Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives

TSA (Transportation Security Administration); Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) serves as a subject matter expert with advanced knowledge on threats to the traveling public from explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for the Federal Security Director (FSD) at designated airport(s).

To qualify, completion of formal accredited IED/bomb disposal coursework resulting in a Graduation Certificate from NAVSCOLEOD or FBI‑Hazardous Devices School is required, along with at least one year of specialized

Qualifications

• Formal accredited IED/bomb disposal coursework with Graduation Certificate from NAVSCOLEOD or HDS.
• At least one year of specialized experience at SV-G or GS-11 in the federal service or equivalent private sector roles.
• Experience in bomb program management and responding to alarms involving explosives or IEDs.
• Ability to assess device components to classify explosives (initiators, power, switches, chemicals).

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on threats from explosives and IEDs for the FSD at designated airport(s).
• Participate as appropriate on bomb squad activities and ensure program requirements are followed.
• Respond to alarms and assess device configurations to determine type of explosive.

Skills

IED knowledge

Bomb disposal knowledge

Explosives expertise

Education

Graduation Certificate from NAVSCOLEOD or FBI HDS

Job description

The Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) serves as a subject matter expert with advanced knowledge on all issues involving threats to the traveling public from explosives and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) for the Federal Security Director (FSD) at designated airport(s).

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)

AND

• 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.