Expert Transportation Security Officer- Security Training Instructor
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions
Series and Grade:
SV-1802- Pay Band G
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
As an Expert Transportation Security Officer (ETSO), Security Training Instructor (STI) incumbent performs specialized functions in the Security Training Instructor program areas. In addition and as indicated below, STI's are required to perform pre-board security screening of persons, cargo, carry-on and/or checked baggage as directed by the Federal Security Director (FSD) or his/her designee a minimum of 20% of the time and must maintain all screening certification requirements. Specific program responsibilities include the following:
Acts as training course lead, in support of Training Manager or Specialist, to include ensuring class materials are coordinated and in place, confirming roster, ensuring evaluations are done and submitted, conducting testing and recording of results, and ensuring all employee course completion information is recorded in OLC. Performs training instruction, within established guidelines and standards, in support of nationally developed training courses (e.g., new hire training, OSARP, Crossover). Supports recurrent training needs, conducts return to duty and remediation training. Develops and/or adapts local training materials to meet requirements. Delivers instructor development courses in support of the STI position (e.g., 3-day Instructor Presentation Skills Course and Train the Trainer Courses for nationally developed programs). Delivers specialized training, as designated. Assists Training Manager and/or Specialist in providing oversight to collateral duty assistant training instructors and other support staff. Conducts quality assurance assessments at local airports or transportation facility(ies), as well as, assists as needed/available with assessments at other locations; contributes to reviews and edits of Standard Operating Procedures. Conducts TSA Quality Assessments (locally or nationally). Manages classroom dynamics, resolves 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 training issues that may reveal security-screening weaknesses or vulnerabilities. Must maintain all screening certification requirements and perform screening functions (passenger, baggage, or both) a minimum of 20% of the 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; distinguishes between relevant information to make logical decisions; provides solutions to individual and organizational problems.
- Planning & Evaluating: Determines objectives and strategies; organizes work, sets priorities, determines resource requirements; coordinates with other parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors and evaluates the progress and outcomes of operational plans; anticipates potential threats and opportunities.
- 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.
- 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.
- Training and Development (national training team): 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.
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
- Visit USAJOBS to see if this position is open and view other TSA positions.
