THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!
Currently there are 275 airports hiring Transportation Security Officers (also called Screeners); with full time positions available from New York to Los Angeles and Hawaii, up in Alaska and down in the US Virgin Islands. Each job posting clearly states that multiple vacancies are available for each location. By searching the government job bank, it appears that there are over 900 TSO Screener positions currently available nationwide.
Duties of a Transportation Security Officer (Screener)
A TSO performs a wide variety of duties that are directly related to providing security and protection for travelers, airports and aircraft; including the responsibility of detecting and identifying dangerous objects in baggage, cargo or on passengers and preventing those objects from being transported. A TSO is required to perform various tasks such as:
- Passenger and baggage screening.
- Operate x-ray machinery, search wands and electronic and imaging equipment. wanding, pat down searches, operation of x-ray machines, lift and carry baggage (weighing up to 70 pounds), and screening and ticket review using electronic and imaging equipment.
- Perform wand and pat down searches of passengers.
- Provide information and direction to the public in a responsible and courteous manner.
- Maintain focus and awareness in an stressful environment that is often chaotic and filled with distraction.
- Lift and carry luggage and objects weighing up to 70 pounds. Remain standing for periods up to 3 hours.
- Make effective decisions and employ conflict resolution skills.
Employment Requirements
Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or a U.S National and have a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent. If you do not possess the education component, you can still apply if you have at least one year of full time experience working as an X-ray technician, aviation screener or security officer. In addition to these two basic requirements, applicants will be required to meet the following employment conditions:
- Demonstrate physical fitness to work on a daily basis without the aid of medication.
- Work irregular hours and shifts, including holidays and weekends.
- Pass drug and alcohol screening tests.
- Pass background, criminal and credit checks.
If you want to learn more about the rigorous training for this position, check out my blog
Position Pay and Benefits
The TSA, via The Department of Homeland Security offers a competitive starting salary and the opportunity for pay raises and promotions to TSO Supervisor in a fairly short period of time. If you are searching for an entry level position in the federal government, these benefits may be the deciding factor for you:
- Starting salary range of $23,600 to $35,400 (Federal Pay Band D)
- Health insurance and retirement plans
- Paid training
- 2 weeks paid vacation each year