Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives

Transportation Security Administration•Burbank, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) serves as a journey-level subject matter expert for the Federal Security Director (FSD) at designated airport(s) on all issues involving threats to the traveling public from explosives and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs). This position is located at Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport (BUR), Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include serving as a key component of a multi-layered security approach, applying experience and technical knowledge of explosives to assess threats, educating the screening workforce in the detection of threats, and supporting explosive vulnerability assessments in all modes of transportation. The role involves responding to and assessing unresolved checkpoint and checked baggage alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs, rendering a final decision on alarm resolution. The specialist will assess the interrelationships between initiators, power supplies, and chemicals, determining if devices are improvised, commercial, or mixed explosives. They will deploy in support of risk mitigation efforts to deter, detect, and prevent the introduction of IEDs, IED components, or other deadly or dangerous items into the airport environment. Additionally, the TSS-E will participate with evaluation teams in conducting covert drills to determine the effectiveness of training programs, recommend individual remediation, and identify potential security vulnerabilities. A key aspect of the role is mentoring and training the front-line screening workforce to increase their operational knowledge of explosives and IED components. This position is designated as an Emergency Essential (EE) position, requiring the employee to remain in a duty status if an emergency arises.

Requirements

Must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
Must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of application.
Must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance.
Selective Service registration is required.
Must pass pre-employment Drug Screening AND will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
Must meet and maintain medical requirements as stated in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives.
Must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed.
Must be willing to undertake extensive travel, at times overnight, as required.
Completed formal accredited IED/bomb disposal coursework resulting in a Graduation Certificate from at least one of the accredited bomb disposal schools (Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) and the FBI's Hazardous Devices School (HDS)).
One year of specialized experience at the SV-G or GS-11 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector as a Bomb Appraisal Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Bomb Technician, or similar position.
Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Specialized experience is defined as: Assisting with bomb program management responsibilities such as participating as a team member on a bomb squad to include ensuring program requirements were followed, making recommendations on procedures or helping implement processes under the direction of a program manager.
Specialized experience is defined as: Responding to alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs.
Specialized experience is defined as: Assessing the interrelationship between initiators, power supplies, switches, and chemicals to determine if the device is an improvised explosive, commercial explosive, or military explosive.

Nice To Haves

Specialized experience acquired within the last five years immediately preceding application has been identified as a Quality Ranking Factor for this position. This means that applicants who have specialized experience within the last five years will receive additional credit for this experience as part of the candidate evaluation process.

Responsibilities

Serving as a key component of a multi-layered security approach.
Applying experience and technical knowledge of explosives to assess threats.
Educating the screening workforce in the detection of threats.
Supporting explosive vulnerability assessments in all modes of transportation.
Responding to and assessing all unresolved checkpoint and checked baggage alarms involving possible explosives, IED components or actual IEDs, rendering a final decision on alarm resolution.
Assessing the interrelationships between initiators, power supplies, and chemicals.
Determining if devices are improvised explosives, commercial explosives, or mixed explosives (fuel mixtures).
Deploying in support of risk mitigation efforts to deter, detect, and prevent the introduction of IEDs, IED components or other deadly or dangerous items into the airport environment.
Participating with evaluation teams in conducting covert drills to determine effectiveness of the training programs, recommending individuals remediation, and identifying potential security vulnerabilities.
Mentoring and training the front line screening workforce to increase their operational knowledge of explosives and IED components.

Benefits

health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
retirement plan
Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]
Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program
personal leave days
paid federal holidays
flexible work schedules
telework
tuition reimbursement
transportation subsidies
uniform allowance
health and wellness programs
fitness centers
employee training and developmental opportunities
Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.