TSA Begins Local Hiring for Officers at West Texas Airports
DALLAS - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is looking for talented candidates to work in several West Texas airports -- Midland International Airport, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, and Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. These three airports are among several in the nation to launch a local hiring initiative. The initiative will replace the current Washington-based hiring system and allow the agency to quickly hire talented security professionals to meet the changing needs of the operation.
"The Transportation Security Officer is the front line in the war against terror, and we are currently seeking qualified candidates who are committed to providing top-notch security and customer service," said West Texas' Federal Security Director, Jim Holden.
Wages range from $11.30 to $16.96 depending on experience, plus locality pay. All employees are eligible for health and life insurance, retirement, paid annual (vacation) and sick leave.
After the attacks of September 11th, TSA hired over 50,000 TSOs in a matter of months to comply with a Congressional mandate that required the agency to outfit the nation's commercial airports with a federal screening workforce. To manage this massive task, a national contractor was hired to recruit and assess candidates and stand-up security at more than 450 commercial airports nationwide. Now the agency is transitioning to local recruitment, and West Texas airports are leading the way with other airports to implement the program.
TSOs provide frontline security and protect travelers by identifying dangerous objects in baggage and on passengers. They prevent threat objects from being transported onto aircraft by utilizing diverse, cutting-edge electronic detection and imaging equipment, as well as lessons learned from a concentrated training curriculum.
Individuals interested in a career in the aviation security field that provides the opportunity to defend and protect the country and our freedoms while assisting the movement of people and commerce, can apply online at www.tsa.gov (click on "Employment").