Kearney Regional - EAR (Transportation Security Officer) Jobs August 2026

Job Description

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are the frontline of aviation security at Kearney Regional Airport in Kearney, Nebraska. In this part-time, permanent role, you’ll work screening equipment, perform pat-downs and bag searches, and prevent prohibited items from being carried onto aircraft.

This role needs physical stamina—lifting bags up to 50 pounds, standing for prolonged periods, and walking up to three miles per shift. TSOs also control terminal entry and may aid security for special events.

This role is best-suited for people who are detail-oriented, can operate various shifts such as weekends and holidays, and are committed to public solution.

At this time, the airport is only seeking qualified female candidates to meet mission-related staffing needs. Applications from male applicants will be accepted but not considered until staffing wants adjust.

Salary & Compensation

Salary: $40,736 per year.

Qualification

To qualify for the SV-D cover band (equivalent to GS-5/6), you must gather either the background or education condition. U.S. Citizenship or nationality is needed, and you must be at least 18 years aged.

• Experience: 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.
• Part-time expertise is credited on a pro-rata basis (e.g., 20 hours/week for two months equals one month of background).
• National Service Know-how (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and volunteer work are credited as qualifying experience.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of submission.
• Selective Offering registration called for for males born after 12/31/59.
• Must be proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).
• Must pass a structured meeting, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
• Must be open to work various shifts, covering nights, weekends, and holidays, and overtime as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate various screening equipment and technology to pinpoint dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers.
• Prevent prohibited items from being transported onto aircraft.
• Perform searches and screening, such as physical pat-downs and property searches.
• Conduct bag searches and lift/transport bags, bins, and property weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Control terminal entry and verify passenger identification.
• Offer security and protection of air travelers, airports, and aircraft in a courteous and expert manner.
• May require to back security for high-profile events or vital figures.
• Perform various shifts, including prompt mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, and report for overtime as needed.

Conditions & Requirements

• Must have U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• Must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of submission.
• Subject to post-employment random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must be available to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
• Mandatory travel for training (3-6 weeks) and occasional travel may be needed.
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in this role.
• Must encounter physical demands: squat, bend, lift 50 lbs, stand for up to 4 hours, walk up to 3 miles per shift.

How You Will Be Evaluated

1. You’ll be evaluated located on how well you gather the qualifications.
2. If you encounter minimum qualifications, you may be invited to take the TSO Assessment Battery (TAB), a computer-based test evaluating x-ray interpretation aptitude.
3. Upon passing the TAB, you’ll be scheduled for additional assessments: a structured meeting, drug screening, and a medical evaluation (covering color vision, vision, hearing, and joint mobility exams).
4. After passing assessments, you’ll undergo a pre-hire background investigation.
5. Set on passing the background investigation and a qualitative evaluation, you’ll be placed in 'Ready for Last Post Provide Status'.
6. A concluding suitability determination is built after entry on duty and completion of a complete background investigation.
7. Your qualifications will be evaluated on competencies such as Attention to Point, Conscientiousness, Critical Thinking, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Expertise, Oral Communication, Teamwork, and Visual Observation.
8. The assessment includes a slice score; you must gather or exceed it to be considered.

Required Documents

• Resume narrow to two pages (called for; exceeding two pages will result in removal from consideration).
• DD-214 (Member Copy 4) if claiming Veterans' Preference or eligible Veterans' Solution.
• SF-15 and VA Letter if claiming Veterans' Preference located on compensable disability, widow/spouse entitlement, or Purple Heart.
• Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment (if you get a tentative present).
• Proof of education (high school diploma, GED, etc.) if putting in set on education.
• Any other documentation supporting your qualifications or eligibility.

Benefits

• Wrap up federal gains package covering health insurance, retirement, and paid depart.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on post category (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
• Access to the Federal Employees Health Advantages (FEHB) program.
• Thrift Savings Scheme (TSP) comparable to a 401(k).
• Annual and sick exit accrual.
• Life insurance options.
• Opportunities for profession advancement within TSA and DHS.

How to Apply

1. Go through the whole position announcement and all instructions before early your submission.
2. Go to the formal application portal and with your the authorized submission portal/Login.gov account.
3. Unseal the role announcement and click the 'Register Online' button.
4. Finish the online submission, such as the early online assessment and the four short-answer essay questions (optional but encouraged, 200 words or less each).
5. Attach all needed documents, covering your resume (max two pages) and any supporting documents for veterans' preference or education.

Additional Information

• This role is unseal to all U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals.
• New recruit training calls for travel away from your airport of record for 3-6 weeks. Travel expenses are reimbursed per TSA policy.
• If you’re a present or former political appointee (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) within the last 5 years, you must disclose this to the Human References Office.
• Former federal employees receiving a civilian retirement annuity may have their pay reduced by the volume of their pension (no pay offset waiver for this permanent role).
• DHS applies E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
• If you’ve a disability, you may request a testing accommodation for the assessments.
• For questions, contact the agency via text 'Hiring' to 275872 or by phone at 275872.
• Passing assessment outcomes are sound for two years; failed effects are kept for six months.

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 sets the standard for aviation security, deploying officers at airports across the United States to screen passengers and baggage.

This role is located at Kearney Regional Airport (EAR) in Kearney, Nebraska, a smaller airport serving central Nebraska. TSA provides structured path paths, federal upsides, and the opening to serve the public in a mission-critical role.

You should be arranged for a rigorous hiring process including assessments, medical exams, and a background investigation.