Overview

TSO – Baggage Screening

Aviation operations in Seneca Falls rely on a structured security framework to safely connect regional flights to the national airspace. The TSO – Baggage Screening position is central to daily checkpoint and terminal security operations. This federal role within the Department of Homeland Security offers a career with purpose, stability, and real impact on public safety. In this TSO – Baggage Screening 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. 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 TSO – Baggage Screening position is a compelling opportunity.

Serving travelers at Seneca Falls, NY 13148, 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 Seneca Falls's terminal facilities in NY.
Federal health insurance through FEHB and retirement through FERS available.

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 Seneca Falls
  • ✓ 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

Yes, the TSA follows federal guidelines for Veteran Preference. Eligible veterans can receive preference points added to their passing assessment scores during the hiring process.
Full-time TSA employees accrue 13 days of paid annual leave and 13 days of paid sick leave per year from their start date. Annual leave accrual increases to 20 days per year after 3 years of service.
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.
The primary focus is ensuring compliance with federal security directives at the Seneca Falls terminal, managing checkpoint flow, and protecting both passenger and cargo aircraft departing the facility.

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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