions apply.

Full‑time positions: 40 hours per week, shift work on any day from Sunday through Saturday, possibly including irregular hours, nights, holidays, overtime, extended shifts, and split shifts. Part‑time positions: 16–32 hours per week with similar shift patterns.

All TSOs must maintain standard certification and fitness for duty, including completing classroom and on‑the‑job training, all initial and recurrent certification tests, background investigations, and random drug and alcohol screenings.