Transportation Security Officer

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

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) provide security and protection of travelers across all transportation sectors, including overseeing airports, aircraft, and transportation facilities. They perform screenings, manage terminal entry points, interact with the public, and maintain situational awareness in a high‑pressure environment. TSOs may also secure high‑profile events and protect important figures. The position is located at Louisiana State University (LSE) – La Crosse Regional Airport.

Salary range: $40,332 to $56,282 (locality pay 17.06%) at La Crosse, WI.

Please note that at this time the airport is seeking qualified female candidates to meet mission‑related staffing needs. Male applications are accepted but will not be considered until staffing needs change.

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify hazardous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, preventing objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform searches and screening, including physical interaction with passengers (pat‑downs, property searches), bag searches, lifting and carrying bags or baggage up to 50 lbs.
• Control terminal entry and exit points.
• Interact with the public, giving directions and responding to inquiries.
• Maintain focus and awareness in a stressful environment with loud alarms, machinery, crowds, and disruptive passengers to identify potentially life‑threatening devices.
• Engage in continuous development of critical thinking skills, including applying risk‑based screening protocols that vary based on program requirements.
• Retain and implement knowledge of all applicable SOPs, demonstrating responsible behavior and adaptability to new information.

• 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 testing.
• Must be available for various shifts and overtime as needed.
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Mandatory travel for training; occasional travel may also be required.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and hazardous chemicals is inherent in this position.

• Maintain physical agility to squat and bend.
• Lift and manipulate baggage or containers weighing approximately 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Walk up to three miles during a shift and stand for up to four hours consecutively.

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

• Occasional travel:
  Minimum of three weeks of travel in full‑time duty status for new‑hire training; may extend to six weeks.
• Selective Service registration for male applicants born after December 31 1959.
• Credit check required; no delinquent federal or state taxes or past‑due child support.
• Residency requirement:
  Reside in the U.S. for three of the last five years; exceptions for specific prior federal service or education abroad.
• Dress and appearance must comply with the TSA Master Collective Bargaining Agreement (e.g., ear piercings, tattoos).
• Work schedules:
  Full‑time 40 hrs/week with shift work (including nights, holidays, overtime). Part‑time 16–32 hrs/week with similar shift patterns.
• Maintaining employment:
  Complete training, certification, recurrent training, background investigations, and random drug/alcohol screening.

Entry level

Part‑time

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