About this role
Job SummaryThe position is in the Office of Environmental Policy and Programs, Project Review and Advancement Division (TPE-31). You will direct and supervise environmental professionals to develop and deliver environmental regulations, policies, and programs to support environmental decision-making in transit planning and projects. You will also supervise the provision of technical assistance and training.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. 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: Leadership - Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. Technical Credibility - Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. 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. 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.
Major DutiesAs a Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist: Supervise and direct a 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 work environment that is productive. 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 advise 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. Provide policy direction and guidance to FTA Regional Offices and project sponsors on the implementation of NEPA and related legislation and environmental requirements, and on the efficient management of the environmental review process. 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. A background working with a range of regulations is preferable, including the surface transportation and environmental regulations (23 CFR part 771). 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.RequirementsCONDITIONS 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. 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. 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).