Lead Transportation Security Officer – DHS Employment


Website U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Position Summary:

As a Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO) within Security Operations (SO), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you will be responsible for leading at least three full-performance level Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), and as assigned, trainee and apprentice level TSOs. As an LTSO, you will identify, distribute, and balance workloads and tasks among employees in accordance with established workflow and skill level. You will make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identifying dangerous objects on passengers and in baggage or cargo, and preventing these objects from being transported onto aircraft.
  • Providing front line security protection to air travelers, airports, and airplanes.
  • Responding to breaches of security and emergency situations.
  • Using diverse electronic detection and imaging equipment.
  • Assisting with investigations of incidents, and preparing incident reports or other documents that convey required information.
  • Training team members, monitoring and reporting on the status and progress of work, and representing the team in communications with the supervisor or manager for the purpose of obtaining resources (e.g., computer hardware and software, etc.).
  • Implementing security screening procedures in accordance with TSA objectives and directives.
  • Providing input to supervisors and managers concerning a variety of human resources matters including, but not limited to, employee performance, promotions, reassignments, awards, etc.
  • Wanding, performing pat down searches, operating an x-ray machine, screening baggage, and reviewing tickets.

Required Education & Experience:

  • You must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of application.
  • Selective Service registration is required.
  • You must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed;
  • You must pass pre-employment drug screening AND you will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
  • You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
  • You must be able to maintain a measured threshold for sight:
  • You must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
  • You must be able to maintain the ability to walk up to two miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (e.g., 3-4 hours) of time;
  • You must be proficient in English (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, comprehending); and,
  • You must be able to efficiently and thoroughly manipulate and lift baggage, containers, and other objects subject to security processing;
  • You must be able to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing up to 70 pounds;
  • You must be able to maintain eligibility for a security clearance;
  • National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
  • You must be able to maintain proficiency in all facets of assigned work sufficient to ensure recertification;
  • You must be able to maintain physical agility that would allow you to squat, bend, and lean to inspect individuals and baggage/cargo;
  • Must pass pre-employment drug screening AND random drug/alcohol testing.