Program Analyst - DIRECT HIRE

Federal Transit Administration•Washington, DC

About The Position

This position is in the Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Transit Programs, Urbanized Area Programs Division. The office administers national capital and operating assistance for public transportation. The incumbent assists with program development, implementation, analysis, and oversight, including managing day-to-day operations for assigned formula and competitive grant programs, developing guidance, and researching industry policies. The Program Analyst serves as a subject matter expert on transit program development and implementation, including new programs created by legislation or requiring extensive coordination with other federal programs. The role addresses issues involving other federal agencies, grantees, regional offices, state and local authorities, and headquarters personnel. The analyst leads the development and provision of guidance to FTA staff and grantees; tracks appropriations and obligations for congressionally designated projects and reports unobligated balances to Congress; approves discretionary projects for congressional notification and release before obligation; and researches, prepares, and reviews written guidance for major programs. This includes drafting and processing notices, orders, circulars, and other policy or guidance documents. The analyst also presents information about FTA programs and policies to internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, trade associations, professional organizations, grantees, and congressional staff. The position is suited to a federal grant administration subject matter expert who can connect complex policy with program execution and has a background in federal grant frameworks, statutory regulations, and oversight of formula and discretionary funding programs. Experience with 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 transportation policy, programs, or procedures is desirable. The position involves travel and a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
Submit an online application and resume by the closing date; required documents must also be submitted by that date.
Meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade sought.
For GS-11 based on experience: at least one year equivalent to GS-09, including knowledge of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 and related authorities as applied to urban-area formula and discretionary grant programs; experience evaluating program data and legislative requirements; and experience gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information for briefs, technical reports, and oral presentations.
For GS-11 based on education alone: three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. A combination of higher-level graduate education and experience may also qualify.
For GS-12: at least one year equivalent to GS-11, including experience applying 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 and related authorities to grant program development and implementation; evaluating grant program data and legislative requirements to provide actionable recommendations; and developing policies, programs, and procedures and communicating them to varied audiences. Education cannot substitute for experience at GS-12.
For GS-13: at least one year equivalent to GS-12, including experience applying 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 and related authorities to grant program development and implementation; providing technical assistance and recommending operational improvements; and developing policies, programs, and procedures and communicating them to varied audiences.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
A government contractor-issued travel card must be retained for official business only.
Successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication are required.
A one-year probationary period may be required; continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Nice To Haves

Experience with 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 transportation policy, programs, or procedures.

Responsibilities

Assist with development, implementation, analysis, and oversight of transit programs.
Manage day-to-day operations for assigned formula and competitive grant programs.
Serve as an expert on transit program development and implementation, including newly legislated programs and programs requiring extensive external coordination.
Resolve issues involving other federal agencies, grantees, regional offices, state or local authorities, and headquarters personnel.
Lead development and provision of program guidance to FTA staff and grantees for competitive and formula grant programs.
Track appropriations and obligations for congressionally designated projects and activities, and report unobligated balances to Congress.
Approve discretionary projects for congressional notification and release before obligation.
Research, prepare, and review written program guidance for major programs, including drafting and processing notices, orders, circulars, and other policy or guidance documents.
Present information about FTA programs and policies to internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, trade associations, professional organizations, grantees, and congressional staff.
Provide technical assistance in grant program implementation and recommend changes to enhance program operations.
Evaluate program or grant data and legislative requirements and develop actionable recommendations.
Develop policies, programs, and procedures and communicate them to agency leadership, congressional staff, and external stakeholders.