Transportation Program Specialist

Federal Transit Administration; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Transit Administration seeks a Transportation Program Specialist to lead program planning, grant development and oversight across the Regional Office. The role involves evaluating regional needs, staff/resource prioritization, and advising on policy and operations for grantees.

The ideal candidate will work independently, demonstrate leadership, and apply strong analytical and communication skills to transportation policy and program oversight.

Qualifications

• IOR requires knowledge of transportation functions or equivalent education.
• Specialized experience at the requested grade is required.
• Experience analyzing transportation programs and developing solutions.
• Proven ability to manage projects and coordinate with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation to headquarters in program evaluation, systems planning and data analysis.
• Review, analyze and develop FTA policies and procedures; participate in task forces.
• Advise grantees on operations, budgeting and planning challenges.
• Represent FTA in meetings with officials, operators, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in planning, grant development, project management and oversight activities.

Skills

Planning and Evaluating

Project Management

Problem Solving

Oral and Written Communication

Education

Major study in relevant fields

Job description

Summary

This position provides critical program planning, grant development and oversight functions which are the core functions of the Regional Office. The 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

This position is geographically located in a single FTA Regional Office but may be responsible for carrying out job responsibilities for multiple regions, as stated below:

As a Transportation Program Specialist, you will

• Provide consultation to headquarters in program evaluation, systems planning and data analysis, and provides 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. Uses 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.
• Participate in planning, grant development, project management and oversight activities.

The ideal candidate for this position is a professional who functions independently and demonstrates leadership in team environments. The ideal candidate also has strong analytical, strategic planning, and communication skills. Experience in the oversight and analysis of transportation policy, programs or procedures is desirable.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position.

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.
• 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: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications

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

Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): To qualify for this series, applicants' resume must show experience that demonstrated a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled OR have an Educational background that shows they meet the IOR for the series, as listed in the Education Section.

In addition to meeting the IOR requirement for this position, you must also meet the Specialized Experience at the Grade which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the Grade 11 on Experience

You must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09, it must include:

• Experience analyzing and evaluating transportation related programs, and
• Experience utilizing methods and techniques to conduct research studies or work on projects relating to transportation.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone

You must have 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the Grade 12

You must have at least one year of specialized 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, and
• 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 specialized 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, and
• Experience utilizing methods and techniques to conduct analytical studies and/or projects relating to transit safety-oriented programs, and
• Experience in managing projects/programs to implement strategies that advance transportation programs or policies.

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 the 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.

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.

Education

Major study -- 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.

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 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, visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation

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.

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. Learn more about federal 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.