Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Administration•Helena, MT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) work within the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, to provide security and protection for air travelers, airports, and aircraft. They perform screening and security duties courteously and professionally, and may also support security at high-profile events or for important figures when activities involve or affect transportation systems. The role requires using screening technology, applying security procedures, interacting with the public, and maintaining sound judgment in a demanding environment. At the Helena, Montana airport, the listed salary range is $46,105–$56,844 annually ($22.09–$27.24 per hour), including 17.06% locality pay. The announcement states that the airport is currently seeking qualified female candidates to meet mission-related staffing needs; male applications may be accepted but will not be considered until staffing needs change. This is a permanent position with shift work scheduled by the airport. Full-time positions require 40 hours per week. Work may occur on any day of the week and may include nights, holidays, overtime, extended, changing, or split shifts. TSOs must complete initial and recurrent training and certification, maintain fitness for duty, and pass required background and screening checks. New-hire training may require three to six weeks of travel away from the airport of record, with authorized travel expenses reimbursed under TSA policy. Other occasional travel may also be required.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
At least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Selective Service registration when applicable.
Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation; remain subject to post-employment random drug and/or alcohol testing.
Proficiency in English, including reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension.
Availability for varied shifts and overtime as needed.
Meet physical requirements, including the ability to squat and bend, repeatedly lift and manipulate objects weighing approximately 50 pounds, walk up to three miles per shift, and stand for up to four hours at a time.
At least one year of full-time experience in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician; OR a high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC certificate.
Meet applicable residency requirements: residence in the United States for three of the five years immediately before applying, unless an exception applies.
Applicants must not have delinquent federal or state taxes or past-due child support payments.
Complete required new-hire training, which may involve three to six weeks of full-time travel away from the airport of record.
Adhere to TSA dress and appearance requirements under the applicable Master Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Maintain required certification, fitness for duty, and satisfactory background and screening status throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, and prevent prohibited objects from being transported onto aircraft.
Conduct passenger and property searches and screening, including pat-downs and bag searches; lift and carry bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50 pounds.
Control terminal entry and exit points.
Interact with the public, provide directions, and respond to inquiries.
Maintain focus and awareness in stressful environments involving alarms, machinery, crowds, time pressure, and disruptive or angry passengers.
Identify and locate potential threats and make effective decisions in routine and crisis situations.
Develop and apply critical-thinking skills to mitigate actual and potential security threats, including applying risk-based screening protocols as required.
Retain and apply applicable Standard Operating Procedures; demonstrate dependable behavior and adapt to changes or unexpected obstacles.
Complete classroom and on-the-job training, certification testing, recurrent and specialized training, and periodic recertification.
Maintain required certification and fitness for duty and comply with background, credit, drug, and alcohol screening requirements.