Transportation Assistant

About the Role

This position involves initiating and managing the physical movement of goods, resolving logistics issues, and serving as a key point of contact for shipment status and in-transit problem resolution. The role includes handling emergency requisitions, expediting specialized cargo, and coordinating urgent shipments outside normal channels.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and manage the physical movement of goods.
• Investigate and resolve problems, including fixing computer rejects and correcting shipment records within systems.
• Conduct prepayment audits on carrier invoices and inspect carrier terminals to recover lost freight.
• Verify the Notice of Availability (NOA) for freight forwarders and process transportation funding for major end items.
• Respond to inquiries to provide shipment status updates and resolve in-transit issues.
• Handle emergency requisitions, expedite specialized cargo, and coordinate urgent shipments that cannot be moved through normal channels.
• Perform duties at the GS-6 grade level in a developmental capacity.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Appointment is subject to a favorable suitability or fitness determination; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
• Must comply with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as Non-Exempt.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Selectees must have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification documents for accessing federal facilities.
• Pre-employment physical is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Material Handling Equipment (MHE) license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain licenses and/or certifications required by installation, federal, state, and local laws.

Qualifications

To qualify for a Transportation Assistant, your resume and supporting documentation must demonstrate:

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Verifying documents, correcting shipment records, and conducting financial audits to prevent errors and recover costs.
  • Investigating complex issues, researching computer system rejects, auditing carrier invoices, and resolving in-transit problems.
  • Operating multiple computer systems and databases simultaneously to manage, track, and correct logistics data.
  • Communicating with customers, carriers, freight forwarders, and internal warehouse staff, both verbally and in writing.
  • Responding to emergency demands and urgent shipments and managing priorities.
• Education: Generally, education is not creditable above GS-5 for this position; however, graduate education may be credited if directly related to the work of the position.
• Experience: Includes paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations.

Physical Demands

• Work is generally sedentary but may require handling material up to 25 pounds; assistance or lifting devices will be used for heavier items.
• May require climbing ladders and working on safety pallets.
• During warehouse work, may involve long periods of standing, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, or reaching.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed in an office setting, but may require visits to warehouses, secure areas, or outdoor locations.
• May work in hazardous areas with chemicals, poisons, or low levels of radioactive material.
• May work in refrigerated areas (42-45 degrees) or small freezers (below 0 degrees).
• Required to wear appropriate safety clothing and equipment as determined by safety requirements and supervisor.

Benefits

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 designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and may include full-time, part-time, or intermittent status.