Description
Screen passengers, carry-on items, checked baggage, and cargo at airport checkpoints to ensure compliance with TSA regulations and Standard Operating Procedures. Operate screening technologies, resolve alarms, enforce access control, and provide professional customer service to maintain safety, security, and efficient passenger flow.
- • Verify passenger identity and travel documents; determine screening status (e.g., Standard, PreCheck, selectee).
- • Instruct passengers to divest and prepare belongings before screening.
- • Operate walk-through metal detectors (WTMD), Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), and hand-held detectors to screen passengers.
- • Operate X-ray/CT systems to screen carry-on property.
- • Inspect checked baggage and cargo using approved screening systems and visual checks.
- • Conduct pat-downs and property searches to resolve alarms per SOP.
- • Perform explosive trace detection (ETD) swabs on passengers and property as required.
- • Decide when to rescreen, search, or clear baggage based on alarms.
- • Isolate and process prohibited items and hazardous materials per TSA policy; offer surrender or mail-back options when available.
- • Maintain chain of custody and documentation for seized items and evidence.
- • Alert team when items must not be opened and initiate explosive mitigation protocols.
- • Set aside and locate suspect bags identified by remote or automated screening for secondary inspection.
- • Monitor passenger flow and manage queues to maintain order and throughput.
- • Provide directions and explain screening procedures to passengers.
- • Close or reopen lanes and checkpoints in response to security incidents or directives.
- • Notify Supervisory TSOs and coordinate with Law Enforcement Officers during security events.
- • Record alarms, incidents, and maintenance issues in required reports and systems.
- • Challenge individuals in controlled areas to verify authorization and credentials.
- • Observe and report persons matching BOLOs or exhibiting suspicious behavior.
- • Patrol screening areas to identify suspicious items or conditions.
- • Send checked baggage through automated screening systems and pull bags for search or rescreening as indicated.
- • Review images from remote screening stations and alert handlers to potential problems.
- • Conduct operational checks and basic calibration of screening equipment; request service as needed.
- • Maintain visual contact with breach subjects when safe and relay information until security arrives.
- • Direct passengers to baggage pickup and property recomposure areas after screening.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
