Senior Transportation Program Specialist

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for a GS-14, based on experience, you must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

• Experience in public transportation operations, FTA’s programs and policies, transportation planning, the Federal environmental review process, the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable Federal laws, and the administration of Federal grant programs.
• Experience with the principles and methods, including a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness.
• Demonstrated technical experience in any of the following area: program management, resource management, schedule and cost control, financial management information, and/or reporting systems activities and resources.

1. Management and administration of grants and agreements-Comprehensive knowledge of requirements, practices, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements. Demonstrates the ability to work with grantees and apply FTA guidance and SOPs to develop grants
2. Management of the Environmental Review Process-Ability to recognize environmental issues on transportation projects arising from the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act. Ability to propose strategies and mitigation to resolve issues. Coordinates discussion among opposing parties on complex or difficult issues. Identifies when to elevate and exercise dispute resolution options.
3. Problem Solving and Dispute Resolution Communication-Ability to recognize possible conflicts during transportation planning and project planning efforts and public meetings or hearings as well as during regulatory and policy development. Ability to propose strategies to resolve issues. Coordinates discussion among opposing parties on complex or difficult issues. Identifies when to elevate and exercise dispute resolution options.
4. Professional knowledge of the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning process-Advanced knowledge, research techniques, principles and practices of Statewide and Metropolitan transportation planning, transit systems, and project development.
5. Transportation Authorization and Appropriation Law, Regulations and policies-Comprehensive knowledge of research techniques and Federal transportation laws, regulations and policies. Ability to locate, read, and interpret requirements, and participate in drafting any such new requirements and guidance as may be required. Demonstrates the ability to communicate and present comprehensive knowledge to internal and external clients and customers.

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

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.

Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.