Overview

TSO – Baggage Screening

Operating as a key regional transit hub, the San Diego facility links local communities to national routes, demanding constant vigilance and screening throughput. Aviation security in this region depends on the professionalism of every TSO – Baggage Screening stationed at the screening lanes. This DHS position requires sharp attention to detail, physical readiness, and a genuine commitment to protecting the traveling public. Day-to-day responsibilities for a TSO – Baggage Screening include screening passengers and baggage, resolving checkpoint alarms, documenting security incidents, and communicating professionally with travelers from all walks of life. From your first day of paid training through your career development as a TSO – Baggage Screening, TSA provides the tools, structure, and support to help you succeed in one of the federal government's most important frontline roles.

Serving travelers at San Diego, CA 92115, the Baggage Screening TSO specializes in the detection of prohibited and dangerous items within checked and carry-on luggage before it enters the aircraft cabin or cargo hold. Every bag that travels through this checkpoint tells a story — and it's the Baggage Screening Officer's job to read it accurately and quickly. This position focuses on the operation and interpretation of X-ray and CT baggage screening systems, along with explosive trace detection (ETD) equipment. Officers in this role are trained to recognize complex threat images, resolve passenger alarms calmly and professionally, and coordinate with law enforcement when prohibited items are identified. Shift rotations ensure coverage across all operating hours at San Diego's terminal facilities in CA.
Shift differentials apply to overnight and weekend assignments at this facility.

Key Responsibilities

  • ✓ Operating computed tomography (CT) baggage screening systems and interpreting 3D threat images
  • ✓ Running explosive trace detection (ETD) swabs on checked baggage flagging automated inline screening alarms
  • ✓ Conducting physical searches of flagged baggage according to SOP, documenting findings accurately
  • ✓ Coordinating with the checkpoint supervisor when a prohibited or suspicious item is identified in San Diego
  • ✓ Maintaining the integrity of the sterile baggage-handling area and preventing unauthorized access
  • ✓ Performing baggage resolution using dual-view X-ray to clear ambiguous images before escalating to a physical search
  • ✓ Communicating with airline and airport ground staff to ensure baggage security chain of custody
  • ✓ Logging all baggage screening resolutions in the TSA Performance and Results Information System (PARIS)
  • ✓ Remaining current on changes to prohibited items lists and new threat categories briefed by TSA headquarters

Requirements & Qualifications

  • • U.S. citizenship
  • • High school diploma or GED
  • • One year full-time work experience or one year of post-secondary education
  • • Pass TSA Computer-Based Test (CBT) including X-ray image interpretation component
  • • Color vision sufficient to distinguish between threat-image colors on screening equipment
  • • Successful Security Threat Assessment and federal background investigation
  • • Physical ability to lift, push, and move baggage items weighing up to 70 lbs

Preferred Skills

  • • Prior experience with X-ray, baggage, or cargo inspection
  • • Familiarity with TSA threat image projection (TIP) training systems
  • • Knowledge of TSA prohibited items list and airline security protocols

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program is available to career employees and begins on the first day of the first full pay period after you register and enroll.
Yes, TSA security screening officers are eligible for union representation through the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local chapters.
Officers must be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift baggage items (up to 50–70 lbs depending on the role) regularly. Passing a medical evaluation and color vision test is also required.
Yes, to maintain alertness and prevent fatigue, officers rotate through various screening stations (such as document checking, walk-through metal detectors, AIT, and baggage resolution) during their shifts.
Local operations are centered at the regional airport serving San Diego, CA 92115. Onboarding, facility orientation, and primary duties are completed directly at this terminal.

Estimated Pay and Benefits

💰
$19.65 — $29.80 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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