Federal air marshals work to provide U.S. air carriers, along with their passengers and crews, with heightened security against hostile acts. Individuals interested in pursuing federal air marshal jobs in Iowa will find a few major airports in need of the enhanced safety. These major airports include:
- Des Moines International Airport is a civil-military public airport, which receives over two million passengers a year and provides over 19 connections to major airport hubs. The airport also boasts state-of-the-art security scanners and imaging technology.
- Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids is a commercial airport that services regional jets by four major airlines. It reported a total passenger count of 1,042,291 in 2013, a 6.2% increase in traffic.
Meeting the Requirements for Employment with the Federal Air Marshal Service
Candidates who are interested in jobs with the Federal Air Marshal Service must either be between the ages of 21 and 36 or have prior federal civilian law enforcement experience. In addition, candidates must also possess the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university; OR
- 3 years of general experience that includes progressively responsible problem solving ability, planning and organizational skills, and effective communication; OR
- A combination of education and experience
Individuals who are selected for pre-employment screening will undergo several assessments, including:
- A battery test including writing, situational judgment, and logic-based reasoning
- A background check to obtain top-level security clearance
- Physical and psychological examination with drug and alcohol screening
- Panel interview
The Federal Air Marshal Service training involves 16 weeks of tactical training to prepare candidates for the intense requirements of the job.
Iowa Career Planning Assistance for Federal Air Marshals
The Iowa Department of Education supports the Federal Air Marshal Service by providing students and Iowa job seekers with career information.
The department offers a variety of career and education planning tools that introduces Iowa job seekers to information about how to become an air marshal as well as some of the benefits that a job with the Federal Air Marshal Service can provide. The benefits highlighted include:
- Solid starting salary and law enforcement availability pay
- High employment demand and job security