Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer

Position:
Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Transportation Security Officers provide security and protection of travelers across all transportation sectors in a courteous and professional manner. Their duties may also include securing high‑profile events, protecting important figures, and safeguarding transportation infrastructure.

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and on passengers, preventing such objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform searches and screening, including physical interaction with passengers (e.g., pat‑downs, searches of property), bag searches, and lifting or carrying bags, bins and property weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Control terminal entry and exit points.
• Interact with the public, give directions and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain focus and awareness in a noisy, stressful environment while preserving professional ability to identify and locate potentially life‑threatening or mass‑destruction devices and to make effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations.
• Engage in continuous development of critical‑thinking skills to mitigate security threats, including application of risk‑based screening protocols that vary by program requirements.
• Retain and implement knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures; demonstrate responsible and dependable behavior; adapt to new information or unexpected obstacles.

• Maintain agility for squatting and bending.
• Repeatedly lift and manipulate baggage, containers, and other objects weighing approximately 50 lbs.
• Walk up to 3 miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours).

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
• Minimum age of 18 at the time of application.
• Selective Service registration (for applicable applicants).
• Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, background investigation, and, if required, post‑employment random drug/alcohol testing.
• Availability to work various shifts, overtime, and occasional travel for training.
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• 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 (credit based on a 40‑hour workweek).
• Education:
  
  High‑school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC high‑school equivalency certificate.

Salary range for Presque Isle, ME (PQI – Presque Isle International Airport): $45,649 – $56,282 annually (or $21.87 – $26.97 per hour, including locality pay). Sign‑on bonus: up to $2,000 paid in two installments during the first 12 months of service.

DHS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life and long‑term care insurance; a retirement plan;
Thrift Savings Plan (401(k)‑style);
Flexible Spending Account;
Employee Assistance Program; paid federal holidays; and additional benefits such as flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, and fitness center access.

Full‑time positions: 40 hours per week with shift work (day, night, holiday, overtime, split‑shift). Part‑time positions: 16–32 hours per week with similar shift arrangements.

No moving, relocation or pre‑employment travel expenses will be paid for this position. TSA is not a law‑enforcement agency and does not offer law‑enforcement availability or retirement pay.

TSA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes qualified candidates from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.