Under the DOT Recent Graduates Program, this position in the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) Professional Development Program (PDP) provides up to 24 months of entry-level career development training for participants to learn and apply technical skills to advance the Nation's highway program. Participants matriculate through assignments with seasoned professionals (PDP coaches) as apprentices through mentored on-the-job training in the environmental field.
FHWA's PDP is an entry-level/new employee program designed to introduce participants to the technical, administrative, and program management aspects of administering the Federal-aid Highway and Federal Lands Highway Programs. The PDP is up to 24-months of entry-level career development training for participants to learn and apply technical skills to advance.
The Federal-aid Highway Program supports state highway systems by providing financial assistance for the construction, maintenance, and operations of the nation's 3.9 million-mile highway network. This includes the Interstate Highway System as well as primary highways and secondary, local roads. FHWA is charged with implementing the Federal-aid Highway Program in cooperation with state and local governments.
The mission of the Federal Lands Program is to improve transportation to and within Federal and Tribal Lands by providing technical services to the highway/transportation community as well as building accessible and scenic roads that ensure the many national treasures within our nation's Federal Lands can be enjoyed by all.
As a newly-hired recent graduate serving as an Environmental Protection Specialist in the PDP, you will:
- Participate in the program with a focus on environmental policies and programs; air quality and transportation conformity; bicycle, pedestrian, trails, and enhancements; noise; sustainable transport and climate change; the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); and project development and mitigation.
- Train to serve as a policy and technical advisor on program and project-related issues associated with the Federal Aid and Federal Lands Programs.
- Assist with ensuring that the State Department of Transportation and other Federal Agencies develop and deliver Federal Aid and Federal Lands transportation projects and programs appropriately while meeting social, economic, and environmental requirements.
- Be expected to complete the three PDP main components: on-the-job training, developmental assignments, and required academies.
- Participate in public involvement programs. Attend public hearings, agency meetings, and technical discussions to obtain information and data that have an impact on highway programs and projects. Prepare and present technical findings and project information.
The ideal candidate has completed a master’s degree in environmental science or a related field that is applicable to this job series within the last two years (up to six years for veterans) of the closing date of this announcement. And is seeking challenging assignments that will develop the knowledge and skill in applying, fundamental transportation laws, principles, systems, policies, methods, and practices pertaining to environmental protection programs.
Please be sure that you have read and meet the following mandatory requirements before proceeding:
- DOT Pathways Recent Graduate Program requirements (outlined under the Requirements section).
For more information on the Pathways Program, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=Program-Fact-Sheets
You must provide a copy of ALL of your applicable college/vocational/technical transcript(s). See "Required Documents" section for additional information.
Note that current students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of the closing date of this announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
If the above has been met, then review the following grade specific experience and/or education qualifications to determine if you meet full eligibility before applying:
For the GS-09:
On Experience, you must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, which included:
- Experience working with environmental protection programs that included work in one or more of the following areas (note that this experience can be gained by assisting higher-graded employees): reviewing environmental rulemaking and regulations; compliance and enforcement; environmental considerations and documentation; preservation and environmental protection; environmental assessments; environmental compliance and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and NEPA.
Or on Education, you must have at least 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. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
You can also have a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.
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:
- Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
- 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 clues, and responds appropriately.
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