Lead / Supervisory Transportation Security Officer

Supervisory Transportation Security Officer Opportunities in Chicago

Supervisory Transportation Security Officers—or STSOs—manage the people and daily decisions behind airport passenger and baggage screening operations. They supervise Transportation Security Officers and Lead Transportation Security Officers, coordinate staffing, address operational concerns, and help ensure that security procedures are carried out accurately and consistently.

This role calls for sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to lead during both routine operations and fast-moving security situations. STSOs may oversee one or more screening checkpoints, checked-baggage operations, or other transportation-security activities at the assigned airport.

Position Details

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Employer: Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security
• Pay: 25.00 – 50.00
• Pay Band: SV-F
• Appointment Type: Fulltime

Transportation-security operations may continue around the clock. Depending on the vacancy, supervisors may be required to work early mornings, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, federal holidays, or overtime. Refer to the official announcement for the exact work schedule.

What You May Do

• Supervise Transportation Security Officers and Lead Transportation Security Officers
• Oversee passenger, carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or cargo-screening operations
• Assign work, establish priorities, and coordinate employee rotations and coverage
• Make security-based decisions using TSA procedures, operational information, observation, and professional judgment
• Review employee performance and provide coaching, instruction, and developmental feedback
• Approve leave and address routine employee or workplace concerns
• Respond to security incidents, checkpoint disruptions, and emergency situations
• Prepare operational briefings, checkpoint logs, incident reports, and management communications
• Coordinate with airport stakeholders, law-enforcement personnel, and TSA leadership when required
• Recommend improvements to screening procedures, staffing plans, and airport operations

Experience Requirements

Applicants generally need at least one year of specialized experience that demonstrates the knowledge and judgment required to supervise transportation-security operations. Qualifying experience is typically related to work performed by a Transportation Security Officer or Lead Transportation Security Officer and must meet the pay-band level specified in the vacancy announcement.

Candidates must also generally have at least six months of experience as a work leader, team leader, or supervisor. This experience should demonstrate the ability to distribute workloads, train employees, maintain work records, monitor performance, and resolve routine workplace concerns. The leadership experience may have been gained during the same period as the specialized security experience.

Many Supervisory TSO vacancies are limited to current permanent or eligible temporary TSA employees. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility section of the active announcement before applying.

General Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Must be at least 18 years old when applying
• Must successfully complete the required background investigation
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the security clearance listed in the vacancy
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and remain subject to applicable testing requirements
• Must meet TSA medical, vision, hearing, color-perception, and physical standards
• Must be available for varying shifts and overtime when required
• May be required to complete a one-year supervisory trial period
• Must remain available for duty during certain emergencies because this may be designated an Emergency Essential position

Physical Requirements

Although this is a supervisory position, STSOs remain involved in active screening operations. Candidates must be capable of repeatedly lifting and carrying baggage or other items weighing up to 50 pounds, standing for prolonged periods, walking up to two miles during a shift, and bending, leaning, or squatting during screening activities. Applicants must also meet the medical, hearing, vision, and color-perception standards required for security-screening work.

Federal Benefits

Eligible employees may receive federal benefits that include health, dental, vision, life, and long-term-care insurance; paid leave and federal holidays; participation in a federal retirement program and the Thrift Savings Plan; flexible spending accounts; employee-assistance resources; and career-development opportunities.

Other benefits may include tuition support, transportation subsidies, a uniform allowance, wellness programs, and applicable premium pay. Actual eligibility depends on the appointment, schedule, duty location, and terms of the official vacancy announcement.

How to Apply

Read the complete official vacancy before applying. Pay particular attention to the eligibility group, specialized-experience requirement, leadership experience, security clearance, required supporting documents, and application deadline. TSA does not charge an application fee.

Prepare for the TSA Supervisory Hiring Process

Our independent preparation program helps candidates organize their leadership experience, understand the selection process, practice employment-assessment skills, and prepare stronger responses for a supervisory interview.

• Step-by-step application guidance
• Leadership and workplace-assessment practice
• Resume and experience-statement support
• Supervisory interview preparation
• Job-search tools and candidate support

Apply for Supervisory Transportation Security Officer opportunities in Chicago.