Despite shutdown, Transportation Security Administration is hiring at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will hold an event this weekend in Bloomington to hire more airport security officers in time for the busy spring break and summer travel season.

The event is being held at 8 a.m. Saturday despite a partial government shutdown that has resulted in thousands of airport security screeners working without pay.

Cliff Van Leuven, TSA's federal security director for Minnesota, said the shutdown won't last forever, and the jobs feature a strong package for pay and benefits.

"I guess the strongest pitch is it's an opportunity to give back," he said. "President George H.W. Bush was quoted that no life could be considered complete if that life doesn't include public service."

TSA is looking for full- and part-time security officers to work at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Hourly pay ranges start from $18.38 to $25.55 an hour, depending on the shift. TSA also offers health care, free transit benefits and a 401(k) retirement plan match.

Those interested should be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and "enjoy working with and helping people," TSA said. Applicants should bring two forms of valid state or federal identification to the hiring event.

Once applicants receive an overview from TSA officials, they may be interviewed at the event, where they can also take a computer-based aptitude test and schedule a drug test and medical exam.

The event is being held at TSA's offices, 2001 Killebrew Drive, Suite 400, in Bloomington.

Janet Moore • 612-673-7752

Twitter: @MooreStrib