Transportation Program Specialist

This position provides critical program planning, grant development, and oversight functions which are the core functions of the Regional Office. The role evaluates and manages program planning and oversight needs of the region, including recommending staff or contractor reviews and prioritizing resources to effectively manage assigned grantees.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation to headquarters in program evaluation, systems planning, and data analysis, and offer management assistance and policy guidance to grantees to ensure compliance with Federal laws.
• Participate in the review, analysis, development, and recommendation of FTA policies and serve on task forces to develop new policies or improve existing procedures.
• Advise grantees in developing creative solutions for operations, budgeting, and planning problems using specialized knowledge to resolve unique issues.
• Represent FTA through oral and written communications in meetings at Regional and Headquarters levels and in the field with state/local officials, transit operators, and public/private groups.
• Participate in planning, grant development, project management, and oversight activities.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen and meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Submit application and resume online by the closing date.

Conditions of Employment

• Serve a 1-year probationary period, during which employment may be terminated if it does not advance the public interest.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued for official business travel.
• A background security investigation is required; appointment is contingent on successful completion and favorable adjudication.
• Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications, you must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) and specialized experience requirements.

Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR):

• Resume must demonstrate knowledge of transportation functions or an educational background in related fields (e.g., accounting, business administration, economics, engineering, transportation).

Specialized Experience:

• GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, including:
  • Analyzing and evaluating transportation-related programs.
  • Utilizing methods and techniques to conduct research studies or projects related to transportation.
• Alternatively, qualify with 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (or a combination of education and experience).
• GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including:
  • Analyzing and evaluating transportation-related programs and developing innovative solutions.
  • Conducting analytical studies or projects related to transit safety-oriented programs.
• Cannot qualify on education alone; experience is required.
• GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, including:
  • Analyzing and evaluating transportation-related programs and developing innovative solutions.
  • Conducting analytical studies or projects related to transit safety-oriented programs.
  • Managing projects/programs to implement strategies advancing transportation programs or policies.
• Cannot qualify on education alone; experience is required.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and may count toward qualifying experience.

Skills

• Planning and Evaluating: Knowledge of methods for researching and analyzing external products to determine their potential for meeting organizational needs.
• Project Management: Knowledge of principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources.
• Problem Solving: Identifies problems, determines accuracy and relevance of information, and uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives.
• Oral and Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

Education

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

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 depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).