The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is hiring Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to work at Portland International Airport (PDX). There are currently full- and part-time positions available and the starting salary is $19.90 per hour.
As an incentive, TSA will pay newly-hired TSOs $1,000 upon starting with the agency and $1,000 after one year of service with TSA. In addition, TSOs will get a 5% raise after six and 18 months of employment. Applicants must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or national.
“The Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest are wonderful places for people to live and work. But like employers everywhere, hiring has been a challenge,” said acting TSA Federal Security Director for Oregon Kathleen McDonald. “We want to add to our team at PDX so we are inviting those who are interested in joining an established group of security professionals to consider TSA as your next career move. The benefits and opportunities are second to none.”
TSA is hosting a two-day, in-person recruitment session on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel located at 8235 NE Airport Way in Portland. Free parking is available on-site.
For those who are interested in participating in a virtual event to learn more about working for TSA, two hour-long sessions will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. To register, go to https://jobs.tsa.gov/events/02-16/oregon-tso-recruiting-event.
At the recruitment session, interested candidates will attend an information session to learn more about applying to become a TSO, take a computer-based test to evaluate aptitude and English language proficiency and participate in a structured interview session. Applicants will also need to complete a medical evaluation, federal drug screening and pre-hire background investigation soon after the event.
TSOs at PDX are federal employees. Benefits include paid training, annual and sick leave, 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.
As noted above, 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.
The session and preliminary hiring process components can take between three and five hours, so TSA recommends arriving early in the day. Candidates are required to bring two valid forms of state or federal identification.
For more information on TSO positions at PDX, text PDX to 95495.
Source: TSA