Transportation Security Officer - Mason City, IA

To qualify for the SV-D pay band (equivalent to GS-5/6), you must meet either experience or education requirements. Experience: one year of full-time work in security, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician. Education: a high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC certificate.

• At least one year of full-time work experience in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician.
• OR a high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED), High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (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 of experience).
• Volunteer work through National Service programs (Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) or other organizations counts as qualifying experience.
• 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 and overtime as needed.

Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers.

• Prevent prohibited objects from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform physical searches and screening, including pat-downs and property searches.
• Conduct bag searches and lift/carry bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Control terminal entry and exit points.
• Maintain security and protection of air travelers, airports, and aircraft in a courteous and professional manner.
• Secure high-profile events, important figures, or anything impacting transportation systems.
• Work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and overtime as required.

U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National status.

• Minimum age 18 at time of application.
• Selective Service registration (if applicable).
• Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
• Subject to post-employment random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must be available to work various shifts and overtime.
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, comprehending).
• Mandatory travel for training (3-6 weeks away from home airport) and occasional travel.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals.
• Must meet physical demands: squat, bend, lift 50 lbs, stand 4 hours, walk 3 miles per shift.

Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.

• Eligibility for benefits depends on part-time or full-time status; contact TSA for specifics.
• Paid training and travel reimbursement for required training.
• Opportunity for career advancement within TSA and DHS.

This position is part-time, permanent, and not eligible for telework or remote work.

• New hire training requires 3-6 weeks of travel away from your airport of record; travel expenses are reimbursed.
• If you are a current or former political appointee (Schedule A, Schedule C, etc.), you must disclose this to the HR office.
• Reemployed annuitants: This position does not qualify for a salary offset waiver under NDAA; your salary may be reduced by your pension amount.
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
• Veterans and persons with disabilities may be eligible for non-competitive appointment; contact the servicing HR office for details.
• The vacancy questionnaire includes four optional short-answer essay questions (200 words or less each). You must certify that responses are your own words and not AI-generated.
• Passing assessment results are valid for two years; failed results are kept for six months.
• If you need a testing accommodation due to a disability, you may request one.
• For questions, text 'Hiring' to 275872 or contact the agency via the official application portal.

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 at Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW) in Iowa, a smaller airport serving the region. TSA offers structured federal employment with clear pay scales, benefits, and advancement opportunities. Applicants should be prepared for a rigorous hiring process including assessments, medical exams, and background checks.