Overview

Checked Baggage Inspector

The security checkpoint at the Fairfax airport facility plays a critical role in maintaining safety standards for local and regional departures. Few careers combine public service, skill-based work, and immediate community impact the way this Checked Baggage Inspector role does. TSA's airport security workforce is a critical component of the national transportation security framework. As a Checked Baggage Inspector, your work will involve operating advanced imaging technology, verifying travel documents, and conducting physical screening procedures in compliance with TSA Standard Operating Procedures and federal security directives. The TSA workforce is made up of dedicated professionals who take the security mission seriously. If you are looking for a stable federal career with real responsibility, the Checked Baggage Inspector position is a compelling opportunity.

The security of every suitcase, bag, and oversized item loaded onto an aircraft departing Fairfax, SC 29827 is the responsibility of the Checked Baggage Inspector. Working in the airline baggage rooms and inline screening areas of Fairfax's terminal, this TSO role operates continuous automated screening systems and performs physical inspections to ensure that no explosive device or dangerous item travels in the aircraft hold. Inline baggage screening at Fairfax uses explosive detection system (EDS) equipment integrated directly into the airline's baggage conveyance infrastructure. When the automated system flags a bag, the Checked Baggage Inspector steps in — clearing or escalating the alarm through ETD swabbing, physical inspection, and documentation. This behind-the-scenes role is essential to SC's aviation security posture.
No prior security experience required — TSA provides all screening certifications.

Key Responsibilities

  • ✓ Monitoring inline explosive detection system (EDS) equipment in Fairfax's checked baggage screening room
  • ✓ Resolving automated EDS alarms by performing ETD swabbing, visual inspection, and item-by-item bag searches
  • ✓ Coordinating with airline baggage operations staff to pull flagged bags from the conveyance system for inspection
  • ✓ Completing TSA checked baggage resolution documentation for every cleared or escalated alarm
  • ✓ Identifying prohibited items in checked baggage and coordinating with TSA supervisors and law enforcement
  • ✓ Operating in a physically demanding baggage room environment, lifting bags weighing up to 70 lbs regularly
  • ✓ Maintaining situational awareness of baggage room access control and preventing unauthorized entry
  • ✓ Reporting EDS equipment malfunctions and out-of-service events to TSA technical operations and supervision
  • ✓ Staying current on checked baggage prohibited items updates, EDS calibration procedures, and SOP changes

Requirements & Qualifications

  • • U.S. citizenship
  • • High school diploma or GED
  • • One year of security, baggage handling, logistics, or related work experience
  • • Pass TSA CBT with emphasis on X-ray/EDS image interpretation
  • • Pass Security Threat Assessment and federal background investigation
  • • Physical ability to lift up to 70 lbs, stand for full shifts, and work in a fast-paced baggage room
  • • Color vision adequate for EDS screen interpretation

Preferred Skills

  • • Prior airline ground operations, cargo inspection, or baggage handling experience
  • • ETD or explosives awareness training from prior military or law enforcement service

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

TSA career employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a three-tiered system: a defined-benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching up to 5%.
Yes, all TSA positions are designated as testing-designated positions. Candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screening and are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment.
Because airports operate 24/7, frontline TSA officers work rotating shifts, which include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift assignments are bid on by seniority.
The frontline TSA CBT evaluation measures English language proficiency, writing skills, and object recognition, specifically interpreting 2D and 3D X-ray images to identify potential threats.
Local operations are centered at the regional airport serving Fairfax, SC 29827. Onboarding, facility orientation, and primary duties are completed directly at this terminal.

Estimated Pay and Benefits

💰
$21.50 — $32.80 per hour
Estimated Hourly Pay Range
💼 Employment Benefits
  • ●
    Federal Health Insurance (FEHB)
    Medical, dental & vision for career employees
  • ●
    Federal Retirement (FERS + TSP)
    Pension + Thrift Savings Plan with gov't match
  • ●
    Paid Leave Accrual
    13 days annual leave/year starting from day one
  • ●
    Union Representation (AFGE)
    American Federation of Government Employees
📋 TSA Onboarding Vetting
  • ✓U.S. Citizenship is required for all security screening positions.
  • ✓Must pass the TSA Computer-Based Test (CBT) covering X-ray interpretation.
  • ✓Comprehensive medical evaluation and drug screening required.
  • ✓Background investigation and Security Threat Assessment (STA) mandatory.
  • ✓Selective Service registration check (for males born after 1959).
  • ✓All onboarding training is fully paid and conducted by certified TSA instructors.

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