Expert Transportation Security Officer- Bomb Appraisal Officer
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions
Series and Grade:
SV-1802- Pay Band G
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Senior Officer, performs specialized functions in the Bomb Appraisal Officer (BAO) program. In addition, as assigned, performs pre-board security screening of persons, carry-on and checked baggage including, but not limited to, those described below. The Expert Transportation Security Officer (ETSO) relies upon far reaching experience and knowledge of the work and governing law, regulations, policy, and procedures, to independently complete the majority of work without need to refer issues to a superior for a decision. May be assigned to any airport, or other transportation terminal, that provides commercial service to the public and may, as assigned, serve as the highest ranking TSO providing oversight to a particular shift(s) or operation. The ETSO, Bomb Appraisal Officer provides guidance to the assigned Transportation Security Manager and/or Federal Security Director on issues involving explosives; improvised explosive devices (IEDs); and, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. In conjunction with superiors, or on own initiative as experience is gained, responds to unresolved checkpoint alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs. Assesses the interrelationships between initiators, power supplies, switches, and chemicals and determines if devices are improvised explosives; commercial explosives, mixed explosives (fuel mixtures), as part of the overall threat determinations. Based on level of experience at airport(s) and delegation of authority, performs the following duties: Contacts appropriate law enforcement or Bomb Squad if review indicates possible or imminent danger and ensures that security checkpoints are cleared and readied for special operations conducted by federal, state, or local law enforcement or military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. Approves reopening of security lane(s) if no threat is posed. Develops and provides components of training to TSOs, and other individuals inside and outside of the TSA, on subjects including, but not limited to, the detection of explosive devices, chemicals, power supplies, and initiators that terrorists may attempt to carry onto aircraft; provides training in classroom settings or during on-the-spot checkpoint scenarios. Develops components of emergency safety and security procedures to enhance detection of explosives devises and other destructive weapons that may be encountered through air transportation systems. Provides feedback to help TSOs improve on detection of explosive devices. Builds and maintains alliances and relationships, including those within the Department of Homeland Security/TSA, and with FBI, ATF, state/local law enforcement, and military EOD personnel, as well as airports, airlines and, as necessary, seaports, railroads, and other transportation companies.
As assigned, performs the following ETSO duties in combination with one or both of the above programs:
- ETSO: Remains available for temporary assignments to other airports due to staffing shortages or other special needs;
- conducts screening of passengers, and/or baggage, and/or cargo, as assigned;
- ensures a smooth flow of passengers, baggage, and cargo through the screening checkpoints to facilitate the orderly and efficient processing of passengers; acts in a professional and courteous manner at all times and recognizes and specializes in serving the needs of individuals who may require special screening and assistance;
- implements security screening procedures that are central to Transportation Security Administration objectives and that will serve to protect the traveling public by preventing any deadly or dangerous objects from being transported onto aircraft or other modes of transportation;
- immediately responds to breaches of security and emergency situations;
- relays professional but firm commands to individuals to control situations, including those that may become heated;
- operates various equipment such as walk-through and hand-held metal detectors, Explosive Detection System and Explosive Trace Detection system, and/or X-ray;
- as assigned, participates in operation and testing of new security equipment or techniques;
- Equipment Maintenance Technician: As assigned, performs regular and recurring level 1 maintenance including operations checks, systems calibration, inspections, materials cleaning, and parts replacement on EDS and ETD equipment; maintains supplies and parts, as necessary, to prevent excessive equipment downtime. Diagnoses malfunctions and provides maintenance using technical manuals, handbooks, standard operating procedures, and other guides
- Screening Training Instructor: As assigned, plans and carries out training sessions within established guidelines; provides formal training and structured training materials covering a variety of security-related topics (e.g., passenger screening, baggage screening, cargo screening, and/or routine security procedures); adapts local training materials to meet requirements; and, provides recommendations to HQ training program office and airport management concerning substantive training changes. Evaluates training quality and accuracy; contributes to reviews and edits of Standard Operating Procedures; conducts screener recertification training and provides feedback (i.e., on-the-job, remedial, and return to duty); provides feedback to employees and updates screeners on topics of interest after screening; resolves routine classroom problems and coordinates needed support and materials; monitors and evaluates training for appropriate adjustments and recommends enhancements; maintains communication with management and supervisors concerning issues that may reveal security-screening weaknesses or vulnerabilities.
The following duties are common to most aspects of work performed:
- secures unauthorized weapons and/or potentially hazardous materials and devices and prevent entry to secure areas and aircraft;
- as assigned, reviews travels documents to determine potential fraud and deception;
- ensures the occupational health and safety guidelines are followed and any necessary decontamination procedures are completed in a timely manner;
- as assigned, based on review and analysis of activities and behavior patterns, discretely questions individuals;
- reports suspicious individuals to superiors and Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs);
- as assigned, participates in joint law enforcement or other types of intra- and inter-agency exercises, training assignments, etc., and assesses behaviors and movements of individuals at airports/transportation terminals;
- develops preliminary incident information for LEOs and superiors; assists LEOs with investigation; writes incident or other reports for superiors, LEOs, passengers, or other individuals; and/or, develops training aids related to work performed and program(s) supported that are suitable for a particular audience or a variety of audiences; and/or writes various types of communications, reports, and documents that are germane to the work performed.
- utilizes computer hardware and software to analyze information; create documents; and, report information in the appropriate format;
- improves stakeholder liaison in areas of work/program(s) assigned to enhance the sharing and collecting of information;
- serves as mentor and coach to new Officer personnel or to those who may require remedial assistance, as assigned; provides input to lead and/or supervisory personnel regarding performance of individuals mentored;
- serves as a team member inspecting security checkpoints and procedures at other airports; conducts specific aspects of inspections, as assigned.
- identifies, as part of all work performed, any issues that might reveal a weakness or vulnerable area of security screening; develops formal write-ups to recommend improvements to screening processes and procedures; provides recommendations to superiors for improvements to prevent future occurrences; and,
- participates in information briefings concerning security-sensitive or classified information.
- Performs related duties, as assigned.
KSAs and Core Competencies:
- Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work; double-checks the accuracy of information to ensure high-quality and precise work products.
- Customer Service: Balances the interests of a variety of clients; readily readjusts priorities to respond to pressing and changing client demands; achieves quality end products; is committed to continuous improvement of services.
- Decisiveness: Exercises good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; is proactive.
- Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Adjusts rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution.
- Integrity/Honesty: Instills mutual trust and confidence; creates a culture that fosters high standards of ethics; behaves in a fair and ethical manner toward others and demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility and commitment to public service.
- Interpersonal Skills: Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful, compassionate and sensitive, and treats others with respect.
- Multi-Tasking: Ability to understand, decipher, analyze, and make decisions utilizing multiple and simultaneous sources of informational input.
- Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and, as needed, clarifies information; professionally conveys instructions and information to others; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters atmosphere of open communication.
- Written Communication: Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a succinct and organized manner.
- Explosives (BAO): Knowledge of the methods and techniques employed by terrorists and criminal elements to utilize explosives, IEDs, and other weapons of mass destruction against aviation and transportation systems. Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of EOD to provide technical advice to the FSD, and nationally to the TSA Explosives Operations Directorate, on aviation and transportation related explosives security issues.
- Partnering (BAO): Develops networks and builds alliances. Utilizes contacts to build and strengthen internal support bases. Skill in building and maintaining alliances and relationships, including those within the Department of Homeland Security/TSA, and with FBI, ATF, state/local law enforcement, and military EOD personnel, as well as airports, airlines and, as necessary, seaports, railroads, and other transportation companies.
- Security Equipment Knowledge: Knowledge in operation of security equipment (e.g., passenger X-ray technology, baggage X-ray technology, Explosive Trace Detection, passenger screening wands, magnetometer/walk through metal detector, two-way radios).
- Security Screening Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of permitted and prohibited items, knowledge of current Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) including security breach, knowledge of current performance protocols (e.g., hand wanding techniques and special search methods), knowledge of information on travel documents.
- Self Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
- Technology Application: Uses machines, tools and equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to prepare documents and communicate information in the appropriate format.
Visit the TSA Competency Table for more information on competency development.
Conditions of Employment:
- Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative drug test result. Any individual tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
- Meet and maintain medical requirements for screening work (including a medical examination and physical abilities assessment) including, but not limited to, the following (Note: Detailed information appears in the vacancy announcement for this position.)
- Efficiently and thoroughly manipulate and lift baggage, containers, and other objects subject to security processing;
- Ability to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing up to 70 pounds;
- Maintain physical agility that would allow them to squat, bend, and learn to inspect individuals and baggage/cargo;
- Maintain ability to walk up to two (2) miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods of time;
- Maintain a measured threshold for sight:
- Distance vision correctable to 20130 or better in the best eye and 201100 or better in the worse eye
- Near vision correctable to 20140 or better binocular
- Maintain a measured threshold for hearing:
- Average hearing loss of 25 decibels (ANSI) at 500,1000,2000, and 3000 Hz in each ear
- Single reading of 45 decibels at 4000 and 6000 Hz in each ear
- Distinguish between different colors that will be a part of images displayed on automated screens:
- Color perception (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, brown, black, white, gray). Note: Color filters for enhancing color discrimination are prohibited.
- Maintain eligibility for a security clearance.
- Maintains proficiency in all facets of assigned work sufficient to ensure recertification;
- Must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed;
- Must be proficient in English (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, listening); and,
- Must possess United States' Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
- Note: Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in this position.
- Note: This position is not covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay or Law Enforcement Retirement.
Duty Location:
Nationwide
- Visit USAJOBS to see if this position is open and view other TSA positions.
