Transportation Security Officer (TSO) Airport Fact Sheet - Homeland ...

Transportation Security Officer (TSO)Airport Fact SheetThank you for your interest in joining the Transportation Security Administration’s Alexandria team. Ifyou are selected as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO), you will play an important role in theoverall mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by contributing to the daily securityrequirements at Alexandria International Airport.Given the nature of our mission at TSA, there are some unique expectations of the position for whichyou have applied. Specifically, you will be responsible for identifying dangerous objects in bags, cargo,and/or passengers, and preventing these objects from being transported onto aircraft. You will berequired to perform various tasks such as: hand-wanding passengers, pat down searches, lifting ofbaggage (weighing up to 70 pounds) and performing screening duties using various electronicequipment. The TSO job is stressful at times and physically demanding. You will need to standcontinuously from anywhere between one (1) to four (4) hours without a break and walk up to two (2)miles during a shift. You will be required to perform the screening duties in a courteous andprofessional manner at all times.We believe, however, that TSA also provides a rewarding opportunity for you to serve your country. Toassist you in your consideration of employment with TSA at Alexandria International Airport we haveoutlined some of those expectations and benefits for your review. It is extremely important that youconsider and understand these aspects of employment before continuing in the assessment process.If while considering the information contained on this sheet you have questions, please contact ourlocal TSA Human Resources Office at 318-682-3068. Please make reference to this document if youchoose to call our local office.Work ScheduleSchedules are determined by the demand of the individual airport’s dynamic work environment. TSAoperates in conjunction with the airport and its airlines. Scheduled shifts can include both weekendsand holidays. Your specific schedule will be given to you after completion of your On-the-Job-Training(OJT). Part-Time Employees may be assigned one the following schedules and will be required towork 20 hours per week.20 Hour Schedule:Alexandria International Airport (AEX)*AM Shift 4:30AM – 8:30AM 5 work days*PM Shift 1:15PM – 5:15PM 5 work days*Variations to the start/stop times might be necessary based on the operational need of TSA and theindividual airport. Shifts are assigned through a seniority process. Every attempt is made to scheduleconsecutive days off, however airport conditions may cause alterations in schedulingParkingEmployee parking at Alexandria International Airport is available free of charge.

BenefitsAs a federal employee you are eligible for benefits as a full-time and part-time federal employee. TheFederal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program has many plans to choose from and all at veryreasonable rates, which can be paid from pre-tax income. In addition, to further promote employeewellness and affordable health coverage, part-time TSA Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) areable to take advantage of reduced FEHB premiums. TSA will pay the maximum governmentcontribution allowed for health benefits under the TSA Health Benefit Incentive for Part-Time TSOs. Allpart-time TSOs will pay the same lower cost for federal health benefits as full-time employees. Thismeans that TSA pays a greater portion of FEHB premium costs for part-time TSOs. If offered a positionwith TSA, you should make sure that you ask for and receive a full explanation of the benefits you areeligible for, before accepting a job offer.TrainingOnce hired by TSA, continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the requiredtraining.- Required Training – 10 days formal New Employee classroom training. Includes bothpassenger and baggage training. Travel may be required for New Employee passengertraining.- On-the-Job Training (OJT) – Additional 135 hours, completed at the assigned work site. OJTincludes both passenger and baggage training- It is recommended and is in your best interest to complete the required training in aneffective and timely manner as certification could be delayed.- Certification is awarded upon successful completion of all of the above required training.- If travel is required for training, expenses (Airline tickets, lodging accommodations, funds formeals, and incidental expenses) will be provided by TSA. Lodging and flightaccommodations will be paid in advance by TSA, while meals and incidentals expenses willinitially be your responsibility. Meal and incidental expensed will be reimbursed uponcompletion of the New Employee training through a travel voucher process.UniformsUniforms are provided to employees by TSA. You will be measured for your new uniforms at your firstorientation session. It is the responsibility of the employee to arrive to work with a clean and neatuniform and adhere to the TSA Uniform Guidelines. Employees must provide their own black leathershoes with non-slip soles.Airport InformationAEX is a Category IV airport. We service 4 major airlines: Delta Connection, Northwest Airlink,American Eagle, and Continental Express. The airport offers a full service restaurant and gift shop. Inaddition, TSA employees have a separate breakroom that is equipped with a microwave oven andrefrigerator along with ample private space to enjoy lunch and break time.