Transportation Security Officer

Overview

Transportation Security Officers are responsible for providing security and protection of travelers across all transportation sectors in a courteous and professional manner. Duties may also extend to securing high-profile events, important figures and/or anything that includes or impacts our transportation systems.

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and on passengers, and prevent objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform 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 lbs.
• Control terminal entry and exit points.
• Interact with the public, give directions and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain focus and awareness in a stressful environment to preserve the ability to identify potentially life-threatening or mass destruction devices and to make effective decisions in crises and routine situations.
• Engage in continuous development of critical thinking skills to mitigate security threats, including applying risk-based security screening protocols that vary by program requirements.
• Retain and implement knowledge of applicable Standard Operating Procedures and adapt to new information or obstacles.

The salary range, incentives and sign-on information are location-specific and subject to change. For Fargo, ND (FAR - Hector International Airport), salary is $48,410 to $59,686 or $23.20 to $28.60 per hour with locality pay of 17.06% and a retention incentive of 5% of adjusted pay, contingent on annual approval and funding. A sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 is offered for this location, paid in two installments within the first 12 months.

The airport’s sign-on bonus amount will be communicated during the final job offer process if applicable.

As of this posting, the airport is seeking qualified female candidates to meet mission-related staffing needs; male applications will be considered but not prioritized unless staffing needs change.

Realistic Job Preview information is available to applicants. If a sufficient number of applications are received, the announcement may close before the published closing date. PPE may be required for frontline positions (e.g., TSA-issued masks, face shields, and nitrile gloves). Health and safety of employees is a top priority.

Following sections include requirements and qualifications relevant to employment, eligibility, and retention as a Transportation Security Officer with TSA.

• You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• You must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of application.
• Selective Service registration is required.
• Must pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
• Subject to 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.

Must meet and maintain physical requirements, including an assessment of physical abilities:

• Maintain physical agility to squat and bend.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and manipulate baggage and objects weighing approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk up to three miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours).

The above requirements must be met at the time of application. Additional requirements can be found in the Qualifications section. If you fail to meet pre-employment requirements, the agency may rescind the offer. New hire training may require 3–6 weeks away from the airport of record with travel paid per TSA policy.

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

• Experience:
  
  At least one year of full-time work experience in security, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician.
• Education:
  
  A high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC high school equivalency certificate.

Credit for experience is based on a 40-hour workweek; certain exemptions apply for National Service experience. The Office of Personnel Management may authorize employment offers for current or former political appointees as applicable. Additional requirements include occasional travel for training and security-related considerations, selective service verification for male applicants, and other background screenings.

Additional requirements may include travel for training, credit checks, residency requirements, and potential impacts related to reemployment annuities and TSA dress/appearance guidelines. Benefits and competitive salaries are described by TSA and DHS, with eligibility dependent on…