Transportation Security Screeners

Also called : Security Screener, Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

What they do

Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.

On the job, one would

Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.

Perform pat-down or hand-held wand searches of passengers who have triggered machine alarms, who are unable to pass through metal detectors, or who have been randomly identified for such searches.

Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.

Send checked baggage through automated screening machines, and set bags aside for searching or rescreening as indicated by equipment.

Decide whether baggage that triggers alarms should be searched or should be allowed to pass through.

KNOWLEDGE

Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

SKILLS

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

ABILITIES

Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Flexibility of Closure
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Related Occupations

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks

Dietetic Technicians

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers

Gambling Cage Workers

Bailiffs

TECHNOLOGY

Computer based training software

Electronic mail software

Human resources software

Internet browser software

Object or component oriented development software

Office suite software

Operating system software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Some Preparation Needed
Education
High school diploma.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.