Overview
Lead Transportation Security Officer
Operating as a key regional transit hub, the San Antonio facility links local communities to national routes, demanding constant vigilance and screening throughput. A career as a Lead Transportation Security Officer places you at the forefront of the nation's transportation security mission. Every shift, you apply federally certified screening skills to protect passengers and airport personnel from security threats. The Lead Transportation Security Officer role requires both technical skill and interpersonal composure. Officers must screen efficiently during peak hours, handle passenger concerns with professionalism, and apply sound judgment when security protocols are triggered. Federal employment as a Lead Transportation Security Officer comes with paid leave, holiday pay, and access to health and dental coverage through the FEHB program. This is a stable, mission-driven career in an essential sector of national security.
Keeping San Antonio, TX 78204's security checkpoint running at peak efficiency is the daily responsibility of the Lead Lead Transportation Security Officer. The Lead TSO occupies a pivotal supervisory role — not yet management, but far more than a line officer. Leads coach, coordinate, and drive the operational performance of their shift team while maintaining TSA's security standards at every station.
At San Antonio's checkpoint, Lead TSOs are deployed across the most demanding positions: they resolve complex screening situations, mentor newly certified officers, manage lane assignments in real time, and serve as the primary point of contact between the TSO workforce and supervisory personnel during their shift. This role requires deep expertise in all screening disciplines and the ability to make calm, accurate decisions in high-pressure situations.
Veterans receive hiring preference points in the TSA federal application process.
Key Responsibilities
- ✓ Directing daily checkpoint activities at San Antonio and ensuring all TSO positions are properly staffed and covered
- ✓ Coaching TSOs on screening technique, passenger interaction standards, and SOP compliance
- ✓ Resolving complex alarm situations, passenger disputes, and escalated screening scenarios at the checkpoint
- ✓ Conducting on-the-spot performance observations and providing immediate corrective or positive feedback
- ✓ Serving as the acting shift supervisor in the absence of a Supervisory TSO (STSO)
- ✓ Reviewing and approving checkpoint documentation including incident reports, PARIS logs, and shift notes
- ✓ Coordinating with airline, airport authority, and law enforcement contacts during security incidents at San Antonio
- ✓ Ensuring screening equipment is operational and functional; reporting malfunctions to maintenance personnel
- ✓ Mentoring new TSOs through probationary observation periods and on-the-job certification milestones
Requirements & Qualifications
- • U.S. citizenship
- • High school diploma or GED
- • Minimum 18 months of experience as a certified Lead Transportation Security Officer
- • Demonstrated proficiency across all TSO screening positions (ETD, X-ray, AIT, document checking)
- • Successfully pass the Lead TSO assessment process and interview panel
- • Active Secret-level security clearance or eligibility for clearance upgrade
- • Clear of any disciplinary actions within the prior 12 months
Preferred Skills
- • TSA Instructor certification or experience conducting formal TSO training
- • Previous supervisory or team lead experience in security, military, or law enforcement
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated Pay and Benefits
💰
$24.80 — $36.50 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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