Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives

TSA (Transportation Security Administration); Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Transportation Security Administration is seeking a Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) to serve as a subject matter expert on threats involving explosives and IEDs at designated airports.

The role emphasizes formal IED disposal coursework from NAVSCOLEOD or FBI HDS, plus specialized experience and adherence to program requirements, with credit for qualifying experience within the last five years.

Qualifications

• Completion of accredited IED/disposal coursework with Graduation Certificate from NAVSCOLEOD or FBI HDS.
• One year of specialized experience at SV-G or GS-11 or equivalent in bomb-related roles.
• Experience related to bomb squad operations and responding to alarms involving explosives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a journey-level SME for explosives threats at designated airports.
• Support bomb program management and implement processes under a program manager.
• Respond to alarms and assess device components to determine explosive type.

Skills

IED disposal expertise

Threat assessment knowledge

Education

Graduation Certificate NAVSCOLEOD or FBI HDS

Job description

The Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) serves as a journey-level subject matter expert for the Federal Security Director (FSD) at designated airport(s) on all issues involving threats to the traveling public from explosives and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs). To qualify for the SV-H Pay Band (equivalent to GS-12) you must have:

• Completed formal accredited IED/bomb disposal coursework resulting in a Graduation Certificate from at least one of the accredited bomb disposal schools. The accredited bomb disposal schools are the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) and the FBI's Hazardous Devices School (HDS)

• One year of specialized experience at the SV-G or GS-11 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector as a Bomb Appraisal Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Bomb Technician, or similar position. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Assisting with bomb program management responsibilities such as participating as a team member on a bomb squad to include ensuring program requirements were followed, making recommendations on procedures or helping implement processes under the direction of a program manager.
  • Responding to alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs. Assessing the interrelationship between initiators, power supplies, switches, and chemicals to determine if the device is an improvised explosive, commercial explosive, or military explosive.

Quality Ranking Factor: Specialized experience acquired within the last five years immediately preceding application has been identified as a Quality Ranking Factor for this position. This means that applicants who have specialized experience within the last five years will receive additional credit for this experience as part of the candidate evaluation process.

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.

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