Transportation Specialist - DIRECT HIRE-SME

Summary This position is located in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs, Office of Legislative Affairs and Policy Communications and is a key member of the Legislative Analysis team. You will serve as an authority concerning the effects of congressional and executive branch proposals and activities on the Federal-aid highway program, and plays a key role in coordinating the Agency’s efforts to reauthorize and implement Federal highway laws. Learn more about this agency Duties The Transportation Specialist will: Advise agency leadership and program offices on a broad range of issues and policies associated with the Federal-aid highway program (FAHP). Support the reauthorization of the FAHP, including helping to develop FHWA legislative proposals and providing technical assistance to Congressional staff. Coordinate Agency-wide implementation of surface transportation authorization acts, including developing explanatory materials, tracking implementation efforts, and reviewing policy products. Review agency and interagency circulations for accuracy, tone, and consistency with Agency and Administration policies. Serve as an instructor for, and otherwise support, FHWA's “Highway Program Funding” course. The ideal candidate is a senior-level professional with strong writing and analytical skills, political and organizational savvy, and a customer-service orientation who can work comfortably and capably in a fast-paced, flexible, and team-oriented work environment. The ideal candidate is familiar with the Federal-aid highway program and the law that governs it, has a strong understanding of the legislative process and substantial experience analyzing and interpreting legislation that may impact the Federal-aid highway program, and can effectively communicate agency policy and the substance and implications of legislative changes to a variety of audiences, including senior executives. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date 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 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. 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 (1) meet the specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience working with federal transportation policies, programs, and laws that govern highway transportation. Experience analyzing and tracking legislation related to transportation. Experience communicating orally and in writing to audiences. 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 using federal transportation policies, programs, and laws that govern highway transportation. Experience developing, analyzing, and tracking Federal legislation directly related to surface transportation. Experience communicating agency policy, orally and in writing, to audiences. 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: Oral/Written Communication: Skill in oral and written communications, including communications at the senior executive level. Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of (and experience with) legislative development, analysis, and implementation. Technical Competence: Knowledge of (and experience with) transportation issues, FHWA, and the Federal- aid Highway Program. 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  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.