Transporation Security Officer - Lead
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions
Series and Grade:
SV-1802 - Pay Band F
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Leads at least three full-performance level (and as assigned trainee and apprentice level) Transportation Security Officers (TSOs). May be assigned to any airport, or other transportation terminal, that provides commercial service to the public and, as assigned, may be the highest ranking TSO in charge of a specific shift(s) or operation. May serve as a member of the National Screening Force. The Lead TSO (LTSO):
- Identifies, distributes, and balances workload and tasks among employees in accordance with established workflow and skill level. Makes adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities. Oversees assigned security screening team on a daily basis, implements security-screening procedures, and ensures occupational safety and health guidelines are followed and that contamination by chemicals is prevented.
- Resolves simple, informal complaints of employees and refers other, such as formal grievances and appeals to the supervisor or an appropriate management official; serves as coach, facilitator, and or negotiator in coordinating team initiatives and in consensus building activities among team members.
- Provides input to supervisors and/or managers concerning a variety of human resources matters relating to employees led including, but not limited to, performance, promotions, reassignments, awards, etc. Approves emergency leave for short periods of time, as assigned.
- Trains team members, monitors and reports on the status and progress of work, and represents the team in communications with the supervisor or manager for the purpose of obtaining resources (e.g., computer hardware and software, etc.).
- Conducts screening of passengers, and/or baggage, and/or cargo, as required. Controls or monitors passengers without using physical restraint and without jeopardizing his/her safety or the safety of others. Opens and/or closes security areas, following approved standard operating procedures, as assigned.
- Maintains communication with management regarding any issues that might reveal a weakness or vulnerable area of security screening that is discovered during the course of operations; immediately notifies law enforcement officers (LEO's) when criminal acts against civil aviation is suspected; assesses subjects' behaviors; collects witness information and safeguards evidence pending arrival of the LEO.
- Assists management and law enforcement officers with inquiries for information or investigations that may be initiated against a regulated party; participates in information briefings concerning sensitive information.
- Develops preliminary incident information for LEOs and superiors and writes various types of communications, reports, and documents that are germane to the work performed.
- Utilizes computer hardware and software to create documents; analyze information, as required; and, report information in the appropriate format;
- Monitors the flow of passengers through the screening checkpoint to facilitate the orderly and efficient processing of passengers.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
KSA's 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 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 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.
- Multi-Tasking: Ability to understand, decipher, analyze, and make decisions utilizing multiple and simultaneous sources of informational input.
- 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).
- 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.
- Maintains 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.
