Transportation Security Screeners

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.

Typical Tasks

• Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
• Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
• Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.
• 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.

Key Skills

Work Activities

• Getting Information
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Performing General Physical Activities