Program Manager (Division Administrator) (Direct Hire)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in Florida seeks a Division Administrator to lead a broad transportation safety program addressing motor carrier issues and fatalities reduction. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations, guide subordinate staff, manage budgets and personnel actions, and ensure compliance with Equal Opportunity and related programs.

The ideal candidate provides senior‑level leadership, strong communication, and conflict‑resolution skills to safeguard U.S. highways.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience in motor carrier programs, enforcement, and regulations.
• Experience leading a diverse workforce and developing performance plans.
• Ability to communicate decisions and issues clearly in writing and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a broad transportation safety program for motor carrier issues in the state.
• Direct day‑to‑day operations and supervise program offices and staff.
• Oversee budgets, travel, and administrative support; manage personnel actions and performance evaluations.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Accountability

Partnering

Employee Development

Leadership

Job description

Summary

The positions are in FMCSA's Division offices. As the Division Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Division office, the candidate provides leadership in developing and administering a multifaceted transportation safety program through a multilevel staff and represents the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in dealings with Federal and State government and with local business officials on transportation safety and commercial transportation issues.

Duties

As a Supervisory Program Manager (Division Administrator), you will: develop and implement a broad transportation safety program in the State focusing on motor carrier issues in order to achieve a measured reduction in fatalities. Assure effective management of the Division's day‑to‑day operations and directs the implementation of program actions to resolve problems or controversial issues which impede the accomplishment of program objectives. Provide direction and guidance, through subordinate supervisors, to assigned Program offices and performs the full range of supervisory functions for those positions directly supervised, including initiating personnel actions; develops performance standards; evaluate performance; address grievances, and initiate disciplinary measures; promote acceptance and adherence to provisions of such programs as Equal Opportunity, Federal Women’s, and other similar special emphasis programs; ensure adherence to procedures covering budget, travel, and similar administrative support programs; and ensure that subordinate supervisors have sufficient personnel management authority to effectively supervise their subordinates. Have programmatic oversight and reimbursement approval for all funding managed by the Division under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), including Innovative Technology Deployment and CMV Safety High Priority grants, and the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation grants. Influence, motivate, or persuade persons or groups to accept the policy positions of FMCSA and take action necessary to achieve established and fundamental goals and objectives to safeguard the U. S. highways and roads. Contacts may be skeptical or uncooperative so that highly developed communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, leadership, and similar skills must be used to obtain desired results. The ideal candidate for this position is a senior-regional level professional, who takes pride in managing and overseeing the enhancement of program success and operations efficiency.

Requirements

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. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor‑issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. SUPERVISORY PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed). BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. 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.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS‑14, it must include: experience with motor carrier programs with emphasis on motor carrier enforcement and applicable regulations. Experience leading a diverse workforce including creating a culture that fosters high standards; developing strategies to maximize employee potential; developing performance plans and monitoring performance; resolving conflicts, fostering workforce diversity, and recognizing staff contributions. Experience communicating through presentations and in writing to convey decisions and issues in a cogent manner. 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: Interpersonal Skills (*) – shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences. Accountability – holds self and others accountable for measurable high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules. Partnering – develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals. Employee Development – knowledge of employee development concepts, principles, and practices related to planning, evaluating, and administering training, organizational development, and career development initiatives. Leadership – influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. 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. All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional Information

• 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R
• 920.201 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 [e-mail]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation

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. Code.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is focused on what matters most: prioritizing the safety of our transportation systems, modernizing our aging infrastructure, unleashing American innovation, and maximizing efficiency by removing bureaucratic red tape. We are looking for mission‑driven professionals ready to deliver real results with discipline, urgency, and accountability to support American families, workers, and businesses. As we usher in a Golden Age of Transportation, DOT values a results‑oriented, high‑performing workforce dedicated to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and a safe, collaborative environment. If you want to build big, beautiful infrastructure, scale transformative technologies, and achieve results that will serve our nation for generations to come, please consider joining the DOT family. Did You Know? The Department of Transportation is consistently ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government!