Lead / Supervisory Transportation Security Officer

TSA Careers Center; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Federal health insurance

Paid leave and federal holidays

Thrift Savings Plan (federal 401k)

Tuition support

Uniform allowance

Job summary

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking a supervisor for transportation-security operations in Torrance, CA. The role involves leading officers, coordinating screening of passengers and baggage, and ensuring efficient daily operations.

The position requires at least 1 year of specialized supervisory experience and a minimum 6 months of leadership experience. It may require varied shifts and adherence to TSA procedures and security standards.

Qualifications

• At least one year of specialized experience supervising transportation-security operations.
• Experience as a work leader, team leader, or supervisor for at least six months.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Transportation Security Officers and Lead Transportation Security Officers.
• Oversee passenger and baggage screening operations.
• Assign work, set priorities, and coordinate rotations and coverage.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Job description

Position Details

Location: Torrance, CA

Employer: Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security

Pay: 25.00 – 50.00

Pay Band: SV-F

Appointment Type: Fulltime

Transportation-security operations may continue around the clock. Depending on the vacancy, supervisors may be required to work early mornings, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, federal holidays, or overtime. Refer to the official announcement for the exact work schedule.

What You May Do

• Supervise Transportation Security Officers and Lead Transportation Security Officers
• Oversee passenger, carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or cargo-screening operations
• Assign work, establish priorities, and coordinate employee rotations and coverage
• Make security-based decisions using TSA procedures, operational information, observation, and professional judgment
• Review employee performance and provide coaching, instruction, and developmental feedback
• Approve leave and address routine employee or workplace concerns
• Respond to security incidents, checkpoint disruptions, and emergency situations
• Prepare operational briefings, checkpoint logs, incident reports, and management communications
• Coordinate with airport stakeholders, law-enforcement personnel, and TSA leadership when required
• Recommend improvements to screening procedures, staffing plans, and airport operations

Experience Requirements

Applicants generally need at least one year of specialized experience that demonstrates the knowledge and judgment required to supervise transportation-security operations. Qualifying experience is typically related to work performed by a Transportation Security Officer or Lead Transportation Security Officer and must meet the pay-band level specified in the vacancy announcement.

Candidates must also generally have at least six months of experience as a work leader, team leader, or supervisor. This experience should demonstrate the ability to distribute workloads, train employees, maintain work records, monitor performance, and resolve routine workplace concerns. The leadership experience may have been gained during the same period as the specialized security experience.

Many Supervisory TSO vacancies are limited to current permanent or eligible temporary TSA employees. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility section of the active announcement before applying.

General Conditions of Employment

Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national

Must be at least 18 years old when applying

Must successfully complete the required background investigation

Must be able to obtain and maintain the security clearance listed in the vacancy

Must pass pre-employment drug screening and remain subject to applicable testing requirements

Must meet TSA medical, vision, hearing, color-perception, and physical standards

Must be available for varying shifts and overtime when required

May be required to complete a one-year supervisory trial period

Must remain available for duty during certain emergencies because this may be designated an Emergency Essential position

Physical Requirements

Although this is a supervisory position, STSOs remain involved in active screening operations. Candidates must be capable of repeatedly lifting and carrying baggage or other items weighing up to 50 pounds, standing for prolonged periods, walking up to two miles during a shift, and bending, leaning, or squatting during screening activities. Applicants must also meet the medical, hearing, vision, and color-perception standards required for security-screening work.

Federal Benefits

Eligible employees may receive federal benefits that include health, dental, vision, life, and long-term-care insurance; paid leave and federal holidays; participation in a federal retirement program and the Thrift Savings Plan; flexible spending accounts; employee-assistance resources; and career-development opportunities.

Other benefits

Other benefits may include tuition support, transportation subsidies, a uniform allowance, wellness programs, and applicable premium pay. Actual eligibility depends on the appointment, schedule, duty location, and terms of the official vacancy announcement.