TSA Recruiting Those Interested In Federal Career As Airport Security Officer

TAMPA, FL — The Transportation Security Administration is holding a recruiting event Saturday, Nov. 20, for those interested in a federal career as a transportation security officer.

The TSA was created in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and officers are placed on the front lines to protect the traveling public and further the mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"Applicants do not need previous experience working in security or law enforcement fields,” said TSA Federal Security Director Kirk Skinner. “As a key element of the preparation for this job in national security, our officers will receive extensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and they will be paid during this training."

Attendees on Friday and Saturday at the recruiting event will receive information about full- and part-time TSO positions and have the opportunity to complete multiple steps of the hiring process.

The event includes a presentation about the TSO role, application assistance, computer-based testing and in-person interviews for jobseekers. Participants will be able to complete all or part of these processes, which will significantly reduce the time required to get on board with TSA.

As part of the presentation sessions during the event, TSA will provide an overview of working for the federal government and discuss benefits, which include paid leave, health care plans for both full- and part-time employees and 401k coverage.

Starting pay at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport is $16.51 per hour with opportunities for pay increases after six months. TSA is offering a sign-on bonus of up to $1,000 for eligible new hires in the Bay area – $500 after onboarding and an additional $500 after one year of service, with a service agreement.

This initiative applies to TSO new hires that onboard through Dec. 31.

The recruiting event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore, 4500 West Cypress St., Tampa, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

Those interested can apply for jobs at both PIE and at Tampa International Airport.

Participating in the information session and preliminary hiring process components can take between three and four hours, so TSA recommends arriving early in the day. Candidates are required to have two valid forms of state or federal identification, and masks are required.

For more information on the TSO positions and to learn more about TSA careers, click here.