Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives

U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) at Seattle area airports serves as a journey-level SME on threats from explosives and IEDs, advising the Federal Security Director on risk mitigation and security protocols.

Candidates must hold a Graduation Certificate from NAVSCOLEOD or FBI HDS and have at least one year of specialized experience at SV-G/GS-11 or equivalent in the private sector as Bomb Appraisal Officer or EOD role.

Qualifications

• Graduation certificate from NAVSCOLEOD or FBI Hazardous Devices School (HDS).
• At least 1 year of specialized experience at SV-G or GS-11 in the Federal service or equivalent private sector roles (Bomb Appraisal Officer, EOD Technician, Bomb Technician).
• Specialized experience includes bomb program management, and responding to alarms involving explosives/IEDs.
• Ability to assess initiators, power sources, switches, and chemicals to classify devices as improvised, commercial, or military explosives.

Responsibilities

• Assist with bomb program management responsibilities and ensure procedures are followed.
• Respond to alarms involving possible explosives or IED components and assess device characteristics.

Skills

IED knowledge

Bomb squad experience

Explosive risk assessment

EOD coordination

Education

Graduation Certificate NAVSCOLEOD/HDS

Tools

EOD equipment

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.

Personnel Management Requirements

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.