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Mater Transportation Security Officer- Coordination Center Officer

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions

Series and Grade:

SV-1802 Pay Band F

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

As a Master Transportation Security Officer (MTSO), Coordination Center Officer (COO) incumbent performs duties associated with a Coordination Center Officer (CCO) within the airport's Coordination Center (CC). In addition to program responsibilities, MTSO's must perform screening functions as determined by the FSD. Specific program responsibilities include the following:

Uses practical judgment and training when performing work in support of the CC. Gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data from a variety of available sources. When reviewing data, incumbent analyzes the data and makes a risk/threat assessment and identifies any interrelationships including those that relate to the affected mode(s) of transportation. Ensures that superiors are aware of ongoing activities 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. Assists senior employees or supervisor in preparing reports and briefings for superiors on issues 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 other related entities throughout TSA including headquarters and other airport operations. Assists in the coordination and 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 assist in the planning, development and coordination of portions of 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 determined and directed by the FSD or his/her designee for a minimum of 20% of the time.

Master TSO Screening Responsibilities (if required) will include the following: The MTSO relies upon seasoned experience and knowledge of the work and governing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to independently complete the majority of his/her work without need to refer issues to a superior for a decision. 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/or checked baggage including, but not limited to, duties described below:

• conducts screening of passengers, baggage, and/or cargo (PAX/BAGS/CARGO), on a rotating basis, to maintain certification in all screening functions;
• 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 translation assistance to non-English speaking passengers;
• 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;
• immediately responds to breaches of security and emergency situations;
• operates various equipment such as walk-through and hand-held metal detectors, EDS and ETD system, and/or X-ray;
• secures unauthorized weapons and/or potentially hazardous materials and devices and prevent entry to secure areas and aircraft; ensures the occupational health and safety guidelines are followed and any necessary decontamination procedures are completed in a timely manner;
• develops preliminary incident information for LEOs and superiors; assists LEOs with investigation; writes incident or other reports for superiors, LEOs, passengers, or other individuals;
• serves as a mentor and coach to new Officer (Screener) 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, assists management with inquiries and investigations initiated against regulated parties.
• as assigned, participates in joint law enforcement assignments.

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

Performs other 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 is 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 clear and concise manner.
• Technology Application: Uses machines, tools and equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to prepare documents and communicate information in the appropriate format.
• 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.
• Coordination 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.
• Continuation Of Operations Program: Knowledge of COOP regulations and operating procedures in order to plan, develop and coordinate the appropriate crisis management plans and to evaluate the overall effectiveness of any required training programs in support of the COOP program for airport operations.

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. For current TSO employees moving into this position, this position is subject to random drug testing
• 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