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. Their duties may also extend to securing high‑profile events, important figures, and other aspects that impact our transportation systems.

Salary range for McCook, NE: $46,105 to $56,844 ($22.09 to $27.24 per hour, includes locality pay of 17.06%).

Sign‑on bonus: up to $2,000 paid in two installments during the first 12 months.

• 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 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 alarms, machinery, crowds, time pressure, and disruptive or angry passengers, in order to preserve the 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 screening protocols that vary based on program requirements.
• Retaining and implementing knowledge of all applicable standard operating procedures, demonstrating responsible and dependable behavior, and remaining open to change and adaptable to new information or unexpected obstacles.

• Maintain physical agility to ensure ability to squat and bend.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and manipulate baggage, containers, and other objects weighing approximately 50 lb.
• Ability to walk up to three (3) miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours) of time.

• Must possess U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Selective Service registration is required.
• Must pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, background investigation, and post‑employment random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must be available to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
• Must be proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, comprehending).
• Mandatory travel for training and occasional travel may be required.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in this position.

• 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, or TASC high‑school equivalency certificate.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement plan (Thrift Savings Plan).
• Flexible spending account.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid federal holidays and personal leave days.
• Transportation subsidies and uniform allowance.
• Telework and tuition reimbursement options.

More information about benefits is available on the DHS Careers website.