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TSA Program Assistant Opportunities in Arcata

Program Assistants help keep TSA offices and airport field operations organized, accurate, and running smoothly. They support managers and employees with administrative coordination, data tracking, scheduling, correspondence, records, payroll, and other day-to-day program needs.

This role is well suited to someone who is comfortable working with detailed information, handling multiple assignments, communicating with different teams, and helping an office stay on schedule. Specific responsibilities depend on whether the position supports finance, human resources, scheduling, payroll, workplace programs, or another TSA operational area.

Position Details

• Location: Arcata, CA
• Employer: Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security
• Pay: 20.00 – 45.00
• Pay Band: SV-F
• Appointment Type: Fulltime

Do not assume that every Program Assistant vacancy follows standard business hours or permits telework. Use the schedule and work-site information from the individual announcement.

What You May Do

• Provide administrative and program support to TSA managers and employees
• Help coordinate daily office activities, projects, and operational assignments
• Compile, organize, track, and analyze program information
• Maintain electronic records, spreadsheets, reports, and administrative files
• Prepare correspondence, meeting materials, reports, and internal communications
• Schedule meetings, maintain calendars, and track deadlines or action items
• Assist with finance, human resources, scheduling, payroll, or other assigned program areas
• Monitor program metrics and help identify incomplete or inconsistent information
• Research files, records, policies, and electronic systems
• Support the implementation of new office procedures and administrative systems
• Communicate with employees, managers, timekeepers, financial staff, and external contacts
• Review administrative work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures

Experience Requirements

Applicants generally need specialized experience at the level stated in the official announcement. Relevant experience may include:

• Providing administrative or program support in a busy office
• Preparing reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, or presentations
• Tracking deadlines, assignments, records, or performance information
• Researching information in files, databases, and electronic systems
• Monitoring program metrics and identifying discrepancies
• Supporting payroll, timekeeping, finance, human resources, or scheduling functions
• Making recommendations based on administrative findings or reports
• Using office software to organize information and support multiple assignments

The type and amount of required experience vary by pay band and assignment. Applicants should ensure that their resume clearly demonstrates the specialized experience listed in the active vacancy.

Education Requirements

A specific college degree may not be required when qualification is based entirely on specialized experience. If the announcement permits education to satisfy any part of the qualification requirement, applicants may need to provide transcripts from an accredited institution.

Use the exact education and experience requirements from the official vacancy rather than adding a general degree requirement.

Skills That Can Help You Succeed

• Organization and attention to detail
• Written and verbal communication
• Data entry, tracking, and basic analysis
• Microsoft Office or comparable workplace software
• Records and document management
• Calendar, meeting, and deadline coordination
• Customer service and professional communication
• Ability to manage several assignments without losing accuracy
• Discretion when handling sensitive employee or operational information

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Must successfully complete the required background investigation
• Selective Service registration may be required
• Must meet the eligibility requirements identified in the announcement
• Must complete any required USA Hire assessments by the stated deadline
• May need to obtain and maintain the security clearance listed for the position

Some Program Assistant vacancies are limited to current TSA employees. Always display the exact “Who May Apply” category from the official announcement.

Schedule and Work Environment

Program Assistants generally work in an office or airport administrative environment. Daily work may involve extended computer use, reviewing records, communicating by phone or email, attending meetings, and managing several deadlines at once.

Some positions may require occasional travel or work outside typical office hours when supporting airport operations, special projects, or urgent administrative needs. The exact schedule should match the official vacancy.

Federal Benefits

Eligible employees may receive 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; and employee-assistance resources.

Other benefits may include tuition assistance, transportation subsidies, flexible scheduling, wellness programs, and professional-development opportunities. Eligibility depends on the appointment type, work schedule, and individual vacancy.

How to Apply

Review the complete announcement before applying. Confirm the location, salary, pay band, eligibility group, specialized-experience requirement, assessment requirements, supporting documents, and closing date.

Prepare for the TSA Program Assistant Hiring Process

Our independent preparation program helps candidates understand the federal application process, present their administrative experience clearly, and prepare for the assessments or interviews required by the vacancy.

• Step-by-step application guidance
• Federal resume and experience-description support
• USA Hire assessment preparation when required
• Administrative and situational interview practice
• Application-document guidance
• Current TSA vacancy-search tools

Apply Today for a TSA Career Today