Overview

TSA Cargo Inspector

The security checkpoint at the North Scituate airport facility plays a critical role in maintaining safety standards for local and regional departures. A career as a TSA Cargo Inspector 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. In this TSA Cargo Inspector capacity, you will rotate through multiple screening positions — from X-ray and AIT to document checking and checked baggage inspection — maintaining sharp performance standards at every station. From your first day of paid training through your career development as a TSA Cargo Inspector, TSA provides the tools, structure, and support to help you succeed in one of the federal government's most important frontline roles.

Air cargo is one of the most complex and highest-risk segments of aviation security — and the TSA Cargo Inspector at North Scituate, RI 02857 plays a direct role in protecting it. Cargo Inspectors work with freight forwarders, air carriers, and indirect air carriers to verify that all cargo accepted onto commercial flights has been screened, certified, and documented in compliance with federal regulations. At North Scituate, the volume of air freight moving through the cargo facilities demands both regulatory knowledge and field-level screening skills. Cargo Inspectors conduct physical inspections, review Chain of Custody documentation, verify Known Shipper certifications, and perform regulatory compliance audits of cargo-handling facilities in RI. This is a role for someone who combines a law enforcement mindset with the analytical skills of a compliance professional.
A career that matters — protecting millions of air travelers every year.

Key Responsibilities

  • ✓ Conducting physical inspections of air cargo, freight, and mail shipments at North Scituate cargo facilities
  • ✓ Reviewing and verifying Chain of Custody documentation, shipper certifications, and cargo manifests
  • ✓ Auditing freight forwarders and indirect air carriers for compliance with TSA cargo security regulations
  • ✓ Performing ETD screening and X-ray screening on non-exempt cargo packages and consignments
  • ✓ Coordinating with CBP, TSA inspectors, and airline cargo security managers on joint compliance actions
  • ✓ Documenting cargo inspection findings, violations, and enforcement referrals in TSA systems
  • ✓ Reviewing Secure Freight Initiative program compliance and reporting anomalies to TSA supervisors
  • ✓ Maintaining current knowledge of TSA cargo security requirements under 49 CFR Parts 1548 and 1549
  • ✓ Supporting TSA covert testing operations and security assessments of North Scituate cargo handling facilities

Requirements & Qualifications

  • • U.S. citizenship
  • • High school diploma or GED; college degree in logistics, criminal justice, or related field preferred
  • • Minimum two years of cargo, freight, customs, or aviation security inspection experience
  • • Pass Security Threat Assessment and federal background investigation
  • • Knowledge of federal cargo security regulations under 49 CFR
  • • Strong documentation and report-writing skills for regulatory compliance records

Preferred Skills

  • • CBP, FAA, or freight forwarding certification or licensure
  • • Experience with TSA's Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) or Known Shipper program
  • • Prior military logistics, customs broker, or air freight compliance experience

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, TSA security screening officers are eligible for union representation through the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local chapters.
Yes, all TSA training is fully paid. Initial training includes both local on-the-job training at your assigned airport and classroom instruction, which may occur at the TSA Academy in Glynco, Georgia.
An enhanced background investigation and Secret security clearance adjudication typically takes between 60 to 120 days, depending on the complexity of the candidate's history and agency backlogs.
This role is primarily facility-based at the local airport. However, occasional travel for training, emergency response exercises, or security audits at regional facilities may be required.
Local operations are centered at the regional airport serving North Scituate, RI 02857. Onboarding, facility orientation, and primary duties are completed directly at this terminal.

Estimated Pay and Benefits

💰
$28.60 — $43.90 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 federal security positions.
  • ✓Structured interview and multi-agency coordination or leadership assessment required.
  • ✓Comprehensive medical evaluation and drug screening required.
  • ✓Enhanced background investigation and active or adjudicatable Secret security clearance mandatory.
  • ✓Selective Service registration check (for males born after 1959).
  • ✓Prior federal, military, or specialized aviation security experience is highly valued.

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