Those uniformed folks who populate airport screening checkpoints insisting that all your liquids are in three-ounce containers are not rent-a-cops.  They are members of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a federal agency created by the passage of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 

Now more than seven years old, TSA is responsible for security in all modes of transportation whether it be by air, sea, or land, but by far the most familiar public faces of TSA reside at US airports. 

Like most federal agencies, TSA is not short on critics.  We received tips that many in the aviation world label the administration snidely as "Thousands Standing Around" (TSA).  In our worst travel days, when lines are long, planes are delayed, and coffee has run short, the phrase has definitely been on our minds.  

And then there's the gossip effect.  An entire section of TSA's website is devoted to debunking negative myths about its employment practices, including work-related injuries, pay raises, equal employment opportunity (EEO) complaints, and the rights of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to join labor unions.

But TSA's actual accomplishments are extraordinary by any standard.  Post-911, they were charged by Congress to begin providing airport security in 450 airports and screen 100% of checked baggage for luggage.  They were given only one year to become fully functional and handle 500 million annual US air travelers.  In the center of it all are the TSOs that keep us safe.   

According to TSA's website, in their first five years of existence:

• TSOs have found more than 40 million prohibited items at security checkpoints.
• TSA has substantially bolstered intelligence gathering through new technology, committing approximately $1 billion to upgrading explosives detection systems at airports.
• Through the Air Cargo Rule published in May 2006, TSA has begun protecting the more than 50,000 tons of cargo transported by air in the US every day.
• The National Explosives Canine Team Program has grown to include 425 teams at more than 80 airports and 11 mass transit systems nationwide.
• TSA has processed more than 200,000 new applications for Hazardous Materials Endorsements for commercial driver's licenses and conducted background checks on the current 2.7 million hazmat endorsed drivers.

The duties and responsibilities of an entry-level TSO (also referred to as a screener) include conducting security screenings of persons, baggage, and cargo.  Their goal: to protect the traveling public by preventing any deadly or dangerous objects from being transported into the aircraft.  

TSOs also assist in monitoring the flow of passengers through the checkpoint in an orderly and efficient manner and maintain close communication with supervisors regarding any issue that might reveal a weakness in screening procedures.  

The key skills needed for this job include the ability to handle screening functions independently and authoritatively, learn to use the security equipment, work closely with people of diverse backgrounds, and communicate effectively

TSOs, and all other TSA jobs, require US citizenship and passage of a full background investigation.  TSOs also must be able to read, write, and speak English, and pass a medical exam, physical ability test, drug and alcohol screening, and an aptitude test.

The job is physically demanding.  Applicants must be able to stand for four hours without sitting and lift up to 70 pounds.  

Once selected, TSOs are required to successfully complete 56-72 hours of classroom training, 112-128 hours of on-the-job training, and pass a certification exam.  Continued employment is contingent on passing recurrent training and exams on a periodic basis.

Selection procedures are subject to the same Federal Civil Services laws as other federal agencies, but the TSA uses a unique "SV" pay band system rather than the GS pay ranges most people are familiar with.  

Non-supervisory TSOs begin at bands D and E, which range from $24,432 to $42,135 annually plus additional locality pay.  An integrated career progression program enables TSOs who have completed two years with the agency and received a favorable performance review to enter a non-competitive career track into bands F and G.  Expert manager positions are in bands H and I, which cap at $86,857 plus locality pay.

As federal employees, TSOs receive a full package of generous benefits and additional benefits in the form of career coaching and tools.

Interested individuals should go to USAJobs.com or the TSA's own employment website at TSAJobs.com to search for positions by location and apply on line.

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