Advance Your Career as a Lead Transportation Security Officer in Alaska

Are you looking to take the next step in your law enforcement or security career? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently hiring a Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO) at the Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport in beautiful Cordova, Alaska. This position offers a unique blend of national service, team leadership, and competitive federal compensation.

Job Responsibilities

As an LTSO, you are more than a security officer; you are a supervisor and a mentor. Your primary duties will include:

Team Supervision: Directing the daily activities of TSOs, including distributing workloads and monitoring performance.
Security Oversight: Implementing complex security screening procedures and ensuring compliance with federal directives.
Incident Response: Responding to breaches and emergencies while preparing accurate incident reports.
Training & Development: Mentoring new staff and ensuring team members are up-to-date on equipment and safety protocols.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or national at least 18 years of age.
Background: Must pass a thorough background check and drug screening.
Physical Fitness: Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods is mandatory.
Schedule: Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Comparison: TSO vs. Lead TSO

Feature	TSO	Lead TSO
Scope	Individual Screening	Team Supervision
Responsibility	Security Tasks	Workload Distribution
Career Level	Staff Level	Lead/Supervisory

Salary and Benefits

This position is compensated at the SV-F pay band, ranging from $69,789 to $90,731 annually. In addition to the base salary, employees in Cordova enjoy a 3% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and a 5% retention incentive. Furthermore, there is a stay-in-place incentive of up to $10,000 available, paid in two installments.

Serving as a Lead Transportation Security Officer is a rewarding way to protect your community and country. With substantial incentives and comprehensive federal benefits, this is an excellent opportunity for experienced security professionals to grow their careers in a stunning Alaskan setting. Apply today to secure your future.

Why This Lead Transportation Security Officer Job Matters

Step into a leadership role where your expertise secures the skies and protects our nation’s critical transportation infrastructure in the heart of Alaska.

Lead Transportation Security Officer Job Overview

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking a motivated Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO) to join the team at the Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport in Cordova, Alaska. As a key member of the Department of Homeland Security, you will lead a team of security professionals, overseeing daily screening operations, incident response, and performance management. This role is essential for maintaining safety in high-stakes environments while ensuring the efficient movement of passengers and commerce across the country.

Requirements for Lead Transportation Security Officer

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen and submit to random drug/alcohol testing.
Must register with the Selective Service, if applicable.
Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, squatting, and standing for 3-4 hours.
Meet specific vision and hearing standards without prohibited color filters.
Commitment to an Emergency Essential (EE) designation, requiring availability during emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Transportation Security Officer

Proven experience in federal security, aviation screening, or law enforcement environments.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and balance workloads for diverse team members.
Experience in human resources administrative tasks such as performance reporting.
Proficiency in emergency response protocols and incident reporting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Federal retirement pension plan
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave
✓Retention incentive (5% of base salary)
✓Stay-in-place incentive up to $10,000
✓Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of 3.00%
✓Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

💡 How to Apply Lead Transportation Security Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Transportation Security Officer Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your security-related experience and duties with start/end dates.
Complete the online application via the provided link before the deadline.
Ensure all required supporting documentation (SF-50, etc.) is uploaded.
Participate in the L-TAB: Work Personality Index assessment as invited.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages or fewer.
Do not simply copy job duties from the announcement; customize your resume to show your actual proficiency.
Explicitly state your hours worked per week if the role was part-time.
Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for the virus scan process.
Keep your SF-50 forms handy if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport in Cordova, Alaska, and is not eligible for telework.

What is the Emergency Essential (EE) designation?

This designation means that you are required to remain in a duty status during emergencies to ensure the continuous operation of critical security infrastructure.

What happens after I apply?

Qualified candidates will be invited to take the Work Personality Index (WPI). Your performance on this assessment will account for 100% of your score for the purpose of ranking candidates.

Job from Transportation Security Administration

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the TSA serve as the frontline of America’s national security. By joining this team, you become part of a mission-driven organization focused on protecting our transportation systems, airports, and the traveling public. The agency values integrity, vigilance, and excellence.