Clarification from the agency

All current internal employees of TSA on permanent or competitive temporary appointments. Salary range listed includes Locality Pay of 24.66%. This position is located at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in Minneapolis, MN.

As the Master Transportation Security Officer - Security Training Instructor (MTSO-STI) for Security Operations (SO), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you will support the airport training program through performance of a variety of training-related functions. In addition to training program responsibilities, you will also perform pre-board security screening of persons, cargo, carry-on, and checked baggage as directed by the Federal Security Director (FSD), or his/her designee, a minimum of 20% of the time. Specific program responsibilities include the following:

• Performing training instruction within established guidelines and standards in support of nationally developed training programs (e.g., new hire training, On-Screen Alarm Resolution Protocol, Crossover); supporting recurrent training needs, and conducting return to duty and remediation training.
• Adapting/developing local training materials to meet requirements; conducting local training in accordance with training standards; assisting with the training department administrative support (e.g., Online Learning Center (OLC) entry, training resource room facilitation, roster management, conducting testing, and ensuring evaluations are done); assisting with training logistics support components (e.g., coordinating needed supplies and materials); managing classroom dynamics; resolving routine classroom problems; monitoring and evaluating training and providing feedback on needed adjustments; recommending enhancements; and maintaining communication with management and supervisors concerning issues with training that may reveal security-screening weaknesses or vulnerabilities.
• As directed, providing mentoring/coaching to address identified training needs.
• Administering and scoring training tests (e.g., job knowledge, image).
• Assisting with PASS Practical Skills Observations (PSOs) and conducting Level 3 Assessments, as needed.

NOTE: Employees must maintain all screening certification requirements and perform screening functions (passenger, baggage, or both) a minimum of 20% of the time.

Conditions of employment

• You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• You must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of application.
• You must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening AND random drug/alcohol testing.
• Selective Service registration is required.
• See additional "Conditions of Employment" and "Other Information" sections

Minimum Entry Age Requirement: To be determined eligible applicants must have reached the minimum entry age of 18 years at the time their application is submitted and, if selected for the position, will be required to provide such proof prior to appointment.
 
Conditions of Employment: Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative drug test result. Any individual tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Must meet and maintain medical requirements for screening work (including a medical examination and physical abilities assessment) including, but not limited to, the following:

• You must be able to efficiently and thoroughly manipulate and lift baggage, containers, and other objects subject to security processing;
• You must be able to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing up to 70 pounds;
• You must be able to maintain physical agility that would allow you to squat, bend, and lean to inspect individuals and baggage/cargo;
• You must be able to maintain the ability to walk up to two miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods of time;
• You must be able to maintain a measured threshold for sight:
• Distance vision correctable to 20/30 or better in the best eye and 20/100 or better in worst eye. Near vision correctable to 20/40 or better binocular;
• You must maintain a measured threshold for hearing: Average hearing loss of 25 decibels (ANSI) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz in each ear. Single reading of 45 decibels at 4000 and 6000 Hz in each ear;
• You must be able to distinguish between different colors that will be a part of images displayed on automated screens: Color perception (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, brown, black, white, gray). Note: Color filters for enhancing color discrimination are prohibited;
• You must be able to maintain eligibility for a security clearance;
• You must be able to maintain proficiency in all facets of assigned work sufficient to ensure recertification;
• You must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed;
• You must be proficient in English (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, listening);
• You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National;
• Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in this position; and
• You must pass pre-employment drug screening AND you will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.

Qualifications

To qualify for the SV-F Pay Band (GS-9), you must meet the requirements listed below:

At least one year of experience functioning as a TSO equivalent to at least the D band level or above; and

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the D band level or above which included utilizing instructional methods to provide formal training or to teach others in prescribed or designated subjects or areas. Such experience may have been gained as a TSA Assistant Training Instructor (ATI) or in any other training/educational setting where instructional methods were utilized on a regular basis to teach/train in a classroom, laboratory, group, or on-the-job setting.  Other examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to the following:

•  Providing instructional guidance for conducting screening (e.g., x-ray, security, industry) or related collateral duties (e.g., OJT Coach).
• Teaching or instructing in an educational program: Primary/secondary school or undergraduate/graduate (college/university); military installation/academy, or industry establishment.
• Establishing or developing training/course materials, aids and devices and evaluation of training results.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 

Note: Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. 

In order to be properly credited, any experience gained through assigned collateral duties or special assignment detail should be documented in the resume by indicating the period of time, i.e., the beginning date and the ending date, as well as the percentage of time performing the duties.  For example:  "Collateral Duty:  Assistant Training Instructor (ATI) from Jan 2013 to Oct 2014 – 15 hours per week.”

You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The assessment process for the MTSO-STI is a multiple hurdle process. Initially, applicants will be evaluated/assessed through an on-line application process. Applicants will be asked a series of occupational assessment questions linked to the KSA/Competencies determined necessary for successful job performance. These questions will be used to rank applicants according to relative merit for this position. The most qualified candidates will be referred for further consideration through the remainder of the assessment process. Referred candidates will then be required to pass both the structured interview and training demonstration assessment phases. Only applicants successfully passing both phases will be referred for selection consideration. Structured interview and training demonstration assessment results will be good for six months.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates who become eligible for the structured interview and training demonstration assessments will be required to travel at their own expense to the assessment location. Selection for this position will be made only from among applicants possessing the best qualifications.
To preview questions please click here.