TSA Hiring at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is hiring Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to work at three airports in Hawaii including Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui; Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai; and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA).

There are currently full- and part-time positions available at all three airports. At KOA, there are 20 positions available with a starting hourly rate of $20.32.

As an incentive, TSA will pay newly-hired TSOs $500 upon starting with the agency and $500 after one year of service with TSA. To qualify for the recruitment incentive, the employee must come onboard with TSA between now and Sept. 30, 2021.

TSA will be hosting a recruitment event at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, located at 75-5660 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona, on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At the recruitment session, interested candidates will attend an information session to learn more about applying to become a TSO, take a computer-based test to evaluate aptitude and English language proficiency and participate in a structured interview session. The session and preliminary hiring process components can take between three and four hours. TSA recommends arriving early in the day. Candidates are required to have two valid forms of state or federal identification.

TSOs in Hawaii are federal employees. Benefits include paid training, annual and sick leave, health care plans for full- and part-time employees and a generous retirement plan. TSOs are eligible for up to $5,000 per year in college tuition reimbursement. TSA does not prorate benefits for part-time workers, and veteran’s preference is not required to join the agency.

After six months, TSOs are eligible for pay increases and those who work early mornings, evenings and Sundays receive a shift differential. Overtime opportunities, which are paid at time and a half, are frequently available. TSA is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

For more information on the duties, of a TSO and to learn a little more about TSA’s mission, a video titled “Day in the Life of a TSO” is available. To view open positions locally and to apply, visit https://jobs.tsa.gov/. In the “Search TSA jobs” box, enter “TSO” in the search box to the left and the city and state in the “location” search box to the right.