Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer (TSO) – TSA – Department of Homeland Security

Transportation Security Officers provide security and protection of travelers across all transportation sectors. Responsibilities include screening passengers, baggage, and cargo; controlling terminal access; interacting with the public; and responding to security threats in a courteous and professional manner.

• Operate various screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform searches and screening, including physical interaction with passengers (pat‑downs, searches of property, bag searches, lifting/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 while working in a stressful environment with noise, crowds, and time pressure, and make effective decisions in both routine and crisis situations.
• Engage in continuous development of critical‑thinking skills to mitigate security threats, applying risk‑based screening protocols as required.
• Retain and implement knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, demonstrate dependable behavior, and adapt to new information or unexpected obstacles.

To qualify for the SV‑D pay band (equivalent to GS‑5/6), a candidate must meet one of the following:

• Experience: At least one year of full‑time work in security, aviation screening, or as an X‑ray technician (40‑hour workweek credit).
• Education: High school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC high‑school equivalency certificate.

Additional required qualifications include U.S. citizenship (or U.S. national), age 18 or older, Selective Service registration, a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, background investigation, and availability for various shifts and overtime.

• Squat, bend, lift, and manipulate baggage or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Walk up to 3 miles during a shift and stand for up to 4 hours at a time.

• Must possess U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. national.
• Must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of application.
• Must pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
• Must be available to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
• Must be proficient in English.
• Must be willing to travel for training.
• Must be willing to use TSA‑approved protective equipment (PPE).

TSA may apply a sex‑specific hiring preference to fill TSO positions in order to meet security mission and same‑sex pat‑down job‑related requirements. Candidates of the needed sex will receive preference in scheduling of aptitude tests, assessments, and selection. The term "sex" refers to immutable biological classification and is not a synonym for gender identity.

Full‑time TSOs are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, long‑term care insurance; a retirement plan; the Thrift Savings Plan; flexible spending accounts; paid federal holidays; and additional incentives. Full details are available on the DHS Careers website.