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Transportation Security Manager

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions

Series and Grade:

SV-1802 Pay Bands: H/ I

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages one or more programs, as assigned by the Federal Security Director (FSD), Deputy FSD, or Assistant FSD, including, but not limited to, Checkpoints, Bomb Appraisal Officer, and/or Screening of Passengers by Observational Techniques. At the I band, uses seasoned technical and program management expertise developed professionally and on-the-job to complete the majority of work independently; keeps management apprised of issues that may require or represent significant shifts in operations, policies, and procedures. May serve as the manager in charge of TSA operations at an airport/transportation terminal, spoke location(s), and/or particular shift(s), as assigned.

A. Manager - Screening Checkpoints (PAX/BAGS/CARGO): Serves as a Screening Manager responsible for screening procedures, processes (passenger, baggage, cargo, et al), and performance. Uses good judgment to make sound decisions in the field. Manages multiple locations simultaneously, including off-site (i.e., spoke airports and/or other transportation terminals) locations. Manages Screening Checkpoints that are central to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) objectives that serve to protect the traveling public by preventing any deadly or dangerous objects from being transported onto aircraft, or other modes of transportation. Corrects improper use or application of equipment and/or processes and procedures for screening. Monitors lane times and implements changes to enhance security and efficiency at checkpoints to maximize safety and avoid disruptions to customers and stakeholders. Recommends operational, policy, and procedural changes that may have potential for major impact at the airport/transportation terminal or across TSA operations.

B. Manager - Bomb Appraisal Officer (BAO) Program: Manages local BAO Program and serves as technical consultant for the assigned FSD and subordinate managers on all issues involving explosives; improvised explosive devises (IEDs); and, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. As assigned, manages subordinate BAOs at assigned airport, spoke airports, and/or other transportation terminals. Delegates or personally performs the following tasks, depending on staffing levels and experience levels of employees: Responds to and assesses all unresolved checkpoint alarms involving possible explosives, IED components or actual IEDs. Assesses the interrelationships between initiators, power supplies, and chemicals and determines if devices are improvised explosives; commercial explosives, mixed explosives (fuel mixtures); as part of the overall determination that the alarm is negative or positive. Reopens security lane(s) if review of articles produces no cause for further action. 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. Conducts incident analysis and operational tests of checkpoints and terminals. Works to ensure minimal disruption to passengers and transportation systems. As assigned, serves as a member of inspection teams reviewing explosives procedures and checkpoints at other airports or transportation terminals.

C. Manager - Behavioral Detection Officer (BDO) Program: Manages local SPOT Program and serves as a technical consultant for the assigned FSD and subordinate managers on all issues involving behavior detection and recognition. As assigned, manages subordinate BDOs at assigned airport, spoke airports, and/or other transportation terminals. Performs passive observation and engages in voluntary encounters with the public to determine whether elevated behaviors indicate that the individual may be involved in a terrorist or criminal act or activity. Determines baseline information which includes identifying the flight destinations, understanding the anticipated composition of travelers associated with the flights, behaviors to be expected and assessing deviations from such behaviors. Assesses multiple travelers simultaneously and uses programmatic information to determine whether elevated suspicion exists that may indicate the potential for criminal and/or terrorist activity. Exercises tact and diligence when communicating with individuals to avoid embarrassment to the traveling public and to TSA. Interacts with individuals exhibiting deceptive behaviors and analyzes and assesses individuals' behaviors to resolve the behaviors or refer the individual for additional screening or law enforcement (LE) resolution. Documents identified behaviors as a basis for referral.

The Transportation Security Manager performs a majority of the following duties, depending on scope of local airport/transportation terminal operations, in connection with management of assigned program(s):

• Performs a range of supervisory Human Resources functions including, but not limited to, the following: Serves as rating or review official for performance appraisal purposes; approves or recommends awards and recognition, promotions, reassignments, and transfers; counsels employees concerning performance, discipline, and other matters; resolves majority of employee relations issues and only refers the most serious to higher management; etc. Sets priorities, assigns work and projects to direct reports. Monitors individual performance and provides frequent communication to promote employee development. Provides subject-matter expertise and mentors employees with regard to aspects of work falling under program purview and helps to expand employees' knowledge and capabilities to best serve customers and stakeholders and maintain safety. Communicates and reinforces EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibility, including selection, training, and promotion; fosters a work environment where all employees are treated equitably; and, ensures that TSA employment policies, procedures, and practices are effectively administered.
• As assigned, manages contracts at Screening Partnership Program Airports.
• Manages and supports the collection of various performance metrics in an effort to identify areas in need of process improvement and systemic or individual weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or inefficiencies in program(s) managed. Lends key input to strategic planning initiatives and seeks input from subordinate supervisors and staff in the overall strategic planning process. Implements business practice changes to improve security and efficiency and effectiveness of services provided; recommends and seeks approval/disapproval of changes that are likely to have impact across multiple operations or the entire TSA. Justifies human, financial, and procurement (equipment, supplies, space) organizational needs. Recommends ways to improve workplace and business practices that will enhance employee morale and operational effectiveness.
• Coordinates national and local crisis management and incident response protocols.
• Recognizes and understands the customer service needs of the traveling public and balances these needs with safety and security in mind.
• Interprets Technical Aspects of TSA policies, regulations, and directives, etc.
• Prepares and delivers clear and concise oral and written briefings, presentations, and reports to a variety of audiences on divergent topics, including, but not limited to, reports documenting security incidents involving Screening, BAO, and/or SPOT programs. Develops and delivers training, including on-the-spot training, for respective program(s) in such areas as screening operations; behavior recognition and detection; detection of explosive devices, chemical, power supplies, switches, and initiators that terrorists may attempt to carry onto aircraft or into other transportation systems. Builds on past practice and experience in program(s) managed, strives to challenge TSOs' and other employees'/individuals' capabilities, through training and other available means, to detect explosive devices, detect potentially dangerous individuals, and overall improve transportation security. Briefings, presentations, training, and/or written documentation/reports, etc., may be provided to employees and individuals inside and outside of TSA.
• Works cooperatively with airport/transportation terminal and other stakeholders (e.g., federal, state, local, and military Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel, behavior detection experts, airlines, transportation companies, etc). Brings matters needing attention to appropriate representative of the DHS/TSA, intelligence community, law enforcement community, etc. to ensure coordinated efforts in criminal, intelligence, and security matters. Works to improve channels of communication for collecting and sharing of important information and ideas to help in the improvement of overall safety and security in transportation and other sectors. Provides expertise inside and outside of the TSA regarding matters affecting program(s) managed and may be sought out by others in the field to share knowledge and experience.
• Utilizes computer hardware and software to analyze information; create documents; and report information in the appropriate format.
• Participates in joint law enforcement exercises and operations, as required.

KSAs and Core Competencies:

• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work; double-checks the accuracy of information to ensure high quality.
• Conflict Management: Identifies and takes steps to prevent potential situations that could result in unpleasant confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a positive and constructive manner to minimize negative impact.
• Customer Service: Balances the interests of a variety of clients; readily adjusts priorities to respond to pressing and changing client demands; achieves quality end products; is committed to continuous improvement services.
• Decisiveness: Exercises good judgment by making sound 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Human Resource Management and Policy: Knowledgeable of, complies with, and holds subordinates accountable for complying with HR policies, procedures, and programs.
• 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.
• Operations Management: Application of specialized knowledge of law, procedures, practices, relevant to managing and executing programs in an operational environment.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions; provides solutions to individual and organizational problems.
• Relationship Building (Internal/External Communications): Develops and sustains cooperative relationships among various stakeholder groups, passengers, staff, co-workers, and management; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and instills and atmosphere of open communication.
• Resource Planning and Accountability: Monitors activity and ensures that screening location(s) and/or program(s) have the staff, equipment, procedural documentation, reference materials, record-keeping logs, and other supplies and tools necessary to meet daily operational need.
• 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.
• Security Directives and Regulations: Knowledge of TSA's air transportation security policies, directives, and regulations, including on-going regulations and new or emerging directives, as well as understanding of how to implement the policies, directives and regulations in local TSA airport, or other transportation sector, operations.
• Technical Communication: Documents and transmits comprehensive operational information, on technical and nontechnical issues, in a variety of formats and tools to a wide array of internal and external stakeholders. 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 an atmosphere of open communication.
• Team Building: Inspires, motivates, and guides others toward goal accomplishments. Consistently develops and sustains cooperative working relationships. Encourages and facilitates cooperation within the organization and with customer groups; fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, trust. Develops leadership in others through coaching, mentoring, rewarding, and guiding employees.
• 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:

• Maintain eligibility for a security clearance.
• Maintains proficiency in all facets of assigned work sufficient to ensure recertification, as required;
• 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.

Selective Factor/Quality Ranking Factor(s):

BAO: The incumbent shall be a graduate from an accredited IED/bomb disposal course coupled with field experience as a military or civilian EOD technician or Hazardous Devices Technician. The accredited bomb disposal schools are Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (the joint service military EOD school) or the Hazardous Devices School (civilian). Graduation certificate must be attached to the application or certification in electronic applications with class number and date along with all assignments to accredited bomb squad and military EOD units.