Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer

Join to apply for the Transportation Security Officer role at Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Transportation Security Officers 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/or anything that includes or impacts our transportation systems.

• Operating various screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and on passengers, and 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 parcels up to 50lbs.
• 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 adapting to new information or unexpected obstacles.

• Maintain physical agility to ensure the ability to squat and bend.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and manipulate baggage, containers weighing approximately 50 pounds and other objects subject to security processing.
• Ability to walk up to three miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours) of time.

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National.
• Minimum age 18 at the time of application.
• Selective Service registration 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, overtime, and 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.

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

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term care insurance.
• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan.
• Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
• Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
• Flexibility in work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance.
• Health and wellness programs and fitness centers.

If a sufficient number of applications are received, the announcement may close before the published closing date.

TSA may apply a sex‑specific (male or female) hiring preference to fill TSO positions in order to meet security mission and same‑sex pat‑down job‑related requirements. TSA is an excepted service agency and is committed to equal opportunity employment.

No moving, relocation, or pre‑employment travel expenses will be paid for this position.