TSA Officers at Syracuse Hancock International Airport staff a Computed Tomography checkpoint scanner. (TSA photo)
ALBANY, N.Y. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is looking to fill approximately 25 positions at Albany International, Syracuse Hancock International and Buffalo-Niagara International Airports within the next few months. It’s part of a national effort to hire 6,000 TSA officers to be prepared for projected summer travel volumes.
TSA officers screen thousands of airline travelers daily, ensuring they arrive at their destinations safely. TSA expects to screen a greater volume of travelers regularly by summer and needs additional officers to support its security mission.
Based on anticipated seasonal travel trends in the months ahead and the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public, TSA has launched efforts to recruit new employees in support of screening operations in Upstate New York airports in addition to many of the agency’s other airports nationwide. Most of the openings are for part-time employees.
Benefits of working at TSA for both part- and full-time employees include paid training, annual and sick leave and strong health care plans. TSA is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including military veterans and persons with disabilities. Starting pay differs slightly in each area due to locality pay initiatives. Hourly starting pay for Albany is $16.48 an hour; $16.51 per hour in Syracuse; and $17.11 per hour in Buffalo. TSA offers part-time employees opportunities for pay increases after six months.
“We are seeking women and men who want to take the initial step into a rewarding federal career and support TSA’s critical mission of protecting our nation’s transportation systems,” says Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airports in Upstate New York. “Applicants do not need previous experience working in security or law enforcement fields. Our officers will receive extensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and they are paid while undergoing training.”
For more information on the duties of a TSA officer and to learn a little more about TSA’s mission, a video titled “Day in the Life of a TSO” is available. To view open positions for TSA officers around the country, visit TSA.gov/TSO.