Transportation Specialist (Program Delivery) - INTERNAL TO FHWA

This position is located in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Administration, Office of Competitive Grants and Workforce Development Program and is a key member of the Multimodal Competitive Grant Programs 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 law. To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. Individual Occupational Requirement: Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled (for positions above GS-5). To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience analyzing and evaluating complex grant applications or financial assistance requests to ensure compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and program requirements, and developing funding recommendations. Experience providing technical guidance and assistance to stakeholders on establishment, management, and close-out of grants or cooperative agreements, including monitoring compliance and interpreting policies. Experience performing grant monitoring activities, including reviewing recipient reports and disbursement requests, and maintaining grant tracking systems or databases to support management reporting and file maintenance. To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience applying automated grant management and budgetary systems to resolve issues, develop and analyze reports, manage grant resources and develop recommendations for systems and/or business process changes. Experience in preparing and applying federal financial assistance (grant and cooperative agreement) legislation, regulations, policies, and processes to organization-wide policy and guidance. Experience in the full life-cycle administration of complex federal grants or cooperative agreements, communicating agency policy, orally and in writing, including analyzing applications for compliance, performing post-award monitoring, resolving issues related to fund obligations or program requirements, and initiating grant closure actions. 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: Grants Management - Knowledge of requirements, practices, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements. Oral/Written Communication - Skill in oral and written communications, including communications at the senior executive level. Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence. Technical Competence - Knowledge of (and experience with) transportation issues, FHWA, and the Federal- aid Highway Program; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Customer Service - Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement. 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. As a Transportation Specialist, you will: Assist in the analysis of applications, provides advice and funding recommendations for the development and preparation of complex grants, specifically for a broad range of projects as well as a wide variety of applicants including state and local governments, government sponsored authorities and corporations, and joint ventures. Provide program staff, and other grantees with technical assistance, including the interpretation of and application of grant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in assigned areas. Evaluate recipients' disbursement requests and provide feedback to leadership on recommendations for approval or disapproval, using fact-finding and analytical techniques and methods used to gather, evaluate, and summarize information and draw conclusions The ideal candidate is a versatile professional with exceptional writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment. The ideal candidate brings a strong customer-service mindset alongside political and organizational savvy. Additionally, you should possess a solid understanding of the Federal-aid highway program and its governing laws, with proven experience managing Federal grants and cooperative agreements. Key to this role is the ability to effectively guide and support state, local, or recipient agencies through projects requiring substantial federal-level involvement and oversight. Conditions of Employment 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. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. 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.