FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL (Direct Hire)

TSA (Transportation Security Administration); El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Transportation Security Administration in El Segundo, CA seeks qualified candidates for the SV-G Pay Band. The role requires meeting qualification requirements (A/B/C) and passing pre-employment checks, with emphasis on analytical skills and clear communication.

Expect rigorous screening and federal security protocols in a high-stakes environment. Applicants must meet education or experience thresholds and be able to obtain Top Secret clearance; travel and flexible schedules may be involved as

Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible general experience.
• Ability to analyze problems, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
• Ability to plan and organize work and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Data gathering

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Securing Travel, Protecting People

At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities across the country, you would secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems, thus protecting America's transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce.

You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Applicants will not be eligible for consideration under this Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) for the following reasons:

• If you have failed a Pre-Hire Background Investigation from TSA Personnel Security within the two (2) years preceding the closing date of this JOA (10/31/2026).
• If you have failed the Federal Air Marshal Assessment Battery (FAB) or the Physical Ability Test (PAT) or the Panel Interview during the Field Office Assessment (FOA) for the FAM position within the twelve (12) months preceding the closing date of this JOA (10/31/2026).
• If you failed to attend a scheduled appointment for your FOA, Poly or Medical you will be ineligible for consideration for one year following the date of the missed appointment.
• If you are over the age of 37, or reach age 37 at anytime during the process, and did not provide proof of employment in a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Federal civilian law enforcement retirement provisions.

(NOTE: Preference eligible veterans are exempted from this age restriction.)

To qualify for the SV-G Pay Band (equivalent to GS-5/7/9), you must meet one of the qualification requirements (A, B, OR C) outlined below:

• A. Experience: For those qualifying using experience, your application must clearly outline three years of progressively responsible general experience, one year of which was equivalent to at least the SV-F Pay Band or GS-4 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Such experience will demonstrate the ability to: analyze problems, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; and communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• B. Education: Bachelor's or higher-level degree in any field from an accredited college or university;
• C. Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements, and may be computed by first determining the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the position; then determining the education as a percentage of the education required for the position; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for the position.

Note: If you are attempting to qualify based on education, in whole or in part, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript(s) from an accredited college or university (for each school attended) to establish qualifications based upon education. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts may be required at a later date.

Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Additional Conditions of Employment

1. BACKGROUND and SECURITY CLEARANCE: This position is designated as "Critical Sensitive". Completion of a full field investigation is required. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security clearance.
2. FIREARMS: Federal Air Marshals are required to carry a firearm and maintain firearms proficiency as part of conducting law enforcement activities. Federal Air Marshals may be required to use deadly force, if necessary.
3. LAUTENBERG NOTICE: Title 18 USC, Section 922 (g) automatically disqualifies anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from being appointed to this position. Selectees must complete the Qualifications Declaration and Inquiry for Positions Requiring the Possession of Firearms or Ammunition Form prior to appointment, and annually thereafter.
4. FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL TRAINING PROGRAM: Selectees must attend and successfully complete a rigorous, in-resident law enforcement training program that lasts for 22 consecutive weeks.
5. HOURS OF DUTY AND TRAVEL: Federal Air Marshals are required to constantly travel while on duty. Federal Air Marshals are subject to 24-hour on-call duty. Shifts are often longer than eight hours, requiring irregular schedules based on the needs of the LE/FAMS. Flexible schedules are not available and employees must agree to perform the duties and duty tours as assigned. Federal Air Marshals travel at various times which routinely requires overnight stays in domestic and international locations that may be dangerous or present health hazards. Federal Air Marshals may be reassigned to different geographic locations throughout their tenure. Employees will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement as a condition of employment.
6. TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS: Federal Air Marshals must be available for permanent or long-term temporary (e.g., 30-day, 90-day, and 120-day) assignments in any U.S. or international location in which the LE/FAMS operates.
7. DRIVER'S LICENSE: Selectees must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license prior to appointment.
8. OTHER DOCUMENTS: Selectees must be able to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport book, and a government-issued travel card.

If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for TSA to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment (https://eopf.opm.gov/eOPFToolkit/Documents/OF306.pdf) and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.