Transportation Security Officer

Summary

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 any activity that impacts our transportation systems.

The salary range for Key West, FL (EYW – Key West International Airport) is $51,047 to $62,938 ($24.46 to $30.16 per hour), including locality pay of 24.67% and a retention incentive of 5% of adjusted pay that is 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 $30,000 for this location, paid out in two installments during the first 12 months of service. The amount is subject to change or elimination based on operational needs; any applicable bonus will be communicated during the final job offer process.

• Operating various 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, including physical interaction with passengers (e.g., pat‑downs, search of property), conducting bag searches and lifting/carrying bags, bins and property weighing up to 50 lb.
• 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 that includes noise from alarms, machinery and people, crowd distractions, time pressure and disruptive 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 Realistic Job Preview provides an honest, objective and vivid portrait of what it means to work as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO), including employee testimonies about both the good and the challenging aspects of the role. View the video here.

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National.
• Minimum age 18 at the time of application.
• Select Service registration required.
• Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation and background investigation.
• Subject to post‑employment random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Available to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, comprehending).
• 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, containers weighing approximately 50 lb 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 the GS‑5/6), applicants 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: High school diploma, GED, HiSET, TASC or equivalent.

Credit for experience is based on a 40‑hour workweek. Part‑time experience is credited on a part‑time ratio. Volunteer (National Service) experience is also credited.

• Occasional travel of a minimum of three (3) weeks may be required for new hire training; up to six (6) weeks in some locations.

• Selective…