Lead Transportation Security Officer - Indianapolis, IN

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a significant impact on national security? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking dedicated individuals to join their team as Lead Transportation Security Officers (LTSOs) at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). This vital role offers the opportunity to lead a team of security professionals, ensure the safety of travelers, and contribute directly to protecting America's transportation systems. If you possess strong leadership skills, a commitment to security, and a desire to serve, this position could be your next career step.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO) at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), you will play a crucial leadership role within the TSA. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Team Leadership: Lead and direct the work of at least three full-performance level Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), as well as trainee and apprentice level TSOs.
• Workload Management: Identify, distribute, and balance workloads and tasks among team members, adjusting priorities to meet operational demands.
• HR Support: Provide input to supervisors and managers on various human resources matters, including employee performance, promotions, and awards.
• Security Procedures: Implement and enforce security screening procedures in accordance with TSA objectives and directives.
• Incident Management: Assist with investigations of security incidents and prepare detailed reports.
• Emergency Response: Respond effectively to breaches of security and emergency situations.
• Training and Monitoring: Train team members, monitor their progress, and report on work status.
• Resource Coordination: Represent the team in communications with supervisors to secure necessary resources.

Requirements

To be considered for this Lead Transportation Security Officer position, applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

Basic Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Nationality
• Minimum age of 18 years at the time of application
• Ability to pass a comprehensive Background Investigation (BI)
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening; subject to random drug and alcohol testing post-employment
• Selective Service registration is required for male applicants aged 18-25.
• Availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Medical and Physical Requirements:

• Meet and maintain specific medical standards for screening work, including a medical examination and physical abilities assessment.
• Ability to efficiently and thoroughly manipulate and lift baggage and other objects subject to security processing.
• Capacity to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain the physical agility required to squat, bend, and lean to inspect individuals and baggage.
• Ability to walk up to two miles and stand for prolonged periods (e.g., 3-4 hours) during a shift.
• Vision: Distance vision correctable to 20/30 or better in the best eye and 20/100 or better in the worst eye. Near vision correctable to 20/40 or better.
• Hearing: Average hearing loss not to exceed 25 decibels (ANSI) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz in each ear. No greater than 45 decibels at 4000 and 6000 Hz in each ear.
• Color Perception: Ability to distinguish principal colors on automated screens (color filters are prohibited).

Additional Requirements:

• Emergency Essential (EE) Designation: This position is designated as EE, requiring employees to remain on duty during emergencies.
• Interchange Agreement: TSA is an Excepted Service agency. While TSA employees can apply for Competitive Service positions through an Interchange Agreement, this position is internal to TSA.
• Bargaining Unit Status: This position is within a bargaining unit represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Qualifications

To qualify for the SV-F Pay Band (equivalent to GS-9), you must meet the following experience and/or education requirements:

Option 1: Education

• A high school diploma, or General Educational Development (GED); High School Equivalency Test (HiSET); or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) high school equivalency certificate.

Option 2: Work Experience

• At least one year of full-time work experience in security work, aviation screener work, or X-ray technician work.

Option 3: Specialized Experience

• One year of specialized experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience must be equivalent to the D pay band level or above and typically involves:
  • Providing frontline security protection for air travelers, airports, and airplanes.
  • Performing pat-down searches, operating X-ray machines, and screening baggage.
  • Identifying dangerous objects on passengers, in baggage, or cargo to prevent them from being transported onto aircraft.
  • Utilizing various electronic detection and imaging equipment.

*Creditable experience is based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited proportionally. Volunteer experience through National Service programs and other organizations is also recognized.

Salary Overview

The salary for this Lead Transportation Security Officer position ranges from $62,297 to $80,991 per year. This reflects the SV-F Pay Band, equivalent to a GS-9 level in the federal pay system.

Benefits

The TSA, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. These benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Access to affordable health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life Insurance: Coverage options for life insurance.
• Retirement: A federal retirement plan and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k), for long-term savings.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid federal holidays, personal leave days, and potential for flexible work schedules and situational telework.
• Additional Benefits: Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and access to fitness centers.
• Development: DHS is committed to employee development, offering various training and developmental opportunities.
• Veteran Benefits: Disabled veteran leave is available for eligible veterans.

Application Process

To apply for the Lead Transportation Security Officer position, follow these steps:

1. Create or Access USAJOBS Account: Ensure you have a USAJOBS account. If not, create one before starting the application.
2. Complete Online Application: Navigate to the announcement on USAJOBS and click 'Apply'. Complete the entire online application, answering all questions thoroughly.
3. Submit Resume: Upload your resume. It should not exceed two pages and must clearly detail your work experience, including start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week (full-time or part-time). For federal employees, include performance levels (grade/band).
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Submit any required documentation, such as SF-50s (for current/former TSA employees) or detail documentation (TSA Form 1160 or SF-52).
5. Review and Submit: Carefully review your entire application package for accuracy and completeness. Ensure all required documents are attached before submitting.
6. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by November 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Application Tips

• Detail Your Experience: Be explicit in your resume about how your past roles demonstrate the specialized experience required. Avoid generic descriptions.
• Use USAJOBS Resume Builder: This tool can help ensure your resume includes all necessary information and formatting.
• Check Document Requirements: Missing required documents is a common reason for disqualification. Double-check the 'Required Documents' section.
• Assessment Preparation: Be prepared for the L-TAB: Work Personality Index (WPI). You will have 14 days to complete it after receiving the invitation.
• Monitor Application Status: Log in to your USAJOBS account to track the status of your application.
• Plan Ahead: Do not wait until the last minute to apply, as technical issues or required document uploads can take time.

Serving as a Lead Transportation Security Officer with the TSA is a challenging yet immensely rewarding career. You will be at the forefront of national security, leading a team to protect travelers and the nation's infrastructure. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on a leadership role with a strong sense of purpose, we encourage you to apply for this critical position in Indianapolis.