Mater Transportation Security Officer- Security Training Instructor
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions
Series and Grade:
SV-1802 Pay Band F
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Master Transportation Security Officer (MTSO), Security Training Instructor (STI) incumbent performs duties associated with the Security Training Instructor (STI) program. In addition to program responsibilities, MTSO's must perform screening functions as determined by the FSD. As indicated below, STI's are required to maintain all screening certification requirements and 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. If so required, must maintain all appropriate screening certification requirements. Specific program responsibilities include the following:
Performs training instruction within established guidelines and standards in support of nationally developed training programs (e.g., new hire training, OSARP, Crossover); supports recurrent training needs, conducts return to duty and remediation training. Adapts/develops local training materials to meet requirements and conducts local training in accordance with training standards; assists with training department administrative support (e.g., OLC entry, training resource room facilitation, roster management, conducting testing, ensuring evaluations are done); assists with training logistics support components are completed (e.g., coordinating needed supplies and materials); manages classroom dynamics, resolves routine classroom problems ; monitors and evaluates training and provides feedback on needed adjustments and recommends enhancements; maintains communication with management and supervisors concerning issues with training that may reveal security-screening weaknesses or vulnerabilities. As directed, provides mentoring/coaching to address identified training needs. Administers and scores training tests (e.g., job knowledge, image). Assists with PASS Practical Skills Observations (PSOs) and conducts level 3 assessments. Must maintain all screening certification requirements and perform screening functions (passenger, baggage, or both) 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.
- 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 and irrelevant information to make logical decisions; provides solutions to individual and organizational problems.
- 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.
- 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). As assigned, knowledge and skills necessary to perform level a1 maintenance and diagnose malfunctions.
- 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: 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:
- 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
- Visit USAJOBS to see if this position is open and view other TSA positions.
