PORTLAND, Oregon - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has two recruitment events scheduled for this week to hire security screening officers to work at Portland International Airport (PDX). One of the events will be held in partnership with the WorkSource office in Vancouver, Washington, and the other will take place at a hotel near the airport in Portland, Oregon. Both events will support TSA’s hiring efforts ahead of what is projected to be a very busy summer travel season.
“These one-day hiring events allow candidates to complete several steps of the hiring process to onboard as a federal employee and begin work as a TSA officer,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Oregon Kathleen McDonald. “We welcome anyone who is interested in starting their career with TSA to come to one of the events next week and learn more. You will quickly see how rewarding it is to work alongside other members of the TSA team at PDX.”
TSA is hiring both full- and part-time TSA officers (TSOs) at PDX with a starting hourly rate of $19.44. For full-time employees that equates to more than $40,000 annually. New hires are eligible for a $5,000 sign on bonus as well. Due to a new federal pay structure being implemented within TSA, full-time TSA officers at PDX can see their annual salary increase to more than $61,000 after two years of service.
The first hiring event will be held at the WorkSource office on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office is located at 204 SE Stonemill Drive, Suite 215, in Vancouver.
The second hiring event will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, 8235 NE Airport Way in Portland.
At the hiring event, applicants should expect to take a proctored computer-based test; participate in a structure interview to assess qualifications for the position; complete a medical evaluation and federal drug screening. Soon after the event, a pre-hire background investigation will take place.
TSOs at PDX are federal employees. Benefits include paid training, annual and sick leave, comprehensive health care plans for full- and part-time employees and a generous 401k retirement plan. TSOs are also eligible for up to $5,000 per year in college tuition reimbursement. TSA does not prorate benefits for part-time workers, and veteran’s preference is not required to join the agency.
TSA officers screen hundreds of airline travelers daily, ensuring that they arrive at their destinations safely and securely. Applicants do not need previous experience working in security or law enforcement fields. Newly hired TSOs will attend training at a TSA Academy as well as receive ongoing, on-the-job training.
After six months, TSOs are eligible for pay increases and those who work early mornings, evenings and Sundays receive a shift differential. Overtime opportunities, which are paid at time and a half, are frequently available.
TSA is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply. 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 https://jobs.tsa.gov/transport-security-officer.