Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives

Transportation Security Administration•Burbank, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) is a subject matter expert on threats to the traveling public involving explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), supporting the Federal Security Director at designated airports. This position is located at Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport (BUR) with the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security. It is designated as an Emergency Essential position, requiring the employee to remain in duty status if an emergency arises. The specialist assesses and resolves alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs; evaluates relationships among device components and chemicals; and determines whether devices involve improvised, commercial, or mixed explosives. The role also supports vulnerability assessments across transportation modes, risk mitigation deployments, workforce training, covert drills, and coordination with other TSA programs, local bomb squads, and military explosive ordnance disposal units.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National status.
Minimum age of 18 at the time of application.
Favorable background investigation and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Selective Service registration, if applicable.
Pass pre-employment drug screening and submit to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
Meet and maintain medical requirements in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives.
Availability to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
Willingness to undertake extensive travel, including overnight travel as required.
Graduation certificate from at least one accredited bomb-disposal school: Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) or the FBI Hazardous Devices School (HDS).
At least one year of specialized experience at the SV-H or GS-12 level in Federal service, or equivalent private-sector experience as a Bomb Appraisal Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Bomb Technician, or similar role.
Specialized experience establishing bomb-management program guidelines, training or mentoring others, and deciding actions during critical incidents.
Experience responding to alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs.
Experience assessing relationships among initiators, power supplies, switches, and chemicals to identify improvised, commercial, or military explosives.
Meet the qualification requirements by the vacancy announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

Specialized experience acquired within the five years immediately preceding application; this is a Quality Ranking Factor and may receive additional credit.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert on explosives and IED threats to the traveling public for the Federal Security Director at designated airports.
Apply explosives experience and technical knowledge to assess threats and support a multilayered security approach.
Educate and train the screening workforce on detecting explosives and IED threats and components.
Support explosive vulnerability assessments across all modes of transportation.
Coordinate and collaborate with TSS-E staff, the screening workforce, and other Threat Assessment Programs, including the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, Specialized Screening Operations, and the Standards and Effectiveness Branch.
Mentor and train lower-banded TSS-Es, help resolve issues, support their professional growth, and assist them in assessing and resolving alarms.
Respond to and assess unresolved checkpoint and checked-baggage alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs, and make final alarm-resolution decisions.
Assess relationships among initiators, power supplies, switches, and chemicals; determine whether devices are improvised, commercial, or military explosives, including mixed fuel mixtures.
Deploy in support of risk-mitigation efforts to deter, detect, and prevent the introduction of IEDs, IED components, or other dangerous items into the airport environment.
Participate in evaluation-team covert drills to assess training effectiveness, recommend individuals for remediation, and identify potential security vulnerabilities.
Facilitate IED training-aid drills to disseminate threat information.
Lead efforts to integrate and familiarize local bomb squads and military EOD units with the transportation environment.