Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Summary This supervisory position is with the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety (National Center) in the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).  In this key role, you will oversee the National Center’s business operations, project management, and staff supervision, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with organizational goals. Learn more about this agency Duties As the Supervisory Transportation Specialist, your duties will include, but not be limited to, the following: Lead and coordinate programs that strengthen Federal expertise in LNG facility operations, management, and safety practices; implement initiatives that provide Federal and industry stakeholders with a central repository of resources and guidance on operational best practices; and foster collaboration across government agencies, industry partners, and public stakeholders to promote safe practices, innovative solutions, and effective regulatory activities advancing LNG safety and operational excellence nationwide. Supervise 4-6 staff (GS-9 or higher). Develops performance standards, assigns work, evaluate performance, resolve informal complaints, and recommend staffing actions (appointments/promotions/reassignments/details). Lead the National Center’s business operations and project management. Develop project plans, manage budgets and resource allocations, establish standard operating procedures, and implement process improvements to improve efficiency and outcomes. Lead multi-agency, cross-functional initiatives. Coordinate teams, set program priorities aligned with the Director, and provide implementation support of activities consistent with program objectives and within established timelines. Provide senior strategic advice on LNG operations and safety. Review documentation and proposals to advise agency leadership, stakeholders, and partners on federal LNG safety programs and policy decisions. Serve as principal liaison and communications lead. Maintain networks across OPS, PHMSA, federal/state regulators, industry, and public stakeholders. Prepare reports, briefings, and correspondence materials to support program execution. The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced manager and team leader who has developed and executed national programs that produced measurable successes and improvements. As the Supervisory Transportation Specialist for the National Center, you will supervise professional staff, lead business operations and project management, and coordinate multi‑agency initiatives to advance program priorities.  You will possess strong skills to resolve sensitive, controversial and complex topics, while assessing, identifying, and recommending solutions that balance Agency requirements with stakeholder needs. This role requires strong decision-making in advising senior leadership, excellent oral and written communication skills, proven ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders, and a mission driven, collaborative team player. Requirements 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 may 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). 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). Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience in operations, construction, and/or safety oversight of industrial energy infrastructure, including but not limited to LNG facilities, petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, and power/nuclear facilities, Experience in program and project management techniques to optimize business operations and analyze an organization’s processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Experience serving as a supervisor, such as developing performance standards; resolving informal complaints or grievances; making recommendations on personnel actions (e.g., promotions, reassignments, details, etc.); and affecting disciplinary and adverse actions. Experience developing and managing project plans, budgets, resource allocations, schedules, audits, performance, and implementation/communication plans. 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 - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Project Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance. Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. Managing Human Resources - Plans, distributes, coordinates, and monitors work assignments of others; evaluates work performance and provides feedback to others on their performance; ensures that staff are appropriately selected, utilized, and developed, and that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. 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/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. 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. 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, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Expand Hide  additional information 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. Benefits 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.