The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is the federal agency that is charged with the economic regulation of various modes of surface transportation, primarily freight rail. The agency has jurisdiction over railroad rate, practice, and service issues and rail restructuring transactions, including mergers, line sales, line construction, and line abandonments. To find out more about STB, please visit our webpage: Surface Transportation Board
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is the federal agency that is charged with the economic regulation of various modes of surface transportation, primarily freight rail. The agency has jurisdiction over railroad rate, practice, and service issues and rail restructuring transactions, including mergers, line sales, line construction, and line abandonments. To find out more about STB, please visit our webpage: Surface Transportation Board
This position serves as the Director of the Office of Economics (OE) of the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board). The individual provides overall management and leadership to ensure that OE operates effectively and efficiently in support of the Board's mission.
Key responsibilities of the Director of OE include:
Leads and oversees the development of highly complex economic, industry, financial, and transportation analyses to support Board adjudications, rulemakings, and policy decisions. This includes providing to the Chairman and the Board results-driven recommendations grounded in sound economic theory, accounting principles, analysis, and applicable laws.
Applies expert-level knowledge of economic theory, accounting, auditing, transportation costing, financial analysis, data governance, and data visualization as they relate to the economic regulation of surface transportation industries, particularly the rail industry.
Maintains a comprehensive understanding of industry structure, practices, and management organization, as well as the role of the sector within the national and global economy.
Develops, conducts, reviews, and directs complex analytical studies addressing economic regulation, industry performance, and transportation policy issues.
Oversees the evaluation of the economic impacts of proposed policies and regulations, providing expert analysis and strategic policy guidance. Ensures that policy recommendations and Board decisions are supported by rigorous, well-documented economic research, reliable data, and defensible analytical methodologies.
Manages the full lifecycle of economic data collected by OE, including the development and application of advanced analytics and visualization tools. Establishes and enforces data governance standards, including protocols for confidentiality, data integrity, and appropriate use.
Your application, resume, and all required documents must be submitted online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
This position requires a financial disclosure report (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment to the SES.
Direct Deposit of pay is required.
E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. The STB is an E-Verify Participant.
Completion of a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) is required to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt (Register: Selective Service System).
SECURITY CLEARANCE: You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance before entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
You may be subject to a 1-year SES probationary period (unless already completed).
These three documents contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-BASED. All resumes have a 2-page limit; resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed beyond page 2. Exceeding this limit could result in disqualification if the information needed to qualify is not found in the first 2 pages.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and the Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ). Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you will not receive consideration for the position.
Basic Education Requirement: To meet the basic education requirement for this position, you must (1) possess a degree in economics that includes at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus -OR- (2) possess a combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in option 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. To document that you meet the requirement, a legible copy of your college transcript must be submitted to prove that you meet the basic educational requirements. If you do not submit proper documentation, your application will be deemed incomplete.
Minimum Qualifications: As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, you must clearly articulate and describe within your resume evidence of progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional experience, which involves management of a program or organization of significant scope and complexity. Your resume must provide information regarding your professional experience and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of this position and meet the MTQ and ECQs listed below. A separate narrative statement will not be accepted.
The following outlines the MTQ and the ECQs required for this position. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ, you may not receive further consideration for the position. Additional information about the SES and Executive Core Qualifications can be found on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) SES Website.
MTQ: Knowledge of economic theory, financial analysis, data governance and visualization, and accounting practices and procedures, especially as applied to the economic regulation of the surface transportation industry or another regulated industry.
Please use this link to obtain the definitions and competencies of the 5 ECQs that must be addressed in your resume.
ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence ECQ 4 - Leading People ECQ 5 - Achieving Results
Education
Please Note: You must possess one of the following education requirements to meet the MTQ for the Economist series. These requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
These educational requirements will be verified via the unofficial transcripts submitted with your application, as referenced in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. To meet the basic education requirement for this position, you must (1) possess a degree in economics that includes at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus -OR- (2) possess a combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in option 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. To document that you meet the requirement, a legible copy of your college transcript must be submitted to prove that you meet the basic educational requirements. If you do not submit proper documentation, your application will be deemed incomplete
Additional information
Veteran's Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable as it relates to the Senior Executive Service.
For your awareness, information related to performance, suitability, and security will be verified. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to a fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Our benefits package includes:
Annual Leave (paid vacation), Sick Leave, and Holidays -You will earn 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year. In addition, the Federal Government observes 11 regular paid holidays each year.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - You may participate in a retirement savings investment plan that offers before-tax savings and tax-deferred investment earnings. For more details, please visit the TSP Website
Transit Benefits - We subsidize up to $340 for mass transit commuting costs each month.
Employee Assistance - Employees and their immediate families can take advantage of free confidential counseling with health professionals as part of the Federal Employees Assistance Program.
For additional information on benefits offered to most Federal Employees, click here
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A panel of SES members will evaluate your two-page resume and determine the degree to which you possess each of the listed qualifications. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews. Qualifications will be evaluated based on how clearly and concisely you emphasize your level of responsibility, the scope and complexity of your programs and services managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken, level of contacts, the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed, and the results of your actions taken.
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.
Our benefits package includes:
Annual Leave (paid vacation), Sick Leave, and Holidays -You will earn 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year. In addition, the Federal Government observes 11 regular paid holidays each year.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - You may participate in a retirement savings investment plan that offers before-tax savings and tax-deferred investment earnings. For more details, please visit the TSP Website
Transit Benefits - We subsidize up to $340 for mass transit commuting costs each month.
Employee Assistance - Employees and their immediate families can take advantage of free confidential counseling with health professionals as part of the Federal Employees Assistance Program.
For additional information on benefits offered to most Federal Employees, click here
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants:
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 double-sided page or 2 one-sided pages each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking an initial career appointment to the SES must include evidence of the ECQs and MTQ. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. TRANSCRIPT: To meet the MTQ, transcripts supporting completion of the educational requirements are required. Therefore, a legible copy of your college transcript MUST be submitted to show you meet this educational requirement. If you do not submit proper documentation, your application will be deemed incomplete.
3. VACANCY QUESTION RESPONSES: Responses required, and they are automatically submitted preloaded through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
4.ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting that you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
Already SES Certified? If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have completed a SES Candidate Development Program (SES CDP) approved by OPM, you only need to submit a two-page resume and a personnel action showing you have held a career SES position. SES CDP graduates must submit a copy of their CDP program certification with their package.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
Complete the online application and verify that the required documentation is included prior to submission. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that the information entered and uploaded (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
The following links will assist you with navigating USAJOBS:
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail.
Note: We recommend that you do not use a .gov, .mil, or .edu email address. Please use a personal (non-government) email address when you create your login.gov account. Do not use an email address that you share with someone else.
Surface Transportation Board
395 E Street SW
Washington, DC 20423
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the SES reviewing panel for further consideration and possible interview. All applicants will be notified of their status by email throughout the process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants:
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 double-sided page or 2 one-sided pages each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking an initial career appointment to the SES must include evidence of the ECQs and MTQ. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. TRANSCRIPT: To meet the MTQ, transcripts supporting completion of the educational requirements are required. Therefore, a legible copy of your college transcript MUST be submitted to show you meet this educational requirement. If you do not submit proper documentation, your application will be deemed incomplete.
3. VACANCY QUESTION RESPONSES: Responses required, and they are automatically submitted preloaded through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
4.ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting that you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
Already SES Certified? If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have completed a SES Candidate Development Program (SES CDP) approved by OPM, you only need to submit a two-page resume and a personnel action showing you have held a career SES position. SES CDP graduates must submit a copy of their CDP program certification with their package.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
Complete the online application and verify that the required documentation is included prior to submission. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that the information entered and uploaded (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
The following links will assist you with navigating USAJOBS:
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail.
Note: We recommend that you do not use a .gov, .mil, or .edu email address. Please use a personal (non-government) email address when you create your login.gov account. Do not use an email address that you share with someone else.
Surface Transportation Board
395 E Street SW
Washington, DC 20423
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the SES reviewing panel for further consideration and possible interview. All applicants will be notified of their status by email throughout the process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
