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 and oversee 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 and 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.
• Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position.

Conditions of Employment

• A 1-year probationary period is required, during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
• 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 for all selected individuals; appointment is subject to successful completion and favorable adjudication.
• Failure to meet these requirements may result in termination.

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 the transportation function(s) of the position or an educational background that meets the IOR for the series, as listed in the Education section.

Specialized Experience:

• GS-11: At least 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 relating to transportation.
• Qualification for GS-11 may also be met 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: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including:
  • Analyzing and evaluating transportation-related programs and developing innovative solutions for identified problems.
  • Conducting analytical studies and/or projects relating to transit safety-oriented programs.
• GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, including:
  • Analyzing and evaluating transportation-related programs and developing innovative solutions for identified problems.
  • Conducting analytical studies and/or projects relating to transit safety-oriented programs.
  • Managing projects/programs to implement strategies that advance transportation programs or policies.

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 other fields related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

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

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 you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.