CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As more people begin to fly again, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is struggling to keep up with the high demand.
The agency held a recruiting Friday to assist individuals interested in applying for a job as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
"We've experienced a record number of passengers," said Joe Padilla, the Federal Security Director at Transportation Security Administration.
According to the TSA, they screened nearly 2.2 million passengers nationwide on Sunday, the most since the pandemic began. At the same time, Charlotte Douglas Airport is short on several TSA positions.
"The Charlotte Douglas International Airport has recovered at an unprecedented rate post COVID, we're trying to keep pace with the demand and flights," Padilla said.
The TSA is currently looking to hire around 80-100 agents for Charlotte Douglas Airport.
Padilla is hopeful they will hit their hiring target at the Hilton Charlotte Airport. Dozens of people were seen applying for the job, Friday. Part of the recruitment is a $1,000 incentive for new hires.
"You can come in, apply, get the testing done, and be able to interview all in one day," attendee Fashawna Peoples said.
Peoples needs another job and wants to work in security again, especially as there have been rising reports of unruly riders this year.
"I think a good idea to have the world to get back to what it used to be," Peoples said. "It's good to have security back at the numbers they were before the pandemic hit."
There will be another hiring event on July 17 from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Hilton Charlotte Airport, located along Coliseum Centre Drive.
Attendees will receive information about full- and part-time TSO positions and have the opportunity to complete multiple steps of the hiring process. The event includes a presentation about the TSO role, application assistance, computer-based testing, and in-person interviews for job seekers. Participants will be able to complete all or part of these processes which will significantly reduce the time required to get on board with TSA.
As part of the presentation sessions during the event, TSA will provide an overview of working for the federal government and discuss benefits, which include paid leave, health care plans for full- and part-time employees, 401k coverage, and more.
Starting pay at CLT is $16.72 per hour with opportunities for pay increases after six months. TSA is offering a sign-on bonus of up to $1,000 for both airports to eligible new hires – $500 after onboarding and an additional $500 after one year of service, with a service agreement. This initiative applies to TSO new hires that onboard through September 30, 2021. Positions are also available at Asheville Regional Airport, with pay starting at $16.51.
Participating in the information session and preliminary hiring process components can take between three and four hours, so TSA recommends arriving early in the day. Candidates are required to have two valid forms of state or federal identification.
TSA seeks those who want to take the initial step into a rewarding federal career and support TSA's critical mission of protecting our nation's transportation systems. For more information on the TSO position and to learn more about TSA careers, visit this link.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.