TSA Administrative and Law Enforcement Careers - Entry Level

TSA Program Assistant Opportunities in Scotch Plains

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:

Scotch Plains, NJ

Employer:

Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security

Pay:

$21.56 – $35.94 per year

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