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.
Clarification from the agency
Open to All U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals. Federal Air Marshal's will be placed in a duty location that meets the needs of the agency. Duty location preferences will be considered, however, cannot be guaranteed.
Duties
An entry level Federal Air Marshal serves as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS). The Federal Air Marshals' primary function is to protect commercial passenger flights by deterring and countering the risk of terrorist activity, aircraft piracy, and other crimes to protect the nation's transportation infrastructure. Federal Air Marshals are equipped to operate independently in a highly stressful environment with little or no back-up available. Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Participates in multi-agency task forces involving other federal, state, and local agencies in support of an integrated Federal law enforcement and intelligence approach to proactively fight terrorism.
- Coordinates and administers law enforcement, investigative, analytical, or advisory activities to ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and other mandatory guidelines.
- Makes arrests without warrants for any offense against the United States committed in their presence, or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if there is probable cause to believe that a felony is being or has been committed.
- Seeks and executes warrants for arrest or seizure of evidence upon probable cause that a violation has been committed; and identifies and interviews witnesses and suspects.
- Presents information regarding law enforcement activities to the appropriate U.S. Attorney, as necessary. Such law enforcement activities may involve matters of extreme sensitivity with difficult planning and coordination problems because of jurisdictional concerns involving other nations, and federal, state, county, and local governments.
This position is a primary Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) position and is covered under the Special LEO Retirement Provisions. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is approved for this position to compensate for unscheduled duty in excess of a basic workweek. Federal Air Marshals must work or be available to work an average of two extra hours per non excludable work day. LEAP is not authorized until all initial training requirements are successfully completed and upon issue of the Federal Air Marshal badge and credential.
Conditions of Employment
- You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
- You must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
- Selective Service registration is required.
- AGE: Applicant must be at least 21 years old at the time of application. Prior to appointment, an applicant must not have reached his or her 37th birthday unless the applicant can provide proof of current or previous service in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position (after subtracting the year/months of prior Federal service worked in a primary law enforcement position, the applicant must be less than 37 years of age). This is a rigorous/primary law enforcement position. Applicants who reach age 37 at any time during the process up to entry on duty and did not provide proof of a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Federal civilian law enforcement retirement provisions, will be disqualified. (NOTE: Preference eligible veterans are permitted a waiver allowing for entry on duty prior to their 40th birthday).
- POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: Selectees must successfully complete and achieve favorable results on a law enforcement pre-employment polygraph examination. If applicants have previously taken a Department of Homeland Security-administered polygraph within the last two years, favorable or unfavorable results from that polygraph examination may apply to this announcement. Those who take the polygraph under this announcement will be required to travel at their own expense to the examination location. Polygraph examinations are typically conducted in Atlantic City, NJ and in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. (NOTE: This requirement also applies to any current TSA employee. An unfavorable polygraph examination may result in negative administrative actions, up to and including separation from federal service).
- PHYSICAL ABILITY: Federal Air Marshals engage in moderate to arduous physical exertion. As such, Federal Air Marshal selectees must successfully pass the medical screening process and physical requirements for law enforcement officers. Federal Air Marshals are required to engage the use of defensive tactics and physical control techniques.
- MEDICAL CLEARANCE: Selectees will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination and maintain medical standards.
See Qualifications section for additional Conditions of Employment.
Qualifications
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Applicants will not be eligible for consideration under this Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) for the following reasons:
- If you have failed a Pre-Hire Background Investigation from TSA Personnel Security within the two (2) years preceding the closing date of this JOA (04/30/2024).
- If you have failed the Federal Air Marshal Assessment Battery (FAB) within the twelve (12) months preceding the closing date of this JOA (04/30/2024).
- If you have failed the Panel Interview during the Field Office Assessment for the FAM position within the twelve (12) months preceding the closing date of this JOA (04/30/2024).
- If you are over the age of 37, or reach age 37 at anytime during the process, and did not provide proof of employment in a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Federal civilian law enforcement retirement provisions.
(NOTE: Preference eligible veterans are permitted a waiver allowing for entry on duty prior to their 40th birthday).
To qualify for the SV-G Pay Band (equivalent to GS-5/7/9), you must meet one of the qualification requirements (A, B, OR C) outlined below:
A. Experience: For those qualifying using experience, your application must clearly outline three years of progressively responsible general experience, one year of which was equivalent to at least the SV-F Pay Band or GS-4 in the Federal service or equivalent experience 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. 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.
Note: If you are attempting to qualify based on education, in whole or in part, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript(s) from an accredited college or university (for each school attended) to establish qualifications based upon education. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts may be required at a later date.
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.
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 for federal civilian positions (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. Additional Conditions of Employment:
- BACKGROUND and SECURITY CLEARANCE: This position is designated as "Critical Sensitive". Completion of a full field investigation is required. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security clearance.
- FIREARMS: Federal Air Marshals are required to carry a firearm and maintain firearms proficiency as part of conducting law enforcement activities. Federal Air Marshals may be required to use deadly force, if necessary.
- LAUTENBERG NOTICE: Title 18 USC, Section 922 (g) automatically disqualifies anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from being appointed to this position. Selectees must complete the Qualifications Declaration and Inquiry for Positions Requiring the Possession of Firearms or Ammunition Form prior to appointment, and annually thereafter.
- FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL TRAINING PROGRAM: Selectees must attend and successfully complete a rigorous, in-resident law enforcement training program that lasts for 22 consecutive weeks.
- HOURS OF DUTY AND TRAVEL: Federal Air Marshals are required to constantly travel while on duty. Federal Air Marshals are subject to 24-hour on-call duty. Shifts are often longer than eight hours, requiring irregular schedules based on the needs of the LE/FAMS. Flexible schedules are not available and employees must agree to perform the duties and duty tours as assigned. Federal Air Marshals travel at various times which routinely requires overnight stays in domestic and international locations that may be dangerous or present health hazards. Federal Air Marshals may be reassigned to different geographic locations throughout their tenure. Employees will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement as a condition of employment.
- TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS: Federal Air Marshals must be available for permanent or long-term temporary (e.g., 30-day, 90-day, and 120-day) assignments in any U.S. or international location in which the LE/FAMS operates.
- DRIVER'S LICENSE: Selectees must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license prior to appointment.
- OTHER DOCUMENTS: Selectees must be able to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport book, and a government-issued travel card.
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.
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 (0MB) 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.
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 ( https://eopf.opm.gov/eOPFToolkit/Documents/OF306.pdf) 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.
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.
Benefits
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.
Review our 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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show possession of the competencies required for this position. In your resume, please list all of your employment activities, beginning with the present and working back no more than 10 years, and include the beginning and ending dates for each. You should list all full-time and part-time work, paid and unpaid, and the number of hours worked per week for each. You should also list all consulting/contracting work, all military service duty locations, temporary military duty locations over 90 days, self employment, or other paid work, and all periods of unemployment. The entire period must be accounted for without breaks. EXCEPTION: Do not list employment that occurred prior to your 18th birthday.
Resume Builder Tip Sheet:
https://jobs.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/resources/resume_builder_tip_sheet.pdf
Application Tip Sheet:
https://jobs.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/resources/fams_application_tip_sheet.pdf
Initially, applicants will be evaluated through an online application process. Applicants will be asked a series of occupational assessment questions linked to the competencies determined necessary for successful job performance. These responses will then be used to rate (pass/fail) applicants relative to the requirements for this position. The most qualified candidates will be referred for further consideration through the remainder of the assessment process.
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.
- NOTE: The following steps in the hiring process may require the applicant to travel at his or her own expense.
Referred Applicants: Applicants will be required to pass the FAM Assessment Battery (FAB), which includes writing, logic-based reasoning, and situational judgment components. Additional information on the FAB computer-based assessment can be obtained by clicking on the following link: FAM Assessment Battery Preparation Manual.
Applicants who successfully pass the FAB will be required to complete a panel interview at a specified FAMS field office. Applicants who successfully pass the panel interview will then be required to complete a Physical Training Assessment (PTA), be interviewed by a field office executive, and have their fingerprints taken. Further information regarding the PTA can be found at the following link: FAM Pre-Training Guide.
The ability to adjust scheduling for the aforementioned steps is extremely limited.
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:
- Critical Thinking
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving
- Resilience
- Self Management
You may preview the questions for this vacancy here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12363716
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-50 Notification of Personnel Action - Current TSA employees are strongly encouraged to submit the most recent non-Award SF-50, at the time of application, to support eligibility for Status consideration. TSA employees who do not submit the SF-50 with the application must document their current TSA position in their resume and may be required to provide the SF-50 document during the selection process. TSA employees may obtain a copy of their most recent non-Award SF-50 at https://eopf.opm.gov/dhs/.
Law Enforcement SF-50 - Applicants age 37 or over, or those who will reach age 37 at any time during the process up to entry on duty must submit proof of a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Federal civilian law enforcement retirement provisions. (NOTE: Preference eligible veterans are permitted a waiver allowing for entry on duty prior to their 40th birthday). Current TSA employees are required to submit a Law Enforcement SF-50 to support eligibility regarding the age qualification.
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.
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:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
All of the following must be received in our office by 11:59 PM EST (Eastern Standard time) on the closing date of this announcement. If we do not receive all required information by the closing date, your application may not be considered.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. Your application must include:
- Resume
- Self-Assessment Questionnaire for this position
- Applicable supporting documents (see Required Documents Section)
To begin, click Apply to access the online application.
- You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
- It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
- Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
- 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 .
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.
Next steps
The questionnaire will 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.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
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