1

Transportation Security Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Join Leidos' Digital Modernization Sector supporting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by protecting classified programs, personnel, facilities, and information critical to national ...

Join Leidos' Digital Modernization Sector supporting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by protecting classified programs, personnel, facilities, and information critical to national ...

In this role, you will help protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the systems that support transportation security operations by monitoring cybersecurity risks, implementing ...

Secret Duties and Responsibilities The Security Analyst supports this Transportation Security Administration Information Technology (TSA IT) Task Order (TO) by executing security testing in a variety ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Transportation Security information

What is transportation security?

Transportation security jobs involve protecting the safety of passengers, cargo, and transportation infrastructure. These roles are commonly found at airports, seaports, railways, and other transit hubs, with professionals such as Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screening passengers and baggage, monitoring security systems, and enforcing safety regulations. Employees may also conduct inspections, respond to security threats, and help develop procedures to prevent terrorism and other criminal activities. The goal is to ensure secure and efficient travel for all.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in transportation security, and why are they important?

To excel in Transportation Security, you need a solid understanding of security procedures, threat detection, and compliance with regulatory standards, often backed by a high school diploma and relevant security clearances. Familiarity with screening technologies such as X-ray machines, metal detectors, and security information systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety of passengers and assets while maintaining efficient and courteous operations.

What are some common challenges faced by transportation security officers and how can they be managed?

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) often encounter challenges such as handling high-pressure situations, maintaining vigilance during repetitive tasks, and effectively communicating with travelers from diverse backgrounds. Managing these challenges typically involves following established procedures, participating in regular training, and working closely with a supportive team. TSOs also benefit from strong conflict resolution skills and adaptability, which help them respond calmly and professionally to unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Transportation Security vs Transportation Security Officer?

AspectTransportation SecurityTransportation Security Officer
CredentialsTypically requires security-related certifications or trainingRequires TSA certification and security training
Work EnvironmentIncludes security planning, policy development, and oversightConducts screening at airports and transportation hubs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in security agencies, government agencies, and transportation sectorsPrimarily employed by TSA at airports and transit points
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in transportation securitySpecific job role focused on passenger and baggage screening

Transportation Security refers broadly to the field of securing transportation systems, including policies and oversight. Transportation Security Officer (TSO) is a specific role within this field, responsible for screening passengers and baggage at airports. While both are related to transportation security, the term encompasses a wider scope, whereas the TSO role is focused on operational security tasks.

Is transportation security officer a good job?

A transportation security officer (TSO) is responsible for screening passengers and baggage at transportation hubs, primarily airports. The job requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and often involves shift work, including nights and weekends. It offers benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, but job satisfaction depends on individual preferences for security work and work environment.

What do you need to be a transportation security officer?

To become a transportation security officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check and security threat assessment, and complete training provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a security environment are also important requirements.

What does transportation security do?

Transportation security professionals are responsible for screening passengers, baggage, and cargo to prevent prohibited items from being transported on various modes of transportation, such as airports, train stations, and ports. They use tools like metal detectors, X-ray machines, and security protocols to ensure safety and security in transit environments.
Infographic showing various Transportation Security job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Transportation Security Specialist

US Department of Homeland Security

Herndon, VA • On-site

$87K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Securing Travel, Protecting People - At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities across the country, you would secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems, thus protecting America's transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce.Qualifications:To qualify for the SV-G pay band (equivalent to the GS-5/7/9), you must meet one of the qualification requirements (A, B, OR C) outlined below:
A. Education: 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree;
OR
B. Experience: 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4 performing duties such as:
  • Analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gathering pertinent data, and recognizing solutions;
  • Planning and organizing work; and
  • Communicating effectively orally and in writing;
OR
C. Combining of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade level and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: Education at the graduate level in an accredited college or university in the amounts indicated above meets the requirements for this position. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the one year of full-time study requirement.
To qualify for the SV-H Pay Band (equivalent to GS-11/12), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-G Pay Band or GS-9 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such specialized experience is defined as:
  • Working in an operations/incident command center monitoring message traffic from internal and external stakeholders; AND
  • Using WebEOC, MSNS, or AirCrews in the formulation and documentation of security incident reporting.
To qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-H Pay Band or GS-12 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such specialized experience is defined as:
  • Assessing and managing security incident communications crossing organizational boundaries, international boundaries or multi-modal transportation sectors; AND
  • Preparing and disseminating security incident reports and initial recommendations for response to internal components and/or other agencies.
Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Resumes must include the following:
  • Narrative description of duties with start and end dates (including the month and year) for work experience.
  • State the number of hours worked in a position (i.e. full-time or part-time). If part-time, state the total number of hours worked per week.
  • Performance level (i.e. band or grade)
Utilizing the USAJOBS Resume Builder and completing all available fields is strongly encouraged.
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.Education:For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses from an accredited college or university, which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned) in your resume. The information must be provided with the application by the closing date of the announcement. If selected, the applicant must supply a transcript or certification of degree.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003