The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking dedicated professionals to join as Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at Roberts Field in Redmond, Oregon. This is more than a job—it is a commitment to protecting millions of air travelers every day while ensuring a safe and respectful airport experience.
Why This Role Matters
Transportation Security Officers are on the front line of America’s aviation security. They safeguard airports, passengers, and aircraft with vigilance and professionalism. Every decision made by a TSO contributes to the safety of the traveling public, making this role one of national importance.
Salary and Pay Scale
- Annual salary: $43,876 to $56,282
- Hourly equivalent: $21.02 to $26.97
- Includes 17.06% locality pay for Redmond, OR
- Pay scale and grade: SV D
This is a salaried appointment with opportunities for consistent growth and federal employment benefits.
Key Responsibilities
Transportation Security Officers perform a variety of tasks that directly contribute to passenger safety and airport security. Core responsibilities include:
- Operating advanced screening technology to detect dangerous items in baggage, cargo, or on passengers
- Conducting security searches, which may involve pat-downs, property inspections, and lifting bags weighing up to 50 pounds
- Managing terminal entry and exit points
- Assisting passengers with directions and responding to questions in a courteous manner
- Maintaining focus and situational awareness in busy, high-pressure environments with potential distractions
- Applying critical thinking to evaluate and respond to security threats quickly
- Following all TSA Standard Operating Procedures with integrity and adaptability
What It Takes to Excel in This Role
Success as a TSO requires a blend of mental resilience, professional conduct, and physical readiness. Team members must:
- Stay composed in stressful situations and handle interactions with the public respectfully
- Demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and openness to change
- Engage in continuous training and skill development
- Uphold strict standards for professionalism and adaptability
Employment Conditions
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Minimum age of 18 at the time of application
- Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable)
- Proficiency in English for reading, writing, and communication
- Successful completion of an interview, medical evaluation, background check, and drug screening
- Availability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to travel for training and occasional assignments
Physical qualifications include:
- Repeated lifting of baggage up to 50 pounds
- Ability to stand for long periods (up to 4 hours)
- Capacity to walk up to 3 miles during a shift
- Flexibility to squat, bend, and maneuver in tight spaces
Qualifications
Applicants may qualify in one of two ways:
- Experience: At least one year of full-time work in security, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician
- Education: A high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or TASC certificate
Volunteer work and national service experience may also be credited toward qualification.
Training and Career Development
- Initial classroom and on-the-job training with certification testing
- Ongoing recertification and specialized training throughout employment
- A minimum of three weeks of travel may be required for TSA’s New Hire Training, with travel expenses covered, according to TSA policy.
Work Schedules
- Full-time: 40 hours per week, with shifts that may include nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and split schedules
- Part-time: 16–32 hours per week, with similar flexibility in scheduling requirements
Professional Standards
TSOs represent TSA to the traveling public. Employees must adhere to established dress and appearance standards, including guidelines on tattoos, piercings, and uniforms. Visible tattoos that do not comply with TSA’s policy must be covered at all times.
Personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and face shields may be required for certain assignments to ensure the safety of employees and passengers.
Location
Roberts Field Airport (RDM)
Redmond, Oregon
A Realistic View of the Job
Working as a Transportation Security Officer is both rewarding and challenging. TSA provides a Realistic Job Preview video with firsthand insights from current employees about the expectations and responsibilities of this critical role.
Why Join TSA
A career as a Transportation Security Officer offers more than steady pay and federal benefits. It provides the opportunity to:
- Contribute to national security
- Gain valuable experience in safety and protection
- Build a foundation for career growth within the Department of Homeland Security
This opportunity will remain open from August 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the posting may close once enough applications are received. Visit the official TSA careers page for more information.