Supervisory Transportation Security Officer

Department of Homeland Security

Imperial, California Full-time $87,061 – $113,185 Closes Jun 29, 2026

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.

Duties

  • This Supervisory Transportation Security Officer position is located at Imperial County Airport (IPL), Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • As a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO), you will be responsible for mitigating actual and potential threats against civil aviation and other transportation modes.
  • You will also perform and supervise in your area of specialty, which may include Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and Lead Transportation Security Officers (LTSOs) in the performance of all security functions related to the screening of people, property, and cargo through the use and application of procedures, techniques, and technology.
  • In addition, you will make independent, security-based decisions using intelligence, critical thinking, experience, observation, and passenger engagement.
  • Typical duties include, but are not limited to: Conducting and supervising subordinate employees in conducting pre-board security screening of persons, their carry-on and checked baggage/cargo.
  • Overseeing screening checkpoint(s) and/or baggage screening operations on a day-to-day basis to include equipment, personnel, and the scheduling and rotation of personnel.
  • Participating in the development of new policies and procedures, and recommending changes in policy and procedures based on observation of work, as required.
  • Participating in the development of strategic planning initiatives, workforce planning, succession planning initiatives, and other reports and documents for TSA and superiors.
  • Engaging in continuous development of critical thinking skills necessary to mitigate security threats by identifying, evaluating, and applying appropriate situational options and approaches.
  • Preparing various types of communications such as morning briefings, checkpoint logs, reports, and documents that are germane to the work performed.
  • Developing incident information and reports for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and superiors.
  • Supervisory/Managerial: duties include serving as a first line supervisor for the organization.
  • This includes, but is not limited to: assigning work, setting priorities, and reviewing and evaluating work and performance of subordinates; approving leave; coaching and developing employees; recommending corrective or disciplinary actions; resolving routine problems that typically impact the objectives of the organizational unit; when required, coordinating with customers outside the immediate organization; supervising employees performing special program work; and serving as the supervisor-in-charge of an assigned airport or other transportation terminal.

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. Unless previously completed, you must satisfactorily complete a one-year supervisory trial period to continue in this supervisory/managerial 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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of the experience and/or related education as reflected in your resume and supporting documentation. You are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show possession of specialized experience required for this position. All qualified candidates will be invited and required to take the S-TAB: Work Personality Index (WPI) and Writing Skills Assessment (WSA) soon after the closing date of this announcement. The WPI and WSA must be scheduled and completed within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the invitation being sent in order to remain under consideration for the position.

The scores obtained on the WPI and WSA will account for 100% of the overall score used to determine those who are best qualified for consideration. The WPI and WSA must be scheduled and completed at a proctored testing facility. If you have failed the S-TAB within the six (6) months preceding the closing date of this JOA, then you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Grouping procedures.

Under Category Grouping, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories: Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies as determined by the job analysis. Well Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies as determined by the job analysis. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies as determined by the job analysis. If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

You may preview the questions for this vacancy here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12982326 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

  • The following documents are required and must be provided with your application.
  • 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.
  • All applicants are required to submit a resume.
  • Limit your resume to no more than two pages.
  • 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).
  • If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position.
  • Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate content, classified information, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc. on your resume.
  • Utilizing the USAJOBS Resume Builder and completing all available fields is strongly encouraged.
  • In addition to a resume, you must submit copies of any of the following documents if you are applying based on being a current eligible TSA employee (which includes permanent employees and 5 year temporary employees), or education or a combination of education and experience: SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action – Current TSA employees are strongly encouraged to submit the most recent non-Award SF-50, at the time of application, to support eligibility for Status consideration.
  • TSA employees who do not submit the SF-50 with the application must document their current TSA position in their resume and may be required to provide the SF-50 document during the selection process.
  • TSA employees may obtain a copy of their most recent non-Award SF-50 at https://eopf.opm.gov/dhs/.
  • Detail Documentation – Eligible applicants who wish to qualify for this position based upon experience obtained while serving on a detail with TSA must submit signed copies of the corresponding TSA form 1160, Terms And Conditions For Temporary Internal Assignment -Detail, or an SF-52, Request for Personnel Action, as supporting documentation along with their application otherwise the experience cannot be credited.
  • If you do not submit required documentation described in this job opportunity announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.
  • You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement

About this role

The Supervisory Transportation Security Officer position with the Department of Homeland Security is based in Imperial, California. 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 $87,061 to $113,185 per year.

Day to day, the work involves this Supervisory Transportation Security Officer position is located at Imperial County Airport (IPL), Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 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 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 Supervisory Transportation Security Officer position with the Department of Homeland Security in Imperial, California, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.

How competitive it is

The posted pay of $87,061 to $113,185 per year places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. Because it is a supervisory or senior position, expect experienced candidates and a strong emphasis on a documented leadership and performance record. The security clearance requirement means a longer hiring timeline, so patience and an early application help. Based in Imperial, California, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on June 29, 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.

Job Details

Department Department of Homeland Security
Job Type Full-time
Location Imperial, California
Salary $87,061 – $113,185
Pay Period Per Year
Closing Date Jun 29, 2026
Posted Jun 15, 2026
Source ID IPL-26-12982326-I
Ready to apply? This application is hosted on the official USAJOBS site.
Apply Now ↗
← Back to all Jobs