Federal Air Marshal

Federal Screening Careers; Arroyo Grande (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seeks Federal Air Marshals to protect commercial flights from terrorist threats and ensure passenger safety on domestic and international routes. The role requires discretion, fitness for physical duties, and the ability to operate independently in high-pressure environments.

Duty location is Oceano, CA, with irregular and on-call schedules, extensive travel, and a Top Secret clearance process.

Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating problem-solving, planning, organization, and effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Protect commercial flights from terrorist activity and other threats.
• Perform duties aboard domestic and international flights with discretion.
• Assess developing situations and respond to potential threats with limited backup.
• Carry firearms and maintain required firearms proficiency for federal duties.
• Engage in law enforcement, investigative, and advisory activities.

Skills

Problem-solving

Planning

Organization

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Federal Air Marshal Opportunities in Oceano

Federal Air Marshals—commonly called FAMs—are highly trained federal law enforcement officers who protect commercial aviation from terrorism, aircraft piracy, and other criminal threats. Working within TSA’s Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service, they operate both in the air and on the ground to help safeguard passengers, flight crews, airports, and the nation’s transportation system.

This is a demanding career that requires discretion, sound judgment, physical readiness, firearms proficiency, and the ability to work independently in high-pressure situations. Federal Air Marshals travel frequently and may receive assignments with limited advance notice.

Position Details

• Duty Location: {field_office}, Oceano, CA
• Employer: Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security
• Organization: Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service
• Salary: {salary_min}–{salary_max} per year
• Pay Band: {pay_band}
• Schedule: Full-time with irregular and on-call duty
• Travel: {travel_percentage} domestic and international travel
• Appointment Type: {appointment_type}
• Security Clearance: Top Secret
• Application Deadline: {closing_date}

What Federal Air Marshals Do

• Protect commercial passenger flights from terrorist activity, aircraft piracy, and other criminal threats
• Work discreetly aboard domestic and international flights
• Assess developing situations and respond to potential threats with limited backup
• Carry a firearm and maintain the firearms proficiency required for federal law enforcement duties
• Conduct law enforcement, investigative, analytical, and advisory activities
• Identify and interview witnesses or suspects when required
• Make arrests and seek or execute warrants within their legal authority
• Participate in multi-agency operations with federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners
• Support ground-based transportation-security and counterterrorism missions
• Perform other specialized assignments, which may include Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations

Experience and Education Requirements

Applicants must qualify through experience, education, or an acceptable combination of both. Depending on the vacancy, qualifying candidates may meet the requirement through:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience that demonstrates problem-solving, planning, organization, and effective written and verbal communication; or
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
• A qualifying combination of post‑secondary education and relevant experience

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Must be at least 21 years old when applying
• Must meet the maximum‑entry‑age requirement for a covered federal law enforcement position unless an authorized exception applies
• Must successfully complete a full background investigation
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
• Must pass required drug screening, medical evaluation, physical testing, and polygraph examination
• Must be legally eligible to possess and carry a firearm
• Must obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and U.S. passport
• Must agree to mobility, travel, irregular‑duty, and temporary‑assignment requirements

Schedule and Travel Requirements

This is not a standard eight-hour office position. Federal Air Marshals are subject to irregular schedules and 24-hour on‑call requirements. Duty periods may exceed eight hours and can include nights, weekends, holidays, overnight stays, and travel with little advance notice.

Assignments may involve frequent domestic and international travel, including travel to locations that present additional health or security risks. Employees may also receive extended temporary assignments lasting several weeks or months and may be reassigned geographically during their careers.

Physical and Firearms Requirements

Federal Air Marshals must be prepared for moderate to arduous physical activity. The work can involve running, walking, lifting, standing for extended periods, defensive tactics, physical‑control techniques, and operating in confined aircraft environments.

Applicants must pass the Federal Air Marshal Physical Ability Test, which assesses exercises such as sit‑ups, push‑ups, and a timed 1.5‑mile run. Selected candidates must also satisfy federal law enforcement medical standards and maintain the firearms proficiency required for the position.

Training Requirements

Selected candidates must successfully complete the required in‑residence Federal Air Marshal law enforcement training program. Training covers areas such as federal law, firearms, physical conditioning, defensive tactics, investigations, aircraft security, and close‑quarters threat response.

Successful completion of every required training component is a condition of continued employment.

Federal Law Enforcement Benefits

Eligible Federal Air Marshals may receive a federal benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid leave and federal holidays; participation in the Thrift Savings Plan; and retirement coverage under special provisions for qualifying federal law enforcement officers.

Law Enforcement Availability Pay may be provided to compensate for qualifying unscheduled duty beyond the basic workweek. Availability pay generally begins only after the employee completes initial training and receives Federal Air Marshal credentials. Exact eligibility and compensation are governed by the official appointment and federal pay rules.

Federal Air Marshal Hiring Process

The selection process may include:

• Online application and qualification review
• Federal Air Marshal Assessment Battery
• Writing, logical‑reasoning, and situational‑judgment assessments
• Physical Ability Test
• Panel interview and field‑office assessment
• Fingerprinting and reference checks
• Pre‑employment polygraph examination
• Medical and drug screening
• Full background investigation and security‑clearance review

Some hiring stages may require applicants to travel at their own expense. Candidates should follow all deadlines and instructions in the official announcement.