Securing Travel, Protecting People - At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities across the country, you would secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems, thus protecting America's transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce.
Summary
Securing Travel, Protecting People - At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities across the country, you would secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems, thus protecting America's transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce.
Government-Wide: Current and former permanent civilian Federal employees. Applications also accepted from Individuals with Disabilities; Veterans' Preference eligibles OR Veterans who were or will honorably discharge from the Armed Forces after completing at least 3 years of continuous active duty by the closing date of this announcement. Veterans' Preference eligibles will compete under TSA's Merit Promotion procedures for which Veterans' Preference is not a factor in the selection process.
As a Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives Detection Canine Handler (TSS-EDCH) with Security Operations (SO), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you will be responsible for conducting Passenger Screening Canine (PSC) and other Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) threat assessment/mitigation activities to ensure the safety of the traveling public and mitigate potential threats, in coordination with Airport Screening Operations. You will also apply knowledge gained through formal canine handler training to develop skills necessary to evaluate and reward canine behavior, guide canines during threat mitigation activities, and ensure effective utilization of canines. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Utilizing canines to assess passengers in screening queues for potential explosives threats.
Interacting with traveling public to respond to inquiries, establish a calm environment, and maximize the canine's ability to search.
Coordinating and collaborating with other EDC program members, in scheduling work and training activities.
Traveling to explosives storage magazine to obtain identified explosives to be used for canine training and ensuring variation of aids used to ensure canine proficiency. Loading explosives in designated containers and transporting to airports or other training locations.
Utilizing risk-based security techniques and intelligence information to determine areas in which to use canines to conduct random sweeps, support ATLAS exercises, and to act as a visible deterrent to potential terrorist threats or criminal activity and to align training to mitigate known threats.
Evaluating potential threats based on canine response (passenger or object) to determine action to be taken (e.g., have canine respond or call appropriate authorities).
Performing a variety of administrative functions to include: logging work activities/time; updating training and utilization in canine-specific tracking systems to ensure documentation of canine behavior, potential training needs, and actions taken to correct canine behavior(s); entering vehicles usage/maintenance data; and entering/validating time and attendance, etc.
Utilizing a variety of technology (e.g., iPhone, iPad, laptop, radio) to perform core work functions.
If selected for the Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives Detection Canine Handler position, in addition to the duties outlined above, you will also be responsible for performing daily care of the canine including health maintenance, feeding/watering, exercising, and grooming, as well as maintaining safe and sanitary conditions of TSA-issued equipment (e.g., kennel, vehicle, office space, and home environment).Note: The duties of this position are observed and reviewed frequently for technical accuracy, application of canine handling methods and techniques, and results.
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 complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
Selective Service registration is required.
You must successfully complete a training course & pass medical evaluation.
Selective Service registration is required.
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
This position is not covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay or Law Enforcement Retirement.
This is an emergency essential position.
Additional "Conditions of Employment" can be found in the Qualifications section.
If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.
Candidates who accept a Tentative Job Offer will be required to successfully complete a medical evaluation, drug test, and pre-hire background investigation before they are eligible for a Final Job Offer. Moreover, current TSS-EDCH employees who are seeking a reassignment via the competitive hiring process must successfully complete each step in the hiring process, including retaking the CHAB after their results expire, as well as, undergoing the medical evaluation.
Please only select consideration for locations within 50 miles of your current residence or which you are willing to relocate at your own expense. Payment of relocation expenses (Permanent Change of Station) is not authorized. Vacancies for each location are not guaranteed until that duty location Indicates that they have a vacancy.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for TSA to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Qualifications
To qualify for the SV-G Pay Band, you must meet one of the qualification requirements (A, B, OR C) as outlined below:
A. Experience: For those qualifying using experience, your application must clearly outline three (3) years of progressively responsible general experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to at least the SV-F or GS-4 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent in the private sector. Such experience will demonstrate the ability to: analyze problems, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
OR
B. Education: Bachelor's or higher-level degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
OR
C. Combining of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements, and may be computed by first determining the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the position; then determining the education as a percentage of the education required for the position; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for the position.
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.
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.
Physical Demands: You must be able to perform the essential job functions described in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Explosives Detection Canine Handlers. Other physical demands include, but are not limited to:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds for a continuous distance of 100 feet at waist or chest level.
- Ability to push and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to walk continuously for a minimum of 1.5 hours without a break.
- Ability to stand continuously for a minimum of 1.5 hours without a break.
- Ability to sit continuously for up to 2 hours.
- Maintain physical ability to bend, kneel, squat, reach overhead, and run.
- Maintain ability to ascend and descend steep stairs and walk backwards.
Conditions of Employment:
TSA canine handlers are generally granted the use of a Government vehicle, typically referred to as Home-to-Work authority, for the efficient care and transportation of canines. The Department of Homeland Security prohibits authorization of Home-To Work Transportation to employees who live more than 50 miles from their duty station of record. Therefore, as a condition of employment, all persons hired to canine handler positions must reside within 50 miles (driving miles) of the official duty station for the position (unless waiver request is approved prior to entering on duty).
Work may require driving or traveling by motor vehicle and occasionally involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risk or discomforts that require special safety precautions.
You must meet and maintain medical requirements for EDCH as stated in the TSA Medical Guidelines for Explosives Detection Canine Handlers (for more information, click here).
You must pass a Background Investigation (BI) and maintain eligibility for a clearance at the Secret level.
You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
You must pass pre-employment drug screening AND you will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
You must hold and maintain a valid driver's license.
You must obtain and maintain SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) driving privileges.
You must maintain, at all times, housing suitable for the canine.
You must successfully complete the TSA Canine Handler Training Course.
You must successfully meet and maintain annual certification standards.
You must successfully complete all NEDCTP-lead (National Explosives Detective Canine Team Program) training and assessment requirements.
You must be available to work various shifts to include nights and weekends.
You must be willing to undertake extensive travel, at times overnight, as required.
You must be able and willing to safely work with various hazardous explosives and hazardous chemicals used in the regular and reoccurring training of canines.
**Candidates who accept a Tentative Job Offer will be required to successfully complete a medical evaluation, drug test, and pre-hire background investigation before they are eligible for a Final Job Offer. Moreover, current TSS-EDCH employees who are seeking a reassignment via the competitive hiring process must successfully complete each step in the hiring process, including retaking the CHAB after their results expire, as well as, undergoing the medical evaluation.**
***Please only select consideration for locations within 50 miles of your current residence or which you are willing to relocate at your own expense. Payment of relocation expenses (Permanent Change of Station) is not authorized. Vacancies for each location are not guaranteed until that duty location indicates that they have a vacancy.***
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Resumes must include the following:
Narrative description of duties with start and end dates (including the month and year) for work experience.
State the number of hours worked in a position (i.e. full-time or part-time). If part-time, state the total number of hours worked per week.
Performance level (i.e. band or grade)
Utilizing the USAJOBS Resume Builder and completing all available fields is strongly encouraged.
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Education
For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses from an accredited college or university, which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned) in your resume. The information must be provided with the application by the closing date of the announcement. If selected, the applicant must supply a transcript or certification of degree.
Additional information
Qualified non-competitive eligible candidates may be referred for consideration on a separate, unranked list.
More than one position may be filled from this announcement.
Eligibility to apply for other Federal positions: TSA is an Excepted Service agency exempt from most of Title 5 United States Code, including regulations which apply to displaced Federal employees (CTAP/ICTAP) of other agencies, and employment with TSA does not confer "Competitive Status" that generally results from selection and service in Competitive Service agencies. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established an Interchange Agreement, which allows most permanent TSA employees to apply and be considered for vacancies in Competitive Service agencies. Information from OPM on this or other Interchange Agreements is available at: www.opm.gov/
To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation as a condition of placement into this position.
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
TSA employees who are absent for the purpose of performing military duty may apply for any vacancies announced in their absence.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here:
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of the experience and/or related education as reflected in your resume and supporting documentation. You are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show possession of the competencies required for this position. We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and any supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your category placement may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies that are relevant to the duties of this position and must be fully supported by information in your resume:
Administrative Procedures and Tasks
Attention to Detail
Critical Thinking
Flexibility
Interpersonal Skills
Security Directives and Regulations
The candidates with the highest self-assessment scores will be invited and required to take the Canine Handler Assessment Battery (CHAB), which is a computer based test, soon after the closing date of this announcement. The CHAB must be scheduled and completed within fourteen (14) calendar days of the invitation being sent in order to remain under consideration for the position. The score obtained on the CHAB will account for 100% of the overall score used to determine those who are best qualified for consideration.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Grouping procedures. Under Category Grouping, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:
Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Desirable (Quality Ranking) Factors as determined by the job analysis.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs as determined by the job analysis.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs as determined by the job analysis.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position is not considered scientific/professional.) Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on Veterans' Preference.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
In addition to a resume and the assessment questions, you must submit copies of any of the following documents if you are applying based on current or former Federal Government Status, Veterans' Preference or eligible Veterans' Service (a veteran who was honorably discharged from the armed forces after completing at least three (3) years of continuous active duty service), or education or a combination of education and experience:
DD-214 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference or eligible Veterans' Service, provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4), Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other appropriate documentation to prove your entitlement and to provide verification of an Honorable Discharge.
SF-15 and VA Letter - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based upon a Compensable Disability, Widow or Spouse Entitlement, or as a Purple Heart recipient, you must submit your DD-214 or other proof of entitlement; an SF-15, and the required proof of disability, i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later.
Individuals with Disabilities (IWD) Letter - In order to be eligible for employment through TSA's Individuals With Disabilities Appointing Authority, documentation of the disability is required. Such documentation is used lo verify that the individual being hired is indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. This documentation must be provided with your application before an individual can be hired. Documentation of eligibility for employment under this hiring authority can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
Transcripts - If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed under the Qualifications and Evaluations section, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s) with your application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
If you do not submit required documentation described in this job opportunity announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified that your application was received. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are found eligible for the position you will receive an invitation from usastaffingoffice@opm.gov to schedule a proctored assessment at a test center near you. You must schedule and complete this assessment at a TSA Testing Center within 14 days upon receiving the invitation. If you have trouble locating the invitation, check the Spam or Junk folders in your email account or log into your USAJOBS account and click the "Track this application" button to check for copies of any email communications which may have been blocked or identified as spam by your email services provider.
Failure to comply with this deadline will result in your application being closed. If closed, you will need to reapply to a future job announcement.
We encourage you to apply online. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact HC-ServeU@tsa.dhs.gov .
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.
If you are entering TSA employment on an appointment without time limitations, you must serve a basic trial period unless you have already met the requirement.
Veterans and Persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the documentation that is required, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Additional information from the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section:
The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Please Note: Candidates eligible for the CHAB will be required to travel at their own expense to the test location.
The results for candidates who pass the CHAB are good for two (2) years from the date the test was taken. Conversely, results for candidates who fail will be applied to all active applications for a period of one (1) year from the date of the test. Candidates that do not attend their scheduled appointment within the 14-day limit will be found ineligible when applying for other TSS-EDCH positions for one (1) year.
SO - Security Ops
6595 Springfield Center Dr
Springfield, VA 22150
US
Next steps
The questionnaire in conjunction with your resume will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum experience requirements for the position. If so, then the CHAB results will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We will notify you of the outcome of these steps when they have been completed.
If your CHAB score places you within the threshold of Best Qualified, you will be referred for selection as vacancies become available at the location for which you requested consideration. You will remain eligible to be referred until you are selected and accept a Tentative Job Offer (TJO), or withdraw your application. Once a qualified candidate has accepted a Tentative Job Offer from an airport, they will no longer be referred to any additional airports until the candidate updates their preferred duty location list as part of a future semi-annual nation-wide JOA application process. Conversely, candidates who decline a TJO at a particular airport will not be referred to that airport again in the future unless they indicate that airport is a preferred duty station during another semi-annual announcement.
Qualified applicants with passing CHAB scores will remain in the TSS-EDCH ready pool and be available for selection at each of their preferred duty stations until the next nation-wide JOA is posted that immediately follows the two-year anniversary date of their CHAB results. Candidates whose results expired as of the opening date of this semi-annual nation-wide announcement will need to reapply. In the event a candidate wishes to update their duty station preferences while they reside in the ready pool, they may do so while the semi-annual nation-wide JOA is open on USAJOBS.
The candidates with the highest self-assessment scores will be invited and required to take the Canine Handler Assessment Battery (CHAB),which is a computer based test, soon after the closing date of this announcement. The CHAB must be scheduled and completed within fourteen (14) calendar days of the invitation being sent in order to remain under consideration for the position. The score obtained on the CHAB will account for 100% of the overall score used to determine those who are best qualified for consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
In addition to a resume and the assessment questions, you must submit copies of any of the following documents if you are applying based on current or former Federal Government Status, Veterans' Preference or eligible Veterans' Service (a veteran who was honorably discharged from the armed forces after completing at least three (3) years of continuous active duty service), or education or a combination of education and experience:
DD-214 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference or eligible Veterans' Service, provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4), Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other appropriate documentation to prove your entitlement and to provide verification of an Honorable Discharge.
SF-15 and VA Letter - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based upon a Compensable Disability, Widow or Spouse Entitlement, or as a Purple Heart recipient, you must submit your DD-214 or other proof of entitlement; an SF-15, and the required proof of disability, i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later.
Individuals with Disabilities (IWD) Letter - In order to be eligible for employment through TSA's Individuals With Disabilities Appointing Authority, documentation of the disability is required. Such documentation is used lo verify that the individual being hired is indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. This documentation must be provided with your application before an individual can be hired. Documentation of eligibility for employment under this hiring authority can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
Transcripts - If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed under the Qualifications and Evaluations section, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s) with your application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
If you do not submit required documentation described in this job opportunity announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified that your application was received. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are found eligible for the position you will receive an invitation from usastaffingoffice@opm.gov to schedule a proctored assessment at a test center near you. You must schedule and complete this assessment at a TSA Testing Center within 14 days upon receiving the invitation. If you have trouble locating the invitation, check the Spam or Junk folders in your email account or log into your USAJOBS account and click the "Track this application" button to check for copies of any email communications which may have been blocked or identified as spam by your email services provider.
Failure to comply with this deadline will result in your application being closed. If closed, you will need to reapply to a future job announcement.
We encourage you to apply online. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact HC-ServeU@tsa.dhs.gov .
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.
If you are entering TSA employment on an appointment without time limitations, you must serve a basic trial period unless you have already met the requirement.
Veterans and Persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the documentation that is required, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Additional information from the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section:
The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Please Note: Candidates eligible for the CHAB will be required to travel at their own expense to the test location.
The results for candidates who pass the CHAB are good for two (2) years from the date the test was taken. Conversely, results for candidates who fail will be applied to all active applications for a period of one (1) year from the date of the test. Candidates that do not attend their scheduled appointment within the 14-day limit will be found ineligible when applying for other TSS-EDCH positions for one (1) year.
SO - Security Ops
6595 Springfield Center Dr
Springfield, VA 22150
US
Next steps
The questionnaire in conjunction with your resume will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum experience requirements for the position. If so, then the CHAB results will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We will notify you of the outcome of these steps when they have been completed.
If your CHAB score places you within the threshold of Best Qualified, you will be referred for selection as vacancies become available at the location for which you requested consideration. You will remain eligible to be referred until you are selected and accept a Tentative Job Offer (TJO), or withdraw your application. Once a qualified candidate has accepted a Tentative Job Offer from an airport, they will no longer be referred to any additional airports until the candidate updates their preferred duty location list as part of a future semi-annual nation-wide JOA application process. Conversely, candidates who decline a TJO at a particular airport will not be referred to that airport again in the future unless they indicate that airport is a preferred duty station during another semi-annual announcement.
Qualified applicants with passing CHAB scores will remain in the TSS-EDCH ready pool and be available for selection at each of their preferred duty stations until the next nation-wide JOA is posted that immediately follows the two-year anniversary date of their CHAB results. Candidates whose results expired as of the opening date of this semi-annual nation-wide announcement will need to reapply. In the event a candidate wishes to update their duty station preferences while they reside in the ready pool, they may do so while the semi-annual nation-wide JOA is open on USAJOBS.
The candidates with the highest self-assessment scores will be invited and required to take the Canine Handler Assessment Battery (CHAB),which is a computer based test, soon after the closing date of this announcement. The CHAB must be scheduled and completed within fourteen (14) calendar days of the invitation being sent in order to remain under consideration for the position. The score obtained on the CHAB will account for 100% of the overall score used to determine those who are best qualified for consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
