Airport Security Screener Jobs - TSA Turnover Down With Improvements
Airport security screeners are federal employees. Their job falls under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These individuals perform screening checks on people and items in an effort to make flying safer for travelers. This job is demanding, but it does come with several benefits.
To get hired into an airport security job a candidate must be chosen carefully. To be considered for a job as a security screener, a person must be a United States citizen.
They have to provide proof of their citizenship before they can be checked off as having met this requirement.
Security screeners need the minimum of education which is a high school diploma. A GED is also accepted. Candidates can have advanced degrees like a 2- or 4-year college degree but it is not required.
In addition to the above two requirements, potential security officers should have work experience in the area of security. They may have done screening work for a smaller airline or any type of security work, not necessarily in the area of aviation. Someone who can work an X-ray machine has gained experience that will help with the technical aspect of the screening process.
This is the first step. Successful candidate have to pass a background check, a credit check, drug and alcohol tests, physical tests, and complete an application. Reading, writing, and speaking English well is a must since that is the language used to transfer information during security briefings and the primary language of the United States.
Security screeners have to undergo training sessions. The training sessions involve book learning in the classroom and hands-on training. An exam is administered to test each candidate's aptitude after the training is over.
Once a screener is employed with the Transportation Security Administration, their career can go in a number of directions. The agency offers a workplace environment that is conducive to open communication. Staff can voice concerns and interests in more challenging roles to management without fear of recrimination. Management recognizes an employee's potential and desire for promotion and guides them along the career path that will bring success.
The TSA offers training, staff support, and mentoring for employees that want to be more knowledgeable in their area, like security screening. Ongoing training is another benefit that keeps employees growing in the aviation industry. Just because you start out as an airport security screener, does not mean that you have to stay a transportation officer for the life of your career with the Transportation Security Administration.
Security screeners earn a competitive salary and federal benefits that most others who have non-government airport jobs do not enjoy. There is also a pay adjustment according to the location that you live in. people that apply for screening jobs beyond their current residential area have to pay for their own relocation. They have paid vacation, sick time, life insurance, medical benefits, and retirement plans.
Screeners are in high demand. Flights are run around the clock every day of the week. Screeners work on nights, weekends, and holidays. Their shifts are not necessarily nine-to-five. Anyone that wants overtime can find it in this position.
Anyone interested in a position as a transportation security screener can apply online. The online application will give candidates an idea whether or not they meet the minimum requirements of the federal government for all of their aviation employees. Applicants can also view where the jobs are and the pay rates in those areas.
With each skill learned comes more opportunity for the security screener. Supervisory positions are available for those individuals that show a desire and the technical knowledge to move ahead. The TSA offers a great benefit package and continued training which allows their employees the option of advancing through the security hierarchy.
