Summary
This position provides critical program planning, grant development and oversight functions which are the core functions of the Regional Office. This position is tasked with evaluating and managing the program planning and oversight needs of the region, including making recommendations concerning necessary staff or contractor-reviews, and prioritizing staff resources to effectively manage and oversee the assigned grantees.
Duties
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As a Transportation Program Specialist, you will:
This position is geographically located in a single Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Office but may be responsible for carrying out job responsibilities for multiple regions, as stated below:
- Provide consultation to headquarters in program evaluation, systems planning and data analysis, and provide 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. Use 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 for this position is a professional who functions independently and demonstrates leadership in a team environment. The candidate will have 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 and eligible for consideration.
- You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
- Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
- Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
- SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
- BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
- GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
- TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
- DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
- 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
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, it must include:
- Experience analyzing and evaluating transportation related programs and developing innovative solutions and strategies for solving problems identified in such analyses.
- Experience utilizing methods and techniques to conduct analytical studies and/or projects relating to transit safety-oriented programs.
To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:
- Experience analyzing and evaluating transportation related programs and developing innovative solutions and strategies for solving problems identified in such analyses.
- Experience utilizing methods and techniques to conduct analytical studies and/or projects relating to transit safety-oriented programs.
- Experience in managing projects/programs to implement strategies that advance transportation programs or policies.
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:
- 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 the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including costs, work, and contractor performance.
- Problem Solving - Identify problems; determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.
- Oral and Written Communication - Write 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/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
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. Code9202(c) and 5 C.F.R920.201 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
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply online, please notify the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the interview process, please notify the Office of Human Resources, Staffing and Classification Division, via email at FTAStaffing@dot.gov.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
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.
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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
