Transportation Specialist (Senior Advisor) - DIRECT HIRE

Summary The candidate will serve as the Senior Advisor to the Associate Administrator for the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs (HPL). The candidate will provide expert guidance to the Associate Administrator for the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs, HPL Office Directors, Team Leaders, and other staff. Learn more about this agency Duties As a Transportation Specialist (Senior Advisor), you will: Develop recommendations on program and policy issues that involve all areas under the responsibility of HPL, such as: transportation performance management, stewardship and oversight, bridges and structures, asset management, pavements and materials design, contract administration, and construction.  Analyze proposals, formulate positions, and provide expert advice to HPL leadership and staff on existing and proposed legislation, regulations, and policies that may affect HPL program responsibilities. Advise HPL leadership team on actions to improve internal and external program operations as indicated by changes in legislation, regulation, and policy. Exercise managerial responsibility over HPL program activities to align with FHWA's Enterprise Risk Management and other FHWA leadership priorities. Advise internal and external partners, as well as senior leadership and decision makers on developing, communicating, and enhancing HPL programs. The ideal candidate for this Senior Advisor position is a technical and policy expert with transportation experience in legislative, policy, and budget coordination and formulation; regulation development and analysis; and program delivery and implementation oversight of new or modified programs. 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. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding. 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). 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. Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include: Experience serving as the transportation technical expert and advisor on legislation, regulations and policies. Experience with collaborating with senior leadership and stakeholders on strategic initiatives and policy matters. Experience communicating agency policy, orally and in writing, to a wide variety of 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: Technical Competence: Knowledge of (and experience with) transportation issues, FHWA, and the Federal-aid Highway Program. Strategic Thinking: Skill in navigating competing interest and building coalitions to move strategic policy initiatives forward. Written/Oral Communication: Skill in oral and written communications, including communications at the senior executive level. Political Savvy: Skill in assessing political and institutional environments to evaluate policy alternatives and navigate complex organization interests for successful implementation. 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=e4All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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.