Transportation Security Screeners

security baggage realistic interests screen passengers x-ray equipment check tickets dangerous item pat-down

Security Screener, Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

What they do:
Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.
On the job, you would:
  • Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
  • Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
  • Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.

Knowledge

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Business

  • customer service

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • talking to others

Social

  • changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • understanding people's reactions

Abilities

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Cloud-based data access and sharing software

  • Slack Hot Technology

Human resources software

  • Applicant tracking software
  • Oracle Taleo

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about transportation security screeners.