Supervisory Government Information Specialist

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration•Washington, DC

About The Position

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) works to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials. The agency establishes and enforces standards, educates, conducts research, and prepares the public and first responders to reduce the consequences of incidents. The Supervisory Government Information Specialist leads PHMSA’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program and oversees requests from intake through final response. The role supervises FOIA Office personnel, manages program policies and procedures, and serves as PHMSA’s primary liaison with the Department of Transportation and other stakeholders. The position also addresses related records management and privacy matters. The position is intended for a senior-level professional with extensive knowledge of FOIA rules, regulations, and procedures. Experience with Exemption 4 consultations, FOIAXpress, and legal work or training is highly desired.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship and eligibility for consideration.
Meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade sought.
For Grade 14: At least one year of experience equal or equivalent to GS-13, including managing and evaluating an organization-wide FOIA or public records program; conducting legal research and working with lawyers on executive-level reports and recommendations; leading research on records management, electronic request-tracking software, and privacy policies in complex or unsettled situations; and incorporating court decisions, legal changes, and official government updates into records management, public disclosure, and privacy policies.
For Grade 15: At least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to GS-14, including serving as the final authority and executive leader for an organization’s FOIA and public records program; setting long-term strategy and resolving unprecedented legal or policy conflicts; directing staff, setting priorities, managing budgets, and holding teams accountable; and establishing goals, success metrics, and projects to modernize policies or electronic tracking systems.
Knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production.
Ability to communicate clearly and convincingly in oral presentations, listen effectively, and clarify information as needed.
Ability to organize work, set priorities and resource requirements, establish goals and strategies, coordinate across organizations, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes.
Ability to influence, motivate, and challenge others, and adapt leadership style to varied situations.
Federal applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements, including 52 weeks at the next lower grade where required.
Complete required background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
Complete applicable one-year probationary period(s).
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Submit the application, resume, and required documents by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling Exemption 4 consultations.
Experience with FOIAXpress.
Experience or training in the legal field.

Responsibilities

Oversee FOIA requests from intake through final response, including managing a personal docket, reviewing records, applying exemptions, conducting consultations, and drafting responses and correspondence.
Supervise FOIA Office personnel by assigning work, establishing deadlines, conducting performance appraisals, and providing guidance, mentoring, training, and career development.
Lead and manage the PHMSA FOIA program by developing and improving policies, processes, and procedures, and maintaining a comprehensive FOIA reference guide aligned with changes in law and policy.
Serve as PHMSA’s primary FOIA liaison with DOT’s FOIA Officer and other modal administrations; participate in Department-wide FOIA management meetings and coordinate on non-FOIA media and document-production matters.
Act as the primary FOIA program-management contact for internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, industry, educational institutions, news media, and the general public.