Job Description
Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) are the frontline of aviation security, responsible for protecting travelers, airports, and aircraft.
At Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), you’ll operate screening equipment such as X-ray machines and metal detectors to pinpoint prohibited items in carry-on and checked baggage.
You’ll conduct physical searches, such as pat-downs and bag inspections, and handle terminal access points. This role demands constant vigilance in a hectic, noisy environment with regular passenger interaction.
TSOs must remain composed under pressure, create rapid decisions, and adapt to evolving security protocols. This role is part-time and falls under the SV-D settle band (equivalent to GS-5/6).
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is piece of the Department of Homeland Security and centers on safeguarding the nation's transportation systems. This role suits people who are detail-oriented, physically capable, and committed to public safety.
TSA provides wrap up training, covering a multi-week residential plan, to equip you with the skills needed for this critical post.
Salary & Compensation
Pay / Cover Package: $46,105 - $56,844 per year.
Qualification
To qualify for the SV-D settle band (equivalent to GS-5/6), you must meet either the know-how or education condition. No additional credit is given for overtime, and part-time background is prorated.
- Expertise: At least one year of full-time function know-how in the security field, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician.
- Education: A high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC high school equivalency certificate.
- National Offering Background: Paid and unpaid volunteer work through programs like Peace Corps or AmeriCorps is credited as qualifying experience.
- Credit for expertise is located on a 40-hour workweek; part-time operate is credited proportionally.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age at time of submission.
- Selective Service registration needed for males born after 12/31/59.
- Must pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
- Must be proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).
- Must be open to perform various shifts, such as overtime, and travel for training (3-6 weeks).
Role Responsibilities
Work X-ray, metal detector, and other screening equipment to detect prohibited items.
- Conduct physical searches of passengers, covering pat-downs and property searches.
- Inspect carry-on and checked baggage, lifting bags up to 50 pounds.
- Control entry and exit points to protected domains of the airport.
- Interact with the public, providing directions and responding to inquiries.
- Keep up situational awareness in a high-stress environment with noise and distractions.
- Put in risk-based security screening protocols as per Standard Running Procedures.
- Participate in ongoing training to stick around current with security threats and technologies.
How to Apply
Read the complete USAJOBS announcement and all instructions before early your submission.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account (or create one) and click 'Register Online' to commence the early online submission and assessment.
- Finish the assessment questions and attach your federal resume (narrow to two pages) and any called for documents (e.g., DD-214, SF-15 if claiming veterans' preference).
- Send in your finalize submission package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date, July 24, 2026.
- After submission, monitor your email (including spam/junk folders) for an invitation from [email protected] to schedule a proctored exam at a test center.
Additional Information
Pay for Rapid City, SD covers locality pay of 17.06%, resulting in $22.09 to $27.24 per hour.
- This announcement is currently seeking qualified female candidates to gather mission-related staffing wants; male candidates will be considered only if staffing demands modify.
- New recruit training needs 3-6 weeks of full-time travel away from your home airport; all travel expenses are reimbursed.
- TSO positions are subject to random drug and alcohol testing post-employment.
- Physical demands contain standing for up to 4 hours, walking up to 3 miles per shift, and lifting 50 pounds.
- You must have resided in the U.S. For three of the last five years, with exceptions for federal employees or dependents abroad.
- Former federal annuitants may have their pay offset by their pension, potentially resulting in zero net cover.
About Company
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was produced in response to the 9/11 attacks to strengthen the security of the nation's transportation systems. As section of the Department of Homeland Security, TSA sets the usual for aviation security through risk-based, intelligence-driven screening and enforcement. TSA employs over 50,000 Transportation Security Officers at airports nationwide, providing a critical layer of defense against threats to air travel. Functioning at TSA means joining a mission-focused body that values vigilance, integrity, and public service. Employees obtain competitive settle, federal gains, and chances for profession advancement within the agency.