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DH
Dept Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration
Transportation Security Officer
Career Insights for Transportation Security Officer
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Based on North Dakota data
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What they do
A Transportation Security Officer monitors passengers and activity at airports, train stations and ship terminals to watch for threats to security or passenger safety. Screens passengers, luggage or freight to look for weapons or dangerous materials; patrols areas where vehicles are loaded or unloaded; uses technology, interviews and searches for screening and monitoring passengers.
$59,798 / year median in North Dakota
-7% projected decline
Job Description
TSA was created to strengthen the security of the Nation's transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce by working closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. TSA is comprised of nearly 50,000 security officers, inspectors, and air marshals who protect the Nation's transportation systems by screening for explosives at checkpoints in airports, inspecting rail cars, patrolling subways with law enforcement partners, and working to make all modes of transportation safe. From law enforcement to technology to security operations and management, TSA continues to look for dedicated people with the skills and desire to protect transportation security. The work is challenging and a wide range of career opportunities exist throughout the agency. A career at TSA offers more than just rewarding work. TSA provides opportunities such as career coaching, development and training as well as federal employee benefits.
Duties may include but are not limited to: Operating various screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and on passengers, and preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft. Performing searches and screening, which may include physical interaction with passengers (e.g., pat-downs, search of property, etc.), conducting bag searches and lifting/carrying bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50lbs. Controlling terminal entry and exit points. Interacting with the public, giving directions and responding to inquiries. Maintaining focus and awareness while working in a stressful environment which includes noise from alarms, machinery and people, crowd distractions, time pressure, and disruptive and angry passengers, in order to preserve the professional ability to identify and locate potentially life threatening or mass destruction devices, and to make effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations. Engaging in continuous development of critical thinking skills, necessary to mitigate actual and potential security threats, by identifying, evaluating, and applying appropriate situational options and approaches. This may include application of risk-based security screening protocols that vary based on program requirements. Retaining and implementing knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, demonstrating responsible and dependable behavior, and is open to change and adapts to new information or unexpected obstacles.
Duties may include but are not limited to: Operating various screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and on passengers, and preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft. Performing searches and screening, which may include physical interaction with passengers (e.g., pat-downs, search of property, etc.), conducting bag searches and lifting/carrying bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50lbs. Controlling terminal entry and exit points. Interacting with the public, giving directions and responding to inquiries. Maintaining focus and awareness while working in a stressful environment which includes noise from alarms, machinery and people, crowd distractions, time pressure, and disruptive and angry passengers, in order to preserve the professional ability to identify and locate potentially life threatening or mass destruction devices, and to make effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations. Engaging in continuous development of critical thinking skills, necessary to mitigate actual and potential security threats, by identifying, evaluating, and applying appropriate situational options and approaches. This may include application of risk-based security screening protocols that vary based on program requirements. Retaining and implementing knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, demonstrating responsible and dependable behavior, and is open to change and adapts to new information or unexpected obstacles.