Location: Lewiston, ID (LWS – Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport)
Appointment Type: Permanent, Excepted Service
Work Schedule: Part-Time
Pay Band: SV-D (Equivalent to GS-5/6)
Announcement Number: 12890500-LWS-PT
Open Period: February 17, 2026 – April 3, 2026
Position Summary
The Transportation Security Administration is seeking dedicated and professional individuals to serve as Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport in Lewiston, Idaho. In this role, officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s transportation systems and ensuring a courteous, respectful experience for travelers.
Transportation Security Officers are responsible for providing security and protection across aviation environments and may also support high-profile events, important figures, or other activities that impact transportation security operations.
Also Read: Department of Homeland Security Seeking Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position in Lewiston, ID is $40,736 to $56,844 per year, equivalent to $19.52 to $27.24 per hour, including a 17.06 percent locality pay adjustment.
TSA, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, offers a comprehensive federal benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term care coverage; a retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan similar to a 401(k); paid leave; federal holidays; and access to professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may include uniform allowance, transportation subsidies, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.
Key Responsibilities
As part of Security Operations, Transportation Security Officers perform a range of critical functions that support aviation safety and national security. Their duties include, but are not limited to:
- Operating screening equipment and advanced technology to detect prohibited or dangerous items in baggage, cargo, and on passengers.
- Conducting physical screenings, which may involve pat-downs, property searches, and lifting or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Monitoring and controlling terminal access points to ensure secure entry and exit.
- Providing directions and responding to traveler inquiries professionally and respectfully.
- Maintaining focus and sound judgment in high-pressure environments characterized by noise, alarms, time constraints, and large crowds.
- Applying risk-based security screening protocols in accordance with established procedures.
- Demonstrating integrity, dependability, and adaptability while adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures.
Employees in frontline roles may be required to wear TSA-issued personal protective equipment. TSA prioritizes the health and safety of its workforce and the traveling public.
Work Schedule and Travel Requirements
This is a part-time position, typically 16-32 hours per week. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, extended shifts, and split shifts depending on airport operational needs.
A minimum of three weeks of full-time travel may be required to complete New Hire training, although some locations may require up to six weeks. Training occurs away from the employee’s assigned airport. Employees are compensated for eligible hours and reimbursed for authorized travel expenses in accordance with the TSA travel policy. Occasional travel may also be required throughout employment.
This position is not eligible for telework or relocation reimbursement.
Eligibility and Employment Conditions
Applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
- Pass a structured interview, drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
- Be proficient in English.
- Be available to work various shifts and overtime as needed.
- Complete required training and maintain certification.
Applicants are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing after employment begins.
To meet residency requirements, candidates must have lived in the United States for three of the last five years, with limited exceptions for qualifying federal service, military service, or study abroad at a U.S.-affiliated institution.
Physical and Professional Standards
Transportation Security Officers must maintain physical agility and stamina to:
- Lift and maneuver baggage and property weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Stand for extended periods, often up to four hours at a time.
- Walk up to three miles during a shift.
- Bend, squat, and move efficiently throughout the workday.
Additionally, TSOs must comply with TSA dress and appearance standards as outlined in the Master Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify for the SV-D pay band, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
Experience Option:
At least one year of full-time work experience in security, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician.
Education Option:
A high school diploma or recognized equivalency credential, such as GED, HiSET, or TASC.
Both paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer service through recognized national or community programs, may be considered toward qualification requirements.
Applicants must not have delinquent federal or state taxes or past due child support obligations.
Evaluation Process
Qualified applicants may be invited to complete the Transportation Security Officer Assessment Battery, a computer-based test designed to measure aptitude for interpreting X-ray images.
Candidates who successfully pass the assessment may proceed to:
- A structured interview
- Drug screening
- Medical evaluation, including vision, hearing, mobility, and color vision testing
- Pre-employment background investigation
Final selection is contingent upon successful completion of all assessments and suitability determinations. Candidates must meet or exceed established cut scores to remain under consideration.
Career Advancement
TSA is an excepted service agency; however, permanent employees with at least one year of continuous service may become eligible to apply for positions in other federal agencies under the OPM-DHS Interchange Agreement. Advancement opportunities within TSA and the broader Department of Homeland Security may be available.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit an application through the official federal hiring platform before April 3, 2026. Applications may close earlier if a sufficient number of submissions are received.
Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility requirements, complete all assessment components accurately, and ensure that application materials truthfully reflect their qualifications. To apply and review the full vacancy announcement, candidates should visit the official TSA or USAJOBS careers website.
Additional Information
This position is within the bargaining unit represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. It is classified as Noncritical-Sensitive with Moderate Risk and requires a suitability and credentialing determination.
TSA is committed to maintaining a professional workforce dedicated to upholding the Constitution, protecting national security, and improving the effectiveness of federal service. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
