Duties

The Policy Analyst:

• Ability to effectively support research; program development, measurement and evaluation activities; training needs assessment, development and delivery; and business analysis activities, both independently and as a team member.
• Conducts and/or participates in needs assessment and program evaluation activities to assess training needs, evaluate, program effectiveness, and identify recommendations for how programs are designed and implemented.
• Offers technical assistance and supports the development of program requirements on behalf of internal and external stakeholders.
• Assists the Division Chief with Business Development by bringing forward ideas that contributes to maintaining/expanding the Division portfolio.
• Provides customer service and contributes to the overall Business Management of the assigned Division by meeting cost, schedule, documentation, and performance objectives of assigned tasks; assisting Project Manager to manage the scope/schedule/quality of assigned project deliverables; and maintaining productive relationships with the customer.
• Performs administrative duties such as: develops and carries out local directives and guidance; maintains program records and prepares and submits reports; prepares written materials and briefings in response to questions internal and external stakeholders regarding program changes and related activities.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and general problem solving skills along with knowledge of management and organizational concepts to support process and organizational improvement efforts. Strong written and oral communications skills and the ability to build and maintain effective customer relationships are required. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment. An interest in transportation safety is highly desirable.

PLEASE NOTE: Current Volpe employees with duty stations other than Cambridge, MA may apply for this position and may remain in their current duty station, if selected. Salary will be adjusted in accordance with the locality pay of the specific area.

Requirements

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.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 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: 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.
• DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures 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 Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 it must include:

• Experience assisting in the collection and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data in areas such as environmental policy, resilience and recovery, transportation planning, performance management, freight policy and planning, innovative finance, current and emerging transportation technologies and/or related technology-focused programs.
• Experience preparing reports and/or other communication materials in areas such as environmental policy, resilience and recovery, transportation planning, performance management, innovative finance, freight policy and planning, current and emerging transportation technologies and/or related technology-focused programs.

To qualify for the GS-09 on Education alone, you must have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include:

• Experience performing collection of and assisting in the analysis of data in areas such as environmental policy, resilience and recovery, transportation planning, performance management, freight policy and planning, innovative finance, current and emerging transportation technologies and/or related technology-focused programs.
• Experience preparing reports, studies and/or outreach materials on analyses in areas such as environmental policy, resilience and recovery, transportation planning, performance management, freight policy and planning, innovative finance, current and emerging transportation technologies and/or related technology-focused programs.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

• Experience conducting policy-related research, analysis, evaluation, and coordination in areas such as environmental policy, resilience and recovery, transportation planning, performance management, freight policy and planning, innovative finance, current and emerging transportation technologies and/or related technology-focused programs.
• Experience assisting project managers and senior staff in the formulation of quantitative analyses and reports in areas such as environmental policy, resilience and recovery, transportation planning, performance management, freight policy and planning, innovative finance, current and emerging transportation technologies and/or related technology-focused programs.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.

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:

Ability to analyze and/or conduct studies of effective practices in areas such as transportation planning, planning on federal lands, international planning, and performance and asset management.

Knowledge of data collection and analyses to identify and develop techniques and strategies for improving transportation planning and decision making, and developing effective program planning documents.

Ability to perform analyses using a wide range of analytical tools to support the improvement of transportation planning and decision-making.

Ability to work collaboratively with technical teams.

Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with decision makers and their staffs and interact with other specialists, clear and concise writing skill, and a capability to articulate key messages with an appropriate amount of detail for the situation and/or 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

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.

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

Education

Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

or

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

or

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Additional information

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Bargaining unit position represented by National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), Local R1-195.

COVID VACCINATION: As required by Executive Order 14043 , Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

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 highly diverse 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.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.