The Office of Inspector General (OIG), works within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote efficiency and effectiveness, and prevent or stop waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. We do this through audits and investigations. OIG also consults with Congress about programs in progress and proposed new laws and regulations. The Inspector General Act of 1978 gives the Office of Inspector General autonomy to do its work without interference. OIG carries out its mission by issuing audit reports, evaluations, management advisories, and other products with findings and recommendations to improve program delivery and performance.
This position is located in the economicsgroup in the Office of Audit Operations and Special Reviews, which both produces its own research reports and consults on economic issues arising in audits throughout the agency. The group’s work has encompassed a wide range of transportation-related topics, examples of which include: effects of the tarmac delay rule on airline cancellations, impacts of detention time on commercial motor vehicle operations, effects of competition on airline service quality, efficiency of air traffic control towers, causes of Amtrak train delays, high-speed rail forecasting methods, and review of toll road revenue forecasts. DOT-OIG economists are required to maintain their skills through continuing education courses and attending economics conferences. In addition, they have published and are encouraged to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals.
This position has been identified as a telework-eligible position.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATIONS.
PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 100 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AND WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON THE CLOSING DATE OR AT MIDNIGHT ON THE DAY WE RECEIVE THE 100TH APPLICATION, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
This position is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion procedures under announcement JA-2-2018-0005 open Government-wide. Current and former Federal employees may apply to both announcements, but should be sure to apply to the government-wide announcement to maximize opportunities for consideration since different referral criteria apply to each announcement type.
Summary
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), works within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote efficiency and effectiveness, and prevent or stop waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. We do this through audits and investigations. OIG also consults with Congress about programs in progress and proposed new laws and regulations. The Inspector General Act of 1978 gives the Office of Inspector General autonomy to do its work without interference. OIG carries out its mission by issuing audit reports, evaluations, management advisories, and other products with findings and recommendations to improve program delivery and performance.
This position is located in the economicsgroup in the Office of Audit Operations and Special Reviews, which both produces its own research reports and consults on economic issues arising in audits throughout the agency. The group’s work has encompassed a wide range of transportation-related topics, examples of which include: effects of the tarmac delay rule on airline cancellations, impacts of detention time on commercial motor vehicle operations, effects of competition on airline service quality, efficiency of air traffic control towers, causes of Amtrak train delays, high-speed rail forecasting methods, and review of toll road revenue forecasts. DOT-OIG economists are required to maintain their skills through continuing education courses and attending economics conferences. In addition, they have published and are encouraged to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals.
This position has been identified as a telework-eligible position.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATIONS.
PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 100 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AND WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON THE CLOSING DATE OR AT MIDNIGHT ON THE DAY WE RECEIVE THE 100TH APPLICATION, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
This position is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion procedures under announcement JA-2-2018-0005 open Government-wide. Current and former Federal employees may apply to both announcements, but should be sure to apply to the government-wide announcement to maximize opportunities for consideration since different referral criteria apply to each announcement type.
You will serve in the area of economic analysis with responsibility for conducting research and analysis of economic data; assisting in the preparation of interpretive reports, advising and consulting on economic matters for transportation and related programs and operations. Duties include but are not limited to:
Uses a expert knowledge of applied microeconomic literature in general, and industrial organization economics literature in particular, to identify current best economic research practices for each audit topic area on which he or she is called to consult or contribute. Expertly reviews relevant economics literature on the topic area for additional guidance. Applies and extends the research methods identified through this knowledge and review to address the topics at hand.
Conducts data analyses to research transportation economics issues. Develops, estimates, and tests microeconometric models to identify factors associated with or affecting transportation-related concerns. Ensures that the quality of his or her data analyses is sufficient to provide reliable evidence for audit findings.
Prepares work papers, drafts report sections, and develops presentations detailing the methodologies used and findings developed in each audit. Produces these written products and presentations in language comprehensible to a nontechnical audience.
Providing technical direction to staff on the use of tools of the economic profession such as econometric modeling, complex research projects, documenting analytical assumptions/methods, and reporting conclusions.
Oversees the construction of mathematical and econometric models intended to represent economic behavior, data gathering and econometric model estimation.
Provides technical expertise in writing technical reports, briefing papers, and testimony in support of the audit and investigations staff.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience.
Basic Requirements
A. Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting or calculus.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
AND
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Specialized Experience GS-12: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service.
Examples of specialized experience include: Research experience in microeconomics, to include reviewing a variety of economic literature such as industrial organization economics literature; applying various methods from researched literature; and applying microeconometric methods to the investigation of complex issues resulting in the production of at least one professional quality empirical economic research paper.
GS-13 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.
Examples of specialized experience include: Conducting microeconomics research and reviewing economic literature such as industrial organization economics literature; adapting various methods from researched literature; manipulation of large datasets; adapting advanced microeconometric methods to investigations of complex issues resulting in the production of several professional quality empirical economic research papers; advising/consulting on economic matters/operations; and presenting/addressing on economic issues.
GS-14 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service.
Examples of specialized experience include: Expertise in planning and conducting microeconomics research, in economic areas such as industrial organization economics; applying and extending advanced microeconometric methods to investigations of complex issues resulting in the production of several professional quality empirical economic research papers; advising, consulting and making recommendations on economic matters/operations; and expert writing of technical reports, briefing papers, and/or audit and investigation findings.
Education
Basic Requirements
A. Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting or calculus.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Evaluation of Experience
Examples of qualifying experience include:
Individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation;
Supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or
Teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.
Experience in related fields that did not involve the use and understanding of economic principles and theories may not be used as qualifying experience for these positions. Special attention on this point should be given to certain types of work that may or may not have provided professional economic experience. The following examples of work require special care in such determinations:
economic statistics;
industrial surveys;
management of individual business enterprises, including farms;
industrial planning;
writing or editorial work in economic subjects; and
financial market analysis.
Additional information
If you served on active duty in the U.S. Military and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veteran's preference. More information on veterans' is available in the VetGuide that may be found on the United States Office of Personnel Management website at www.opm.gov. Candidates will be asked to fill out a Declaration for Federal Employment (Optional Form 306). Individuals selected for positions will be required to certify that their application materials are accurate when they enter on duty. Except for disabled individuals, non-status candidates must be in the area of consideration. Competitive status is not required if applicant is a disabled individual who may be eligible for appointment under a special Schedule A appointing authority in the excepted service. Applicants who meet this provision may apply even if they are outside the area of consideration. Candidates eligible for reinstatement must submit an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, from their last appointment. All status candidates must submit a copy of their most recent SF-50, and/or a copy of the last SF-50 that indicates they have competitive status. (SF-50s should be faxed to 571-258-4052.) Any male applicant who was born after December 31, 1959, and who is subsequently selected for this position must certify that he is registered for the military selective service by the date he is to enter on duty. False certification may result in termination after appointment. Additional selections may be made within 90 days of the opening date of this announcement should vacancies occur. THIS AGENCY PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES. IF YOU NEED A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY PART OF THE APPLICATION AND HIRING PROCESS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE AGENCY. THE DECISION ON GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS WILL BE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. ALL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, UNION AFFILIATION OR NON-AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, NON-DISQUALIFYING PHYSICAL HANDICAP, OR ANY OTHER NON-MERIT REASON. THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL (OIG), U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. If selected for this position, you will be subject to favorable adjudication of an employment suitability determination. Relocation expenses will not be paid.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
BASIS FOR RATING: Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. Your answers to the Vacancy Specific Questions, your self-determined rating, narrative responses, resume and supporting documentation are reviewed. If your resume and supporting documents do not support your answers to the Vacancy Specific Questions, your final rating may be modified. Applicants meeting minimum qualification standards will be placed in one of three groups (bronze, silver or gold) based on their substantiated level of education, experience, and ability, as it relates to the job requirements.
To be placed in the Gold category, you must be highly proficient with an overall comprehensive level of knowledge, skills and abilities of the job based on a complete review of your application.
To be placed in the Silver category, you must be competent in the position with an overall accomplished level of knowledge, skills and abilities of the job.
To be placed in the Bronze category, you must have an overall basic level of knowledge, skills and abilities of the job.
The Category Rating Method does not add Veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligible(s) within each category.
Documented Preference eligible(s) who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.
The Human Resources Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating. Please ensure that your resume and application provide enough detail to support your answers to the Vacancy Specific Questions. To preview questions please click here.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Resume - Must include: 1) personal information; 2) education; 3) work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisors phone number, e-mail address for each work period listed, and whether we may contact for reference checks; and 5) other qualifications.
TRANSCRIPTS - You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
DD-214 and/or SF-15 - To receive consideration, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 12/04). The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors; meet the definition of best qualified (GOLD Category); and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).
NOTE: Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed above, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.
APPLICANTS MUST MEET QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the responses provided in the questionnaire are fully supported by your resume, that your resume is detailed and you have highlighted your most relevant experience for this position (to include starting and ending dates of employment for each position held), and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. If you fail to provide this information, it may result in you being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position.
If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.
If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, the Servicing Personnel Office listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Servicing Human Resources Office PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume - Must include: 1) personal information; 2) education; 3) work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisors phone number, e-mail address for each work period listed, and whether we may contact for reference checks; and 5) other qualifications.
TRANSCRIPTS - You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
DD-214 and/or SF-15 - To receive consideration, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 12/04). The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors; meet the definition of best qualified (GOLD Category); and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).
NOTE: Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed above, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.
APPLICANTS MUST MEET QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the responses provided in the questionnaire are fully supported by your resume, that your resume is detailed and you have highlighted your most relevant experience for this position (to include starting and ending dates of employment for each position held), and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. If you fail to provide this information, it may result in you being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position.
If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.
If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, the Servicing Personnel Office listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Servicing Human Resources Office PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
