Become a Leader in Aviation Security: TSA Hiring Training Manager in Birmingham, Alabama

The security of our nation's skies and transportation networks is a continuous, dynamic mission that relies heavily on a highly trained and adaptable workforce. At the heart of this preparedness is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency tasked with protecting the American public, commerce, and critical infrastructure. TSA is currently seeking an accomplished, mission-focused professional to step into the role of Training Manager at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Birmingham, Alabama.

Operating in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment, the Training Manager serves as a strategic leader responsible for developing, organizing, and executing the educational and operational training frameworks that keep transportation security officers (TSOs) and security instructors performing at peak readiness. If you have a background in federal training standards, personnel leadership, and curriculum coordination, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence security operations at a vital regional aviation hub.

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About the Agency: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

As a core component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the TSA is dedicated to safeguarding the freedom of movement for people and commerce throughout the United States. Founded in the wake of September 11, 2001, the agency oversees security operations across hundreds of airports, seaports, public transit networks, railroads, and highways.

Working for the TSA means contributing to a shared, high-impact mission. The agency operates on the values of integrity, respect, and commitment. Located at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), this role provides leadership not only for local screening teams but also acts as an administrative centerpiece coordinating with "spoke" airports under the hub's jurisdiction in Alabama. TSA is deeply committed to employee development, ensuring that its staff has access to cutting-edge tools, career progression paths, and continuous learning programs.

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Job Responsibilities

The Training Manager is a multi-faceted leadership position blending administrative foresight, instructional design, operational coordination, and direct personnel supervision. The incumbent's efforts directly affect the proficiency and regulatory compliance of all frontline security staff.

Core Duties and Operational Training Management

• Strategic Annual Planning: Author, update, and manage the airport's annual training plan. Align curriculum schedules with agency-wide readiness goals and operational realities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all required Transportation Security Officer (TSO) and specialty training satisfies the mandates of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), local airport operating procedures, and TSA Management Directives.
• Instructor Oversight: Coordinate the advanced preparation of Security Training Instructors (STIs) and Assistant Training Instructors (ATIs). Keep instructional personnel fully updated on the latest security technologies and screen protocols.
• Hub-and-Spoke Coordination: Manage and monitor training operations at both BHM (the hub) and any associated satellite (spoke) airports to ensure localized instructional consistency.
• Liaison & Executive Briefings: Keep the Federal Security Director (FSD) and executive staff briefed on the workforce's overall training progress, qualification rates, and system deficiencies.
• Resource Acquisition: Evaluate existing equipment, facility space, and simulator technologies. Determine resource gaps and work collaboratively with regional program offices to acquire needed assets.

Supervisory and Managerial Leadership

In addition to educational design, this is a first-line supervisor position. Managers in this role are responsible for:

• Designing and communicating a long-term strategic vision to their instructional unit.
• Assigning daily tasks, balancing schedules, and evaluating performance goals for subordinates.
• Coaching staff, planning professional development, and making recommendations for performance awards, promotions, or disciplinary actions.
• Coordinating with special training programs, including collaborating with Behavioral Detection Officers (BDOs) and Bomb Appraisal Officers (BAOs) to synthesize holistic security solutions.

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Salary Overview & Classification Comparison

This position is classified under the SV-I pay band, which is the TSA equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the standard General Schedule classification system. The annual salary range for this position spans $107,510 to $139,764 per year, reflecting the high-level responsibilities and specialized leadership required.

The table below provides an illustrative comparison of how the TSA's SV Pay Band structure aligns with standard GS equivalents and the scope of work expected within these levels:

TSA Pay Band	GS Equivalent	Annual Salary Range	Primary Organizational Scope
SV-H	GS-12	Varies by Locality	Specialized technical experts, local program leads, and senior analysts.
SV-I	GS-13	$107,510 – $139,764	First-line supervisors, regional division managers, and strategic coordinators (e.g., Training Managers).
SV-J	GS-14	Varies by Locality	Program directors, policy makers, and assistant federal security directors.

Note: Salary ranges are subject to updates and include locality pay adjustments for the Birmingham, Alabama area.

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Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered a qualified applicant for this vacancy, you must satisfy strict federal eligibility criteria and demonstrate the specific technical expertise required for SV-I band roles.

General Conditions of Employment

• Citizenship: You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Background Clearance: Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which is a condition of federal placement.
• Selective Service: Registrations with the Selective Service system must be current for applicable male candidates born after December 31, 1959.
• Supervisory Trial Period: If you have not previously completed a one-year federal supervisory trial period, you must successfully complete one during your first year in this role.

Specialized Experience Requirements

To qualify, applicants must possess at least one full year of specialized experience at the next lower pay band (SV-H) or the equivalent GS-12 grade level in either federal service or the private sector. This specialized experience must clearly demonstrate:

1. Acting as an active organizational liaison concerning critical training and development matters with management and program directors.
2. Drafting and presenting official briefings on instructional development, curriculum challenges, or learning management systems.
3. Serving as an advisor to senior management in planning, scheduling, budget integration, and launching complex professional development initiatives.
4. Implementing, measuring, and actively refining active, large-scale technical training programs.

Credit is granted based on a standard 40-hour workweek, with part-time experience credited proportionally.

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Benefits

TSA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their financial health, physical well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Healthcare Coverage: Premium options for federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Retirement Security: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Flexible Financial Planning: Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for medical and childcare needs.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Accrual of annual (vacation) leave, sick leave, and payment for 11 federal holidays.
• Workplace Flexibility: Situational telework options, and potential for flexible work scheduling depending on airport operational demands.
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), transport subsidies, uniform allowances, and access to regional fitness programs.

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Application Tips & Step-by-Step Guide

Securing a federal job requires meticulous attention to detail during the application process. Keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure your package is highly rated:

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register on USAJOBS: Create or log into your account at USAJOBS, and verify that your personal profile is complete.
2. Verify Resume Limits: Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be accepted by the system, leading to disqualification.
3. Include Specific Job Details: Your resume must explicitly list your exact employment start and end dates (including month and year), the hours worked per week (such as "40 hours/week" or "20 hours/week"), and your previous pay band/grade levels.
4. Upload Required Documents: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must upload your most recent non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). If claiming experience from a temporary internal detail, include a signed copy of TSA Form 1160.
5. Complete the Assessment: After submitting your initial application, you may be invited to complete the online USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments. You should complete these within the designated timeline, and it is recommended to set aside two hours of uninterrupted time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this job open to the public?

No, this vacancy is listed as "Internal to an agency," meaning it is primarily open to current eligible TSA or Department of Homeland Security employees, as well as those with specific status eligibilities under agency-interchange agreements.

Q2: What is the deadline to apply?

All application materials, including the online questionnaire, must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on September 28, 2026.

Q3: How will my qualifications be evaluated?

Candidates will be evaluated through category grouping procedures. Eligible applicants are placed into one of three tiers: Best-Qualified, Well-Qualified, or Qualified. These rankings are based on your resume, supporting documentation, and performance on the USA Hire assessment.

Q4: Can volunteer experience count toward my eligibility?

Yes. Volunteer experience through National Service organizations (like Peace Corps or AmeriCorps) as well as community, civic, or religious groups is fully credited in the same manner as paid employment, provided the duties directly align with the specialized experience requirements.

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The Training Manager vacancy at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is a critical position that demands a rare blend of leadership, compliance expertise, and instructional excellence. By guiding security trainers and ensuring compliance with national aviation mandates, the selected candidate will play an invaluable role in the safety of millions of travelers. If you have the required experience and are ready to advance your career within the Department of Homeland Security, prepare your resume and apply before the September 28 deadline.