Clarification from the agency

Opportunities under this Pathways vacancy are only open to eligible Recent Graduates who have graduated, within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. Veterans have up to six years from degree completion to apply if there was a military service obligation. For additional information please visit:https://highways.dot.gov/careers/professional-development-program-pdp This is not a Bargaining unit position

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FHWA's Professional Development Program (PDP) is an entry-level/new employee program designed to introduce participants to the technical, administrative, and program management aspects of civil rights programs in the agency. This recruitment places particular emphasis on the stewardship and oversight aspects of these programs.

The apprentice experience will occur in one of FHWA’s offices which has agreed to develop and provide on-the-job training to the participant through a structured set of learning experiences described in the participant’s developmental plan.

As a newly-hired recent graduate serving as an Equal Opportunity Specialist (Civil Rights) in the PDP, you will:

• Participate in a series of training modules which will include an agency orientation and the opportunity to develop professional skills, including communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Be expected to complete three major components including apprentice experience, developmental assignments, and a professional development academy.
• Assist in the implementation of a successful FHWA Civil Rights program, with the guidance, through effective project management, leadership, training, technical expertise and assistance, enforcement and outreach.
• Assist with technical assistance regarding regulatory requirements and official guidance pertaining to the FHWA Civil Rights program areas.
• Assist with oversight and direct operational management of the Federal-aid program using entry-level knowledge of risk management techniques which include stewardship and oversight indicators.
• Assist with oversight and management of the Federal-aid program that includes using risk management techniques which include stewardship and oversight indicators.
• Create and maintain effective partnership relationships with internal and external stakeholders with the assistance of the Civil Rights Program Manager, to include FHWA Division Office employees, State DOT’s Office of Civil Rights’ representatives and other State DOT’s personnel and transportation partners to facilitate effective program delivery, ensure that the Civil Rights Programs are integrated into the State DOT’s program and project delivery activities, and the activities align with FHWA Civil Rights approved program plans.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to address current and emerging transportation issues with the assistance of the Civil Rights Program Manager as they pertain to the core FHWA Civil Rights program areas i.e. ADA/504; Contractor Compliance/OJT; DBE; and Title VI/Nondiscrimination.

The ideal candidate for this position is an entry level equal opportunity specialist who has the ability to solve problems through fact- finding and has an interest in nondiscrimination programs/regulations.  The ideal candidate should have between 0 to 5 years of experience, be mobile and willing to travel to remote locations for extended periods of time and be able to work independently and in a team environment.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen and meet Pathways Recent Graduate requirements.
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• Review Required Documents Section as documents are required by closing date

DOT PATHWAYS RECENT GRADUATE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY - You must:

• have obtained a qualifying associates, bachelors, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years unless military service interfered with a veteran’s eligibility to apply during that two year time frame. Veterans meeting the above exclusion may apply within 2 years of discharge or 6 years from the date of receipt of the degree whichever comes first;
• provide required documentation to verify degree has been, or will be, completed prior to appointment; AND
• meet the basic qualification standards outlined under the Qualifications section for this series and grade level.

If selected, you: 

• must sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement;
• will serve on an excepted service appointment for at least a two year trial period; 
• will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations;
• must be provided at least 40 hours of interactive training, directly linked to your employment field, within 45 days of appointment;
• will be assigned a mentor within 90 days of appointment;
• will be evaluated for conversion to a term or permanent appointment in the competitive service at the end of two years.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be  registered for the Selective Service.
• DECLARATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT: Selectee is required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine suitability for federal employment.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• TRIAL PERIOD: The recent graduate is in a trial period throughout the entire Pathways Recent Graduate/FHWA PDP appointment.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the DOT Pathways Recent Graduate Program requirements AND the following experience and/or education qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

For the GS-07:

On Experience, you must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level, which included:

• Experience applying civil rights and equal employment opportunity principles, laws, and regulations to monitor and review program activities related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and The Age Discrimination Act of 1990.

Or on Education, you must have at least 1 year of graduate-level education (above a bachelor's) OR superior academic achievement* at the baccalaureate level.

• *Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. (In order to be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.)
  • 1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  • 2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

You can also have a combination of graduate education and experience.  This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

For the GS-09:

On Experience, you must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, which included:

• Experience analyzing and reviewing case documents and/or memoranda, writing well-researched decisions, and preparing comprehensive and documented reports of findings; AND
• Experience applying civil rights and equal employment opportunity principles, laws, and regulations to monitor and review program activities related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and The Age Discrimination Act of 1990.

Or on Education, you must have at least 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree.

You can also have a combination of graduate education and experience.  This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
2. Self-Management - Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
5. Computer Skills - Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of the closing date of this announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

PLEASE NOTE: This announcement establishes an open continuous (90 day) announcement. Review and referral of applications will be completed on an as needed basis with the initial review occurring on September 30, 2024.

Also note that approval to fill these positions will vary by location. It is possible that some locations listed will not receive approval to hire during the open period of this vacancy. There is no guarantee that applying under this vacancy will result in a referral.

When a location request is received, applicants that selected consideration for that location will be reviewed to determine if they meet (1) the DOT Pathways Recent Graduate Program requirements, then (2) the Individual Occupational Requirements for this series, and then (3) the grade specific qualifications (education and/or specialized experience requirements per requested grade). Applicants must meet all 3 outlined requirements.

All applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the DOT Pathways Recent Graduate Program requirements, then the education qualifications for this series, and finally if they meet the education and/or specialized experience requirements for the grade. 

All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume. If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.

PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination.

You will not be considered for the position if any part of the application or supporting documentation is incomplete.  Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or adverse action after hiring.

Ultimately, the Automated Staffing Office is responsible for determining an applicant's eligibility. All applications that are verified to meet all of the requirements will be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants will not be rated or ranked. Qualified Recent Graduates will be referred to the hiring manager in unranked order by veteran preference status:  (1) Preference eligible having a compensable, service-connected disability of 10 percent or more; (2) all other candidates eligible for 10-point veteran preference; (3) candidates eligible for 5-point veteran preference; and (4) candidates not eligible for veteran preference.