Safeguarding the Skies: Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist at Billings Logan International Airport

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are seeking an ambitious, analytical, and highly structured leader to step into the role of Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist (AFSD-G) at Billings Logan International Airport (BIL). Located in Billings, Montana, this position represents a critical juncture in regional aviation security. Operating at the SV-I pay band (equivalent to the General Schedule GS-13 grade), this short-term temporary appointment (not to exceed six months) provides an unparalleled venue for qualified civil servants to direct public safety operations, lead a substantial protective workforce, and protect our nation’s complex transit systems.

Aviation security is an ever-evolving field requiring strategic foresight, exceptional tactical management, and immediate decisiveness. The selectee will serve as a pillar of operational integrity, assisting the Federal Security Director (FSD) in executing national security programs at the regional level. If you have a background in federal program management, law enforcement coordination, or protective security operations, this role offers an invaluable opportunity to lead on the front lines of homeland defense.

About the Agency: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Established in the wake of September 11, 2001, the Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation's transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce. As a component of the Department of Homeland Security, TSA employs a risk-based, intelligence-driven strategy to secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and public transit systems.

TSA's workforce consists of dedicated professionals who prevent terrorist attacks, screen passengers and cargo, implement cutting-edge security technologies, and plan for emergency contingencies. Working at Billings Logan International Airport means joining a collaborative environment focused on resilience, innovation, and public trust. Employees at TSA enjoy the unique advantage of representing an agency exempt from most Title 5 provisions (Excepted Service), which offers distinct operational flexibility while maintaining robust professional standards.

Job Responsibilities and Daily Operations

The Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist serves as a key administrator and supervisor, responsible for supporting the FSD in all areas of airport security and stakeholder collaboration. With a workforce of up to 125 protective and professional staff spanning multiple checkpoints, the daily routine of the AFSD-G is dynamic and multi-faceted.

Core Duties Include:

Operational Leadership & Execution: Directing daily security operations, tactical planning, and administrative management. You will execute security initiatives designed to optimize passenger flow while maintaining absolute regulatory compliance.
Crisis Management: Formulating, organizing, and implementing the airport's Federal Security Crisis Management Response Plan. You will serve as a central coordinator in the event of security breaches, natural disasters, or other logistical emergencies.
Regulatory Enforcement & Compliance: Overseeing rigorous screening standards for passengers, luggage, and air cargo. This includes analyzing security risk assessments and supervising the installation, calibration, and maintenance of high-tech security screening machinery.
Supervisory Authority: Acting as a first-line supervisor. Responsibilities include assigning daily tasks, evaluating personnel performance, approving leave requests, recommending training, and initiating disciplinary actions when necessary.
Stakeholder Relations: Acting as an advisor to the Federal Security Director. You will collaborate frequently with airline executives, municipal airport authorities, state and local law enforcement, and federal agencies to cultivate a unified security front.

Comprehensive Requirements

To be considered for this competitive operational leadership post, applicants must meet specific federal prerequisites by the closing date of the announcement.

General Prerequisites:

Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States.
Age Limits: Candidates must have reached at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance. A favorable background investigation is mandatory for initial placement.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service System or have an approved exemption.
Emergency Designation: This is an Emergency Essential (EE) position. In the event of a national crisis or emergency, the employee is required to remain in duty status to keep critical operations running.

Specialized Experience Criteria:

Applicants must possess at least one full year of specialized experience at the SV-H pay band (or GS-12 grade level) within the federal service, or equivalent experience in the private sector. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate:

An in-depth understanding and application of aviation security regulations, protective directives, and administrative standards.
Proven capability in recognizing and managing threat structures in complex security settings.
Advanced experience conducting tactical program evaluation and operational planning.
Successful leadership, training, and supervision of a sizeable protective or professional workforce.

Salary Overview and Pay Band Comparison

The Assistant Federal Security Director position is compensated within the SV-I pay band. The annual base salary range for this position is $106,437 to $138,370, depending on experience, federal service history, and qualifications.

To assist applicants coming from traditional civil service schedules, the table below outlines how the TSA's SV grading system aligns with the standard General Schedule (GS) structure:

TSA Pay Band	Equivalent GS Grade	Primary Focus	Representative Salary Range
SV-G	GS-11	Entry/Journey-level Program Management	$65,000 - $85,000 (Varies by Locality)
SV-H	GS-12	Mid-level Technical Specialists & Officers	$80,000 - $110,000 (Varies by Locality)
SV-I	GS-13	Senior Specialists, Advisors & Supervisors	$106,437 - $138,370 (Billings Locality)
SV-J	GS-14	High-level Directors & Program Managers	$120,000 - $160,000 (Varies by Locality)

Premium Federal Benefits

While this position is a temporary appointment, the Department of Homeland Security provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package designed to support both your professional growth and personal well-being.

Health & Financial Wellness:

Healthcare Coverage: Choice of premium plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, including dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings program modeled after private-sector 401(k) plans, featuring immediate matching contributions up to 5% of your base salary.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts for qualifying medical expenses and dependent care costs.

Balance & Development:

Paid Time Off: Earned annual leave and sick leave, alongside 11 paid federal holidays.
Flexible Worklife Programs: On-site employee assistance programs, health and fitness initiatives, and potential transportation subsidies.
Professional Development: Continuous training pathways, leadership modules, and career progression programs offered directly through the DHS academy network.

Application Tips and Detailed Instructions

Applying for a federal position requires strict adherence to administrative instructions. Missing minor requirements can result in your application being marked as incomplete. Review these essential tips before submitting your package:

Respect the Two-Page Resume Limit: Unlike most standard federal resumes, this announcement imposes a hard limit of two pages on all resume submissions. Any document exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified by the USA Staffing system.
Specify Your Experience Details: For every position listed on your resume, you must include the month and year of employment (e.g., 03/2022 to 04/2024), and the exact number of hours worked per week. If you worked part-time, your experience will be credited proportionally.
Provide Grade and Pay Band Information: If you are a current or former federal employee, clearly state your GS grade or SV pay band for each civilian position on your resume. Failure to do so will result in an 'insufficient information' rating.
Do Not Plagiarize the Announcement: The screening panel looks for genuine representations of your background. Copying bullet points directly from this announcement will lead to your immediate disqualification.
Prepare for USA Hire Assessments: Following your application submission, you will receive an invite to complete the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments. Set aside at least two hours of uninterrupted time in a quiet space to complete these tests. Practice resources are available on the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can private-sector security experience qualify me for this position?

Yes. While you must have experience equivalent to the SV-H or GS-12 federal grade levels, relevant management and leadership experience gained within commercial aviation, high-level corporate security, or military operations can be utilized to meet the specialized experience criteria.

Q2: What documentation do I need to submit if I am a current TSA employee?

You are strongly encouraged to submit your most recent non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify your current federal status. If you are qualifying based on a temporary detail, you must also provide a signed copy of TSA Form 1160.

Q3: What competencies are evaluated during the selection process?

Candidates will be evaluated on five critical competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Interpersonal Skills, and Problem Solving. Raters will use your resume and USA Hire Assessment performance to group your application into one of three categories: Best-Qualified, Well-Qualified, or Qualified.

Q4: Does this position require travel?

Occasional travel may be required to attend regional security briefings, training exercises, or to oversee operations at nearby secondary airports within the field jurisdiction.

The Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist position at Billings Logan International Airport represents an exceptional leadership opportunity within the Department of Homeland Security. Managing security for a commercial airport requires a dedicated professional capable of steering diverse teams, coordinating complex emergency programs, and maintaining absolute operational readiness.

With a highly competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 and a comprehensive suite of federal benefits, this SV-I position is ideal for experienced leaders seeking to make a tangible impact on transport safety. The application period for this critical security role is brief—opening on July 21, 2026, and closing on July 27, 2026. Prepare your two-page resume, assemble your supporting documents, and apply today to advance your career with the Transportation Security Administration.

Why This Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist Job Matters

Take command of security operations at Montana's premier transportation hub and lead a dedicated team safeguarding our nation's skies.

Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist Job Overview

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking an experienced, proactive leader for a temporary position as Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist (SV-I, equivalent to GS-13) at Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana. Operating in a temporary capacity not to exceed six months, this critical leadership role supports the Federal Security Director in managing day-to-day security operations, administering checkpoint standards, and overseeing a protective service workforce of up to 125 personnel.

Requirements for Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist

Must be a United States Citizen or National.
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
Must obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.
Must agree to the conditions of employment, including potential emergency duties as an Emergency Essential (EE) employee.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist

Extensive experience applying and explaining aviation security policies, regulatory directives, and federal guidelines.
Proven capacity to analyze, identify, and mitigate security threats in a fast-paced, high-stakes operational environment.
Demonstrated ability in program planning, strategic execution, and operational analysis.
Strong supervisory background with experience leading, mentoring, and evaluating a sizable workforce of technical or protective security staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) pension plan
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with traditional and Roth options and agency matching
✓Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
✓Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
✓Paid personal leave days and 11 paid federal holidays annually
✓Flexible work schedules and potential telework opportunities where applicable
✓Tuition reimbursement and transportation subsidies
✓Uniform allowance and access to agency health and wellness programs

💡 How to Apply Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Federal Security Director - Generalist Job

Step 1: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and possess the necessary specialized experience at the SV-H or GS-12 grade level.
Step 2: Create or update your USAJOBS account and prepare a detailed federal resume strictly limited to two pages.
Step 3: Click the 'Apply' button to access the online application platform, attach your resume, and submit required supporting documentation (e.g., your most recent non-award SF-50 if a current federal employee).
Step 4: Complete the online occupational questionnaire and submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM EST on July 27, 2026.
Step 5: Monitor your email and USAJOBS dashboard for notifications regarding the mandatory USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, which must be completed within the designated timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Do not exceed the strict two-page limit on your resume; the application portal will reject resumes exceeding this length.
Incorporate detailed, precise work histories in your resume, including exact start and end dates (MM/YYYY) and the number of hours worked per week.
If claiming status as a current federal employee, ensure you upload a copy of your most recent non-award SF-50.
Draft original descriptions of your qualifications rather than copying and pasting language from this vacancy announcement.
Prepare for the USA Hire Assessments by accessing practice resources at the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center, and set aside two hours of uninterrupted time to complete them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this position?

This is a temporary appointment not to exceed six months.

What pay grade is this position assigned to?

This position is in the SV-I pay band, which is equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the General Schedule.

Are relocation expenses authorized?

No, relocation expenses or incentives are not authorized for this recruitment.

What does an Emergency Essential designation mean?

It means the selected candidate is required to remain on duty or report to work in the event of an emergency or crisis to maintain critical airport operations.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is an on-site operational security position that is not eligible for regular telework.