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Expert Transportation Security Officer- Coordination Center Officer

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions

Series and Grade:

SV-1802- Pay Band G

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

As an Expert Transportation Security Officer (ETSO), Coordination Center Officer (COO) incumbent performs specialized functions in the Coordination Center Officer (CCO) within an airport's Coordination Center (CC) areas. Specific program responsibilities include the following:

Uses seasoned judgment and training when performing work in support of the CC. Gathers, analyzes, evaluates and interprets data from all available sources. When reviewing data, incumbent must analyze and interpret a considerable amount of data, identify any interrelationships and make a risk/threat assessment which may be based on incomplete or conflicting information pertaining to affected mode(s) of transportation. Provides guidance to supervisory and/or management officials as to type and significance of information gathered and recognizes the need to call to their attention important new information which may require further examination or action. When responding to critical security incidents, applies standard operating procedures designed to minimize loss of life, property damage and other resources. Incidents outside of normal standard operating procedures are referred to the appropriate staff member for resolution. Prepares reports and briefings for superiors related to significant security incidents such as bomb threats, on-board disturbances, security access control events, airport screening operations, airport statistical data, and inspection and law enforcement activities. Maintains working relationships with counterparts within TSA as well as other Federal, state and or local agencies, airports, airlines and other transportation sector modes. Participates in interagency committees, meetings and exercises as a representative of TSA to gather and exchange information on matters of interest and to establish mutual working relationships. Coordinates the distribution of communications and special operations events including, but not limited to, such events as screening tests, Aviation Direct Access Screening Program (ADASP), SPOT, media events, screening exemptions and special events screening. Receives calls from other TSA entities, airlines, airport authorities, Federal, state and local agencies, the media and the general public. The purpose and extent of each contact may be different, requiring the identification of the role and authority of the party, and determination of the best resource for response. Calls which cannot be addressed are referred to the appropriate personnel for resolution. Participates as a team member to plan, develop and coordinate the Continuity of Operations Program (COOP) for airport operations. COOP work requires evaluating crisis management plans in support of the continuation of essential functions and key personnel; vital records/data; logistics, and telecommunications support for emergency operations which may involve natural disasters, military or terrorist attacks, technological emergencies or other emergencies that may seriously degrade or threaten the national security of the United States. As necessary, coordinates and tracks the readiness status, maintenance and distribution of technical equipment and government property within airport operations. When assigned to the CC, may be required to maintain all appropriate screening certification requirements and perform pre-board security screening of persons, cargo, carry-on and/or checked baggage as directed by the FSD or his/her designee for a minimum of 20% of time.

The Expert Transportation Security Officer (ETSO), when required to perform screening functions, utilizes his/her expertise to independently perform the screening functions indicated below. The ETSO may be assigned temporarily or permanently to any airport, or other transportation terminal that provides commercial service to the public. Performs, as assigned, pre-board security screening of persons, carry-on and checked baggage including, but not limited to, duties described below:

• 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, to include, if so qualified, providing transportation assistance to non-English speaking passengers;
• implements security screening procedures that are central to Transportation Security Administration objectives ;
• immediately responds to breaches of security and emergency situations;
• 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;
• secures unauthorized weapons and/or potentially hazardous materials and devices and prevent entry to secure areas and aircraft;
• utilizes computer hardware and software to analyze information; create documents; and, report information in the appropriate format;
• 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.

The ETSO utilizes computer hardware and software to create documents and report information in the appropriate format.

KSAs and Core Competencies:

• 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.
• 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.
• Partnering: 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.
• Technology Application: Uses machines, tools and equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to prepare documents and communicate information in the appropriate format.Training and Development: Prepares effectively for training delivery and transfer of the learning; delivers interesting and well-received training programs; comfortably presents to a broad and diverse population, easily adapting content and style to the audience.
• Information Analyses: A practical knowledge of research and analysis methods and techniques in order to analyze, evaluate and interpret the significance and validity of data, distribute the data accordingly, and provide for its storage and maintenance.
• Operations Center Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of established Operating Center standard operating procedures (SOPs) with regard to monitoring and analysis information; critical incident response; planning and coordination of operations; and communications policies and procedures.

Visit the TSA Competency Table for more information on competency development.

Conditions of Employment:

• Appointments to this are 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, for positions requiring 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 20/30 or better in the best eye and 20/100 or better in the worse eye
  • Near vision correctable to 20/40 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