Job Description
Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) protect air travelers, airports, and aircraft. At Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) in Waterloo, Iowa, you will operate screening equipment to detect dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers.
Duties include physical searches, pat-downs, lifting bags up to 50 pounds, and controlling terminal access. This part-time permanent role requires shift work, including weekends and holidays.
TSA is currently seeking qualified female candidates to meet mission-related staffing needs; male applicants will be accepted but not considered until staffing needs change.
Qualification
To qualify for the SV-D pay band (equivalent to GS-5/6), you must meet either the experience or education requirement. U.S. Citizenship and minimum age 18 are required.
- Experience: At least one year of full-time work experience in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician.
- Education: A high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC high school equivalency certificate.
- Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio (e.g., 20 hours/week for two months equals one month).
- National Service experience (Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other volunteer work are qualifying.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
- Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/59.
- Must be proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, comprehending).
- Must pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
- Must be available to work various shifts, overtime, and travel for training (3-6 weeks).
Role Responsibilities
Operate various screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers.
- Prevent prohibited items from being transported onto aircraft.
- Perform searches and screening, including physical pat-downs and property searches.
- Lift and carry bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Control terminal entry and exit points.
- Respond to security incidents and alarms.
- Maintain situational awareness and follow standard operating procedures.
- Provide courteous and professional service to travelers.
- Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Travel for mandatory new hire training (3-6 weeks) away from the airport of record.
Conditions & Requirements
U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National status.
- Minimum age 18 at time of application.
- Selective Service registration (males born after 12/31/59).
- Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
- Subject to random drug and alcohol testing post-employment.
- Available to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
- Proficient in English.
- Travel for training (3-6 weeks) and occasional travel required.
- Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals.
- Must meet physical demands: squat, bend, lift 50 lbs, stand for prolonged periods, walk up to 3 miles per shift.
Benefits
Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Eligibility for benefits depends on part-time status; contact TSA for details.
- Paid training and travel reimbursement for required training.
- Opportunity for career advancement within TSA and DHS.
- Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching.
- Life insurance and long-term care options.
- Paid holidays, sick leave, and annual leave.
Additional Information
This position is part-time, permanent, and not eligible for telework or remote work.
- New hire training may require 3-6 weeks of travel away from the airport of record; travel expenses are reimbursed.
- TSA uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
- Reemployed annuitants: Salary may be reduced by the amount of pension; net pay could be as low as $0.
- Veterans and persons with disabilities may be eligible for non-competitive appointment.
- If you are a current or former political appointee (Schedule A, Schedule C, etc.) within the last 5 years, disclose this to HR.
- Applicants may request a religious accommodation for the hiring process.
- Passing assessment results are valid for two years; failed results are valid for six months.
- The vacancy questionnaire includes four optional short-answer essay questions (200 words or less each) to highlight dedication to public service.
- You must certify that your responses are your own words and not.
About Company
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for security of the nation's transportation systems. TSA employs Transportation Security Officers at airports across the country to screen passengers and baggage. This role is based at Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) in Waterloo, Iowa, serving the local community. TSA offers structured federal employment with clear career paths and complete benefits. Waterloo Regional
- ALO is named as the hiring organisation for the Transportation Security Officer post.
FAQs
Can I substitute education for experience for this TSO position?
Yes. If you do not have the required one year of security or aviation screening experience, you can qualify with a high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC equivalency certificate. No college degree is required.
What does the TSO assessment battery (TAB) test?
The TAB is a computer-based test that evaluates your ability to interpret X-ray s and identify potential threats. It is a key step in the hiring process and must be passed to proceed to the structured interview and medical evaluation.
Is this position open to male applicants?
Yes, male applicants may apply, but at this time the airport is only seeking qualified female candidates to meet mission-related staffing needs. Applications from male candidates will be accepted but not considered until staffing needs change.
What physical demands are required for this job?
You must be able to squat, bend, repeatedly lift and carry bags weighing up to 50 pounds, stand for prolonged periods (up to 4 hours), and walk up to 3 miles during a shift. A medical evaluation will assess your ability to meet these demands.
How long does the hiring process take for a TSO position?
The process includes an online application, assessment, structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation. After passing the TAB, you must schedule a proctored exam within 21 days. The entire process can take several months.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You need a resume limited to two pages and the online assessment questionnaire. If claiming veterans' preference, include DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or SF-15 with VA letter. If selected, you will complete Optional Form 306.