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Transportation Program Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This is a public notice for FTA authorized Transportation Program Specialist (2101) positions open to U.S. Citizens. Positions may be announced for GS-11-13 to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2021.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/03/2024 to 12/09/2024
This job will close when we have received 75 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$81,963 to - $151,870 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Cambridge, MA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—This position may be eligible for occasional and/or regularly scheduled telework. The number of telework days approved will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position.
Travel Required
25% or less - Some travel may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation expenses have been authorized for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes - The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
FTA.R1-2025-0004
Control number
821911800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy. Due to the potential of a high volume of applicants, not all applicants may receive consideration.

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Duties

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As a Transportation Program Specialist, you will:

  • Provide consultation to headquarters in program evaluation, systems planning and data analysis, and provides management assistance and policy guidance to grantees to ensure they comply with Federal laws.
  • Participate in the review, analysis, development and recommendation of FTA policies and Serves on task forces as necessary to develop new policies and procedures where needed or to improve existing procedures when changes occur.
  • Advise grantees in developing creative solutions for operations, budgeting and planning problems. Uses judgment and specialized knowledge to detect and subsequently resolve unique problems by developing the appropriate regional office response.
  • Represent FTA through oral and written communications in meetings at Regional and Headquarters levels and in the field with state and local officials, representatives of private and publicly owned operators, and various public and private groups concerned with transit matters.

The ideal candidate is a professional who functions independently and demonstrates leadership in team environments. The ideal candidate also has strong analytical, strategic planning, and communication skills. Experience in the oversight and analysis of transportation policy, programs or procedures is desirable.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT:  Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You will be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
  • FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.

Qualifications

For the 2101 series, specialized experience that demonstrated a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled is required.

To determine which grade(s) you may be eligible for, review the following grade specific details.  You will be asked a few questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet this experience in your resume or you may be deemed ineligible.  

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

  • Experience with transportation processes, programs and/or projects; OR related experience that aids in the understanding and application of transportation processes, programs, and projects.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:

  • 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

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

To qualify for the GS-12, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11  grade level. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

  • Experience analyzing and evaluating transportation related programs and developing innovative solutions.
  • Experience researching, interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies or procedures in order to aid in transportation programs

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

  • Experience analyzing and evaluating transportation related programs and developing innovative solutions and strategies for solving problems identified in such analyses.
  • Experience researching, interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies or procedures in order to aid in transportation programs.
  • Experience in managing projects/programs to implement strategies that advance transportation programs or policies.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience.

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. Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  2. Project Management - Project Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.
  3. Problem Solving- Project Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.
  4. Oral and Written Communication- Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.


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

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.

Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position.

Additional information

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation 

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager.

How you will be evaluated

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

Applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants will not be rated or ranked.  Veteran’s Preference does NOT apply.

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.  WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.  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 ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. 


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