Overview
TSO – Passenger Screening
Operating as a key regional transit hub, the San Diego facility links local communities to national routes, demanding constant vigilance and screening throughput. The TSO – Passenger Screening role is more than a job — it is a federal career that directly contributes to the safety of air travel across the country. Officers in this position are trained, certified, and empowered to act as the last line of defense at the checkpoint. The TSO – Passenger Screening position demands constant alertness and technical proficiency. Officers are trained to detect prohibited items, recognize behavioral anomalies, and respond to security incidents in coordination with law enforcement partners. Officers serving as TSO – Passenger Screening are eligible for federal retirement under FERS, TSP matching contributions, and union representation through AFGE. This is a career-track position with meaningful benefits from day one.
The safety of air travelers at San Diego, CA 92115 begins at the passenger screening checkpoint, where TSO – Passenger Screenings interact directly with the traveling public to verify identity, detect concealed threats, and maintain the secure boundary between the public and sterile areas of the terminal. This is one of TSA's most demanding and most essential roles.
Passenger Screening TSOs in San Diego operate advanced imaging technology (AIT) units, walk-through metal detectors, and conduct physical screenings with professionalism and respect for every individual. Officers must be able to clearly explain procedures, manage anxious or non-compliant passengers, and make rapid decisions under pressure — all while maintaining the courteous public image that TSA expects of its workforce in CA.
Work alongside law enforcement, DHS, and intelligence community partners.
Key Responsibilities
- ✓ Operating advanced imaging technology (AIT) and walk-through metal detectors at San Diego security lanes
- ✓ Conducting full-body AIT screenings and interpreting automated target recognition (ATR) results
- ✓ Performing pat-down screenings on passengers who alarm or opt out of AIT screening, following TSA SOP
- ✓ Verifying boarding passes and identification using document reader technology at the checkpoint entry
- ✓ Instructing passengers on carry-on preparation, liquid rules, and checkpoint procedures before entering the lane
- ✓ Screening passengers with special needs, medical devices, and mobility aids with sensitivity and professionalism
- ✓ Preventing unauthorized individuals from accessing the sterile area at the San Diego terminal
- ✓ Reporting checkpoint anomalies, suspicious behavior, and security incidents to supervisory personnel
- ✓ Maintaining screening lane throughput during peak travel hours while upholding security standards
Requirements & Qualifications
- • U.S. citizenship
- • High school diploma or GED
- • Minimum one year of security, customer service, or aviation-related work experience, or one year of college
- • Pass the TSA CBT including English proficiency and X-ray components
- • Pass a medical evaluation and color vision test
- • Clear Security Threat Assessment and TSA background investigation
- • Physical stamina to stand, walk, and remain alert throughout rotating shifts
Preferred Skills
- • Experience in crowd management or high-volume public service environments
- • Conflict de-escalation or crisis communication training
- • Bilingual English/Spanish or English/other language skills valued at San Diego international gates
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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 Accrual13 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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