Search begins for airport security directors

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Department of Transportation has hired a major executive search firm to help it begin hiring security directors for the nation's airports.

Korn/Ferry International has been contracted to recruit candidates for federal security directors at 81 major airports. Senior DOT officials say they expect to have more than a handful hired by February.

By the end of the year, the new Transportation Security Agency is mandated to hire federal security directors for all 429 airports in the country and tens of thousands of baggage screeners, air marshals and other security personnel as it takes over direct responsibility for securing the nation's airports.

Federal security directors will be responsible for leading security operations at their airports, including passenger and baggage and cargo screening, as well as protection of aircraft and secured airport areas, according the Department of Transportation.

DOT officials also said that the directors will have the leeway to tailor the government's overall mission of security to the specific needs of each airport, and will have a say in the baggage screening hiring process at their airports.

"Airport federal security directors will be the front-line leaders of the Transportation Security Administration and key to rebuilding the confidence and comfort of the traveling public," said Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.

A web site has been established for information about the federal service director positions and applications at www.dot-tsa.com.