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: 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).
Education
Undergraduate and Graduate 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. (Check the Qualifications section for other ways to meet the IOR for this series)
How you will be evaluated
For this announcement, applications will be reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the basic qualifications for this position. The applications of individuals who meet the basic qualifications will be assessed to validate that the applicant possesses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at the level of proficiency needed to perform the job successfully. Applicants who are found to possess the necessary KSAs to perform the job may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. You may preview questions for this vacancy.