Summary

The Office of Policy and Plans is responsible for (1) developing and coordinating long range plans for Agency programs; (2) conducting special studies and analyses of program operations in light of planned objectives; and (3) planning, designing, and performing a broad range of economic analyses of the U.S. and global marine transportation systems.

Duties

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• Prepares detailed economic financial studies and analyses of national and global transportation and shipping operations.
• Develops studies and analyses that evaluate current and alternative Federal maritime programs in light of the problems and issues facing the United States marine transportation industry, including its international linkages.
• Prepares written reports that clearly and succinctly describe detailed research projects, the analytical assumptions and methods employed, including consideration of the complex relationships that can impact marine transportation policy and Agency programs, as well as the conclusions, findings, and recommendations developed during the course of the analysis.
• Prepares special studies and develop information on Agency policy, plans, or programs in response to adhoc requests by interested Agency officials, other Federal agencies, the Congress, and the general public.
• Utilizes relevant sources of domestic and international economic data; Agency program data; U.S. and worldwide maritime industry data; and techniques of economic, econometric and financial analysis, including the supporting disciplines of statistics and mathematics.
• Serves as a knowledgeable authority in the Office on United States foreign trade forecasts, United States and world fleet projections, financial studies of the United States ship operating industry and the management of data bases used to prepare shipping forecasts.

The ideal candidate should have strong technical economics expertise with policy application, independent research ability, and experience briefing senior decision-makers.

Requirements

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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.

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 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

• Experience applying advanced economic theories, principles, and quantitative methods; designing and conducting economic research; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex economic, financial, demographic, or statistical data.

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

• Experience identifying, developing, and applying information on U.S. and global economic conditions, foreign trade, commodity flows, and domestic and international transportation systems to produce analyses that supports recommendations and policy decisions.

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:

• Economic Forecasting: Knowledge of economic policy, principles, and practices, market and non-market values, and the analysis and reporting of economic data.
• Research: Skill in interpreting economic data and trends
• Data Analysis: Ability to synthesize large data sets into actionable conclusions.

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=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.

OR

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

TRANSCRIPTS are REQUIRED as there is a stated education requirement for the series. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

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 a7 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R a7 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, [redacted]. 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.

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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

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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.

The Maritime Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation dealing with waterborne transportation. Its programs promote the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The Maritime Administration works in many areas involving ships and shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety.

The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

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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.