Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Cargo Security Officer

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a diligent Cargo Security Officer to deliver frontline security for inbound, outbound and transshipment cargo. The Cargo Security Officer protects assets and people by enforcing access control, performing physical and technology‑enabled cargo screenings, maintaining chain of custody, documenting compliance with regulatory programs (TSA, IATA, ICAO, Customs) and coordinating incident response with operations, carriers and law enforcement. This role suits candidates with practical experience in freight screening, solid attention to detail, strong communication skills and a track record of working in fast‑paced logistics or airport environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Security Guard or Screening Officer (airport, freight facility)
Ramp Agent / Cargo Handler with security responsibilities
Law enforcement / military personnel transitioning to civilian logistics security

Advancement To:

Senior Cargo Security Officer / Lead Screener
Cargo Security Supervisor / Shift Lead
Security Compliance Specialist (TSA/IATA programs)
Aviation Security Manager / Security Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Cargo Operations Coordinator
Customs & Border Protection Liaison
Safety & Quality Assurance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct thorough screening of air and surface cargo, mail and consolidated freight using approved X‑ray systems, explosive trace detection (ETD) machines, handheld detectors and physical inspection methods to detect prohibited items and security threats prior to acceptance or loading.
Verify shipper and consignee documentation, bills of lading, air waybills and manifests against physical cargo to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with security and customs requirements.
Maintain and enforce chain of custody procedures for screened and screened‑in‑secure shipments, including application and inspection of tamper‑evident seals, security tags and documented transfer logs.
Perform security acceptance checks for screening exemptions, known shipper status and cargo acceptance criteria according to TSA, IATA and company policies and record determinations in the cargo management system.
Monitor CCTV, perimeter sensors and facility access control systems; perform regular patrols of cargo yards, warehouses and staging areas to detect and deter unauthorized access, theft, tampering or suspicious activity.
Operate and troubleshoot screening equipment (X‑ray, ETD, walk‑through and handheld detectors), escalate equipment faults to maintenance and document downtime or calibration events per SOPs.
Execute targeted physical inspections of shipments identified by risk assessments, random sampling programs or suspicious indicators; document inspection outcomes and retain photographic evidence as required.
Coordinate the secure handling, segregation and hold of suspect or prohibited shipments; immediately notify management, compliance teams and law enforcement where an immediate threat or regulatory violation is suspected.
Prepare and submit detailed incident reports, chain‑of‑custody forms and regulatory notifications for security breaches, alarm activations or discovered contraband; follow up on corrective actions and closure.
Facilitate screening and release of high‑value, hazardous or time‑sensitive cargo with appropriate safeguards, escorts and documentation controls to maintain safety without disrupting throughput.
Enforce facility access rules and escort non‑cleared personnel, contractors and vendors in cargo areas; verify identification credentials and access permissions at checkpoints.
Conduct daily pre‑shift and post‑shift security briefings, recordkeeping, log entries and handovers to maintain continuity of operations and incident awareness across shifts.
Execute randomized and intelligence‑led screening operations in coordination with risk management, airline partners and government agencies to address emergent threats or audits.
Support cargo acceptance teams by training and advising staff on packing, documentation and security labeling requirements to reduce screening failures and compliance exceptions.
Participate in scheduled and surprise security audits, TSA inspections and IATA/ICAO assessments; provide documentation, demonstrate procedures and implement corrective actions promptly.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of dangerous goods regulations (DGR), lithium battery guidance, and other transport restrictions that impact cargo screening and acceptance decisions.
Use handheld radios, manifest systems and warehouse management software to coordinate movements of screened cargo, track holds and ensure timely release while preserving security controls.
Implement and monitor tamper‑evident measures for unit load devices (ULDs), containers and palletized freight; inspect seals and report anomalies before loading or release.
Lead or assist in targeted K9 inspection operations and coordinate with K9 handlers when required for explosive detection or narcotics screening.
Provide clear, customer‑facing communication when cargo is held or rejected due to security concerns; advise customers on remedial actions, documentation corrections and re‑screening options.
Maintain personal certifications, training records and compliance documentation (e.g., security clearances, SIDA access) and support recertification or background vetting processes as required.
Support emergency response plans by participating in drills, evacuations and coordinated responses to security incidents, fire, chemical release or other hazards in cargo areas.
Execute post‑incident root cause analysis with operations and compliance teams, recommend process improvements and document lessons learned to reduce recurrence and increase screening effectiveness.
Track and report performance metrics such as screening throughput, hold rates, false positives and audit findings to supervisors and continuous improvement teams.

Secondary Functions

Assist in periodic review and update of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for cargo screening and access control to reflect regulatory changes and operational lessons learned.
Support internal and external compliance data requests, supply audit evidence and contribute to corrective action plans following inspections or non‑conformances.
Train new hires and temporary staff on basic cargo security practices, equipment operation safety and proper documentation procedures; help maintain competency checklists and training logs.
Participate in cross‑functional meetings with operations, safety, handling agents and carriers to align security controls with service level objectives and throughput requirements.
Help implement technology upgrades and pilot programs (automated screening, AI‑assisted X‑ray analytics) by providing operational feedback and user testing.
Maintain inventory and fault logs for screening consumables, ETD swabs, tamper seals and radios; request replenishment to avoid operational interruptions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient operation of cargo X‑ray systems, baggage/cargo screening machines and explosive trace detection (ETD) devices.
Strong knowledge of TSA cargo security regulations, IATA/ICAO air cargo security standards and local customs entry/exit procedures.
Chain of custody management, seal application/inspection and tamper‑evident control practices.
Experience with cargo management systems, WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), and electronic manifest platforms.
Ability to interpret air waybills, bills of lading, packing lists and dangerous goods documentation.
Proficient use of CCTV systems, access control panels and intrusion detection technologies.
Radio communication protocol and coordination skills for multi‑site cargo operations.
Incident reporting, documentation, evidence preservation and supporting regulatory investigations.
Familiarity with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) / dangerous goods rules and lithium battery handling guidance.
Knowledge of theft prevention, loss mitigation and chain‑of‑custody best practices for high‑value shipments.
Basic mechanical troubleshooting for screening equipment and ability to escalate technical issues effectively.
Competence in conducting security audits, compliance checks and corrective action tracking.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to inspections and recordkeeping.
Clear, professional communication with internal teams, carriers, regulators and customers.
Calm decision‑making under pressure and ability to prioritize safety and security in fast‑paced environments.
High personal integrity, accountability and ability to enforce rules diplomatically.
Team player who can mentor junior staff and collaborate across operations, safety and compliance.
Adaptability to changing regulations, schedules and surge demands (peak shipping periods).
Observational awareness and proactive risk‑identification mindset.
Conflict de‑escalation and customer service orientation when dealing with held or rejected shipments.
Reliable time management and punctuality to support shift rotations and handovers.
Continuous improvement focus and willingness to contribute to process optimization.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Valid security guard license or equivalent where required by jurisdiction.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma in criminal justice, aviation management, logistics, supply chain, or related field.
Certifications such as IATA Cargo Security, TSA Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) training, or recognized aviation security qualifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice / Security Management
Aviation Operations / Aviation Security
Logistics, Supply Chain or Transportation Management
Homeland Security or Emergency Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of security, screening, airport or cargo operations experience.

Preferred:

2+ years working in air cargo security, freight screening, or airport operations with demonstrated use of X‑ray/ETD equipment.
Prior exposure to TSA/IATA/ICAO regulatory environments, or experience in customs, law enforcement or military security roles.
Demonstrated track record of accurate documentation, incident reporting and working with cross‑functional teams.