Master Security Transportation Instructor – Security Training Instructor
Department of Homeland Security
Summary
Securing Travel, Protecting People – At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities across the country, you would secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems, thus protecting America’s transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce. Per TSA Office of the Administrator, this position has been reinstated as bargaining unit eligible
Duties
- This Master Security Transportation Instructor – Security Training Instructor position is located at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- As a Master Transportation Security Officer (MTSO), you will support the airport training program through performance of a variety of training-related functions.
- In addition to training program responsibilities, you will also perform pre-board security screening of persons, cargo, carry-on, and checked baggage as directed by the Federal Security Director (FSD), or his/her designee, a minimum of 20% of the time.
- Duties include but are not limited to: Performing training instruction within established guidelines and standards in support of nationally developed training programs (e.g., new hire training, On-Screen Alarm Resolution Protocol, Crossover); supporting recurrent training needs, and conducting return to duty and remediation training.
- Adapting/developing local training materials to meet requirements; conducting local training in accordance with training standards; assisting with the training department administrative support (e.g., Online Learning Center (OLC) entry, training resource room facilitation, roster management, conducting testing, and ensuring evaluations are done); assisting with training logistics support components (e.g., coordinating needed supplies and materials); managing classroom dynamics; resolving routine classroom problems; monitoring and evaluating training and providing feedback on needed adjustments; recommending enhancements; and maintaining communication with management and supervisors concerning issues with training that may reveal security-screening weaknesses or vulnerabilities.
- As directed, providing mentoring/coaching to address identified training needs.
- Administering and scoring training tests (e.g., job knowledge, image).
- Assisting with PASS Practical Skills Observations (PSOs) and conducting Level 3 Assessments, as needed.
- NOTE: Employees must maintain all screening certification requirements and perform screening functions (passenger, baggage, or both) a minimum of 20% of the time.
- Emergency Essential Position: This position is designated as an Emergency Essential (EE) position.
- This designation requires the employee to remain in a duty status if an emergency arises.
Requirements
Possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI). Obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance. Pass pre-employment Drug Screening AND you will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing. Selective Service registration is required.
Must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed. Must meet and maintain medical requirements for screening work (including a medical examination and physical abilities assessment) including, but not limited to, the following: Be able to efficiently and thoroughly manipulate and lift baggage, containers, and other objects subject to security processing Be able to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds Be able to maintain physical agility that would allow you to squat, bend, and lean to inspect individuals and baggage/cargo Be able to maintain the ability to walk up to two miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (e.g., 3-4 hours) of time Be able to maintain a measured threshold for sight: Distance vision correctable to 20/30 or better in the best eye and 20/100 or better in worst eye. Near vision correctable to 20/40 or better Snellen binocular Maintain a measured threshold for hearing: Average hearing loss of 25 decibels (ANSI) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz in each ear. No greater than 45 decibels at 4000 and 6000 Hz in each ear Be able to distinguish principal colors that will be a part of images displayed on automated screens: Color perception (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, brown, black, white, gray).
Note: Color filters for enhancing color discrimination are prohibited. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for TSA to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Required Documents
Prepare the documents below before applying. Always confirm the exact requirements on the official announcement, since they vary by position:
- Prepare the documents below before applying.
- Always confirm the exact requirements on the official announcement, since they vary by position: Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration.
- Documentation is needed to verify the eligibilities you are claiming.
- NOTE: Your resume must clearly demonstrate how you meet this requirement; otherwise, you will be deemed ineligible.
- Additionally, copying and pasting information from the announcement into your resume will not adequately convey your qualifications.
- The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages 2.
- Narrative description of duties with start and end dates (including month and year) for work experience. 3.
- Number of hours worked in a position (i.e., full-time or part-time).
- If part-time, (i.e., less than 40 hours per week) state the total number of hours worked per week. 4.
- If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your performance level for federal civilian positions (i.e., band or grade).
About this role
The Master Security Transportation Instructor – Security Training Instructor position with the Department of Homeland Security is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Securing Travel, Protecting People – At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. The role pays $64,564 to $83,938 per year.
Day to day, the work involves the core duties of the Master Security Transportation Instructor – Security Training Instructor role as detailed in the announcement below. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
This role calls for United States citizenship, the education the announcement specifies, and the ability to obtain and hold a security clearance. Be prepared for a pre-employment drug screening and physical or medical requirements as part of the hiring process. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Master Security Transportation Instructor – Security Training Instructor position with the Department of Homeland Security in Phoenix, Arizona, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
The posted pay of $64,564 to $83,938 per year places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. The security clearance requirement means a longer hiring timeline, so patience and an early application help. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on July 2, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.
