Summary

This position is in the FTA Office of Environmental Policy and Programs (TPE-30) and serves as the Director, supervising two Division Chiefs and their staff. This position is responsible for developing and delivering environmental regulations, policies, programs, and guidance to enhance, integrate and provide technical assistance on environmental decision-making in the planning and development of FTA projects, and to minimize the adverse impacts of FTA-funded projects on the environment.

Duties

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As a Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist, you will:

• Manage supervisory and non-supervisory professional interdisciplinary staff in the development of clear and effective environmental policies, procedures, and techniques, as well as guidance and other support, including training, for regional staff responsible for the environmental process as applied to various transit projects. Work directly with individual employees to achieve a productive work environment. Monitor and evaluate the performance of assigned employees.
• Assure, within budget and staffing limitations, the effective development and soundness of FTA's system of environmental compliance and advises FTA leadership regarding system needs. Identify opportunities for process improvements, including tool development.
• Lead national-level interagency or interdepartmental working groups on legislative proposals, policy, regulatory, and/or operational issues relating to the environment and transportation. Represent FTA in meetings with federal, state, tribal, and local partners, industry partners, and the public.
• Serve as the principal advisor, providing direct expert technical advice to the TPE Associate Administrator (AA), Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) and staff on all matters relating to environmental policy and programs. Represent the AA and DAA; speaks authoritatively for him or her in meetings with project sponsors, State and local governments, industry and professional associations, private organizations and academic institutions concerning environmental policy and programs.
• Direct management of human and physical resources, including personnel management, organization, staffing, EEO affirmative action, training, performance appraisal, performance management and recognition system, employee awards and recognition, travel, supplies, equipment, services, printing, and publication.

The ideal candidate for this position is a senior-level career professional who is experienced in applying the National Environmental Policy Act and related laws and regulations to surface transportation projects. Experience managing a team of environmental professionals is desired. Background working with a range of regulations is preferable, such as the FTA Environmental Regulations (part 771); National Historic Preservation Act; Endangered Species Act; Section 4(f) Requirements and Clean Air Act, as amended. Candidates must have the skill and experience working collaboratively and productively with individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences; organizational and management skills; and the ability to handle multiple, competing priorities, issues, and projects simultaneously.

Requirements

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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 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: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• SUPERVISORY PROBATIONARY PERIOD: New supervisors must complete a 1-year probationary period (unless already completed).

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 specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include:

• Experience complying with and overseeing implementation of the Federal environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Section 4(f) requirements and other relevant laws, regulations, executive orders, and case law for surface transportation projects receiving Federal funding assistance.
• Experience in analyzing environmental compliance needs from the standpoint of the Federal transportation environmental review process and formulating appropriate responses to those needs on an individual or programmatic basis through clear communications or development of innovative tools.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in developing, implementing, and administering an environmental compliance system for transportation projects and related undertakings, including legislation development, rulemaking, policy-making, and guidance development.

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:

1. Leadership - Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
2. Technical Credibility - Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
3. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
4. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
5. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

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.

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, [redacted]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation

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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.

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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.