Transportation Security Officer (Full Performance)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions
Series and Grade:
SV-1802- Pay Band E
Duties and Responsibilities:
Serves as a full-performance level Transportation Security Officer (Screener) (TSO). Performs the range of pre-board security screening of persons and/or their carry-on and/or checked baggage and cargo including, but not limited to, those described below. The Officer works under general supervision, referring issues that may represent changes in policy and approach to the supervisor for review and decision. Conducts screening at any airport, or other transportation terminal, as assigned, which provides commercial service to the public. May serve as a member of the National Screening Force. As assigned, performs regular and recurring level 1 maintenance on Explosives Detection Systems (EDSs) and Explosives Trace Devices (ETDs). The TSO:
- ensures a smooth flow of passengers, baggage, and cargo through the screening checkpoints to facilitate the orderly and efficient processing of passengers;
- implements security screening procedures that are central to Transportation Security Administration objectives and which protect the traveling public by preventing any deadly or dangerous objects from being transported onto aircraft;
- conducts screening of passengers, baggage, and cargo, as assigned;
- acts in a professional and courteous manner at all times and recognizes needs of individuals who may require special screening and assistance;
- immediately responds to breaches of security and emergency situations;
- relays professional but firm commands to individuals to control situations, including those that may become heated;
- operates various equipment such as walk-through and hand-held metal detectors, Explosive Detection System and Explosive Trace Detection system, and/or X-ray; continually monitors individuals’ behaviors as they enter and pass through security checkpoints and alerts superiors and/or law enforcement officers (LEOs) when suspicious behaviors are observed;
- takes appropriate steps to secure 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;
- assists superiors and LEOs with investigations of incidents;
- writes incident or other documents/reports for superiors, LEOs, passengers, or other individuals and utilizes computer hardware and software to create documents and report information in the appropriate format;
- maintains communication with superiors regarding any issues that might reveal a weakness or vulnerable area of security screening that is discovered in the course of screening duties;
- participates in information briefings concerning security-sensitive or classified information; and,
- makes suggestions to improve screening processes and procedures.
- Equipment Maintenance Technician: As assigned, performs regular and recurring level 1 maintenance including operations checks, systems calibration, inspections, materials cleaning, and parts replacement on EDS and ETD equipment; maintains supplies and parts, as necessary, to prevent excessive equipment downtime. Diagnoses malfunctions and provides maintenance using technical manuals, handbooks, standard operating procedures, and other guides.
- 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 adjusts priorities to respond to pressing and changing client demands; achieves quality end products; is committedto 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.
- 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.
- Oral Communication: Listens effectively and, as needed, clarifies information. Professionally conveys instructions and information to others.
- 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 1 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Meet and maintain medical requirements for 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.
