Lead / Supervisory Transportation Security Officer in Crystal Lake, IL - Entry Level

Supervisory Transportation Security Officer Opportunities in Crystal Lake

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:

{airport_name}, Crystal Lake, IL

Employer:

Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security

Pay:

{salary_min}–{salary_max} per year

Pay Band:

SV-G

Schedule:

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Appointment Type:

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Who May Apply:

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Application Deadline:

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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 positio