Department of Homeland Security Employer Reviews

Observed the screening of both passengers and luggage, prior to boarding. Conducted training and daily briefings for screeners.

I learned about what types of things can be used to make an improvised explosive device (IED), and how to look for them on an x-ray. I learned how to search for parts of guns, knives, and other weapons concealed in luggage and on persons. The proper way to pat down a passenger without causing them undue stress. What items TSA considered prohibited items – more... on aircrafts. How to deal with unruly passengers. When to call in Port authorities, and management. When to praise and when to discipline the screening officers. The most enjoyable part of the job was when a screening officer discovered a dangerous prohibited item in a bag on the x-ray and the passenger forgot they had it or left it there. Or even better if it was drugs they were trying to smuggle through. – less

Life as a security officer for the Department of Homeland Security is no easy task. A typical day at work for me is mostly patting people down and going through passengers carry on luggage while politely informing them that I must confiscate some of their belongings. I have learned to diffuse uneasy situations dealing with the traveling public. I am – more... a people person and I have learned to give excellent customer service to even the angriest passengers. Management at my job is always running around. The airport is not a calm environment. People are always complaining or worried about something so my managers have to make sure everything is okay with them. Some co-workers can be difficult to get along with because they just plain out hate their job but I have learned to ignore them and always stay positive. For the rest of my co-workers, they are an amazing group of people. One would be surprised to know that TSA actually has a bright, empathetic, and courageous staff. The hardest part of my job is not taking it home with me. For some reason I cannot get away from my job. Whether it is in the newspaper, news or even in my dreams, I am always thinking about work. I enjoy helping people. It makes me smile to know that I was able to help someone in need. – less

Working for DHS is a pleasure you really get a first hand look at how we are attempting to protect the US.

Great pay long hours. Excellent opportunity to advance and learn new technologies.

Impossible work schedules are common, over-trained, poor management, co-workers are interesting, hardest part is customer service, most enjoyable part is interacting with customers.

It is a bloated, overgrown, mismanaged government agency that is top heavy with management & has under skilled mid management with a GED mentality. The training is not adequate for moving from starting positions to upper management. Hours are sporadic & inconsistent, pay is extremely low & working conditions are poor for those in the field. This would – more... be considered a “Last Chance” job only to keep from going onto welfare. . Most all positions are part-time only & not much of a chance for full time. – less

A typical day at work can be very stressful if you are not enjoying what your doing.I learned working for the govt can be in your favor or against it.The most enjoyable part of the job is interacting w/ diff minorities around the world

A typical day at DHS was always busy, but manageable. I enjoyed myself at this place of employment and would love to go back to this job. My management team was very supportive. The hardest part of the job was receiving calls of individuals who had lost everything in hurricane or flood disasters and listening to there stories. I learned how to look – more... at life in a different view and better understand different situations. – less

Performed reception duties while supporting the Logistics Department at FEMA. Designed and created a “Points of Distribution” book for the Department to present to the State of Rhode Island, Emergency Management Agency, utilizing desktop publishing skills. The publication was well received. Acquired a sense of accomplishment in satisfying management – more... requirements as well as a sense of camaraderie among peers in assisting people with devasting problems connected with Hurrican Sandy. – less

Risk-based strategy teams working with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to maintain public safety.

Very busy environment and coworkers and staff was helpful and supportive.

The first few days were all required training and getting organized to be able to manage current issues at hand. All co-workers worked together as a team. The hardest part of the job was dealing with so many families that lost members of their family and have nothing or no home. Estimating the amount of debris cause by disasters such as tornado’s, earth – more... quakes, and fires. Producing varies reports to help families get there lifts back together. The most enjoyable part of the job was giving the families a since of hope and putting a smile back on their face. – less

Keep your head on a swivel and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances.

If you put in the effort to learn, it is easy to advance. This company is very diverse when it comes to it's employees. Benefits are great for temporary employees. The hardest part is being given a 24 hour notice for travel and not knowing when you will be able to return home. There is lots of training and courses available to help expand your knowledge.

First line of defense for DoD providing a worthwhile work experience

Well open many doors and you can go in any direction that choose. Able to travel

Started with FEMA as part of the Kentucky Floods of 1997 Disaster. Was retained for my work and expertise to go to Raleigh, NC to be Graphics Chief and work on the NC Flood Plain Managers Guide. Also worked on the Hurricane Mitigation Summit held in Wilmington, NC that fall.

A typical day at work for me is screening thousands of passengers through to their flights and insuring their safety. I have learned to interact with people that offers different personalities. I have learned how to screen people using the different forms of technology available and by using behavior awareness. Although management receives allot of – more... pressure from the higher authorities they still make sure that the security checkpoints are ran appropriately. My co- workers are good people and they are team players. In my opinion there aren't any hard parts of the job but my most enjoyable part is seeing passengers happy and hearing them tell us that they love and appreciate the job that we do. – less

Things are only getting worse, I would advise you to work elsewhere unless you're desperate. The hours suck, some of your colleagues will try and ruin you (which also includes some in leadership positions). The changes made to policy seem to happen almost every other week.