Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

The positions are located in FMCSA's Division offices. You will be assigned ongoing responsibility for personally administering the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Program on a State-wide basis. This encompasses motor carriers and shippers of all types and sizes. In promoting and enforcing compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, you will act independently within general program objectives and a largely self-developed and self adjusted area work plan.

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Open to All U.S. Citizens. This is a Bargaining unit position represented by varies codes.

Duties

The Motor Carrier Safety Specialist (Commercial Programs/HazMat/Safety/Border Investigator):

Independently plans and carries out a schedule of safety, economic, security, and hazardous materials investigations of carrier and shipper operations; through personal interviews, examination of various records, and comparison with other known facts, determines whether the company is in compliance or whether the violations found indicate deliberate and conscious disregard of applicable regulations; makes a preliminary determination whether prosecution is warranted and evidence is sufficient to support enforcement action; if not warranted, discusses the findings with corporation officials, offers technical assistance in resolving the problems, and secures their agreement to take corrective action; follows up at a later time to ascertain compliance.
Plans and carries out a schedule of safety, economic, security, and hazardous materials investigations of carrier and shipper operations; through personal interviews, examination of various records, and comparison with other known facts, determines whether the company is in compliance or whether the violations found indicate deliberate and conscious disregard of applicable regulations; makes a preliminary determination whether prosecution is warranted and evidence is sufficient to support enforcement action.
Conducts investigations into alleged violations either as follow up to an investigation or in response to complaints; upon advice and approval by the supervisor, initiates enforcement investigations to develop supportive evidence of the kinds and volume needed to sustain criminal or civil forfeiture actions, cease and desist orders, or other proceedings.
Plans and conducts unannounced roadside inspections of interstate commercial motor vehicles and driver’s documentation to determine carrier or driver compliance with applicable regulations; note deficiencies and declare out-of-service any vehicle or driver in accordance with the established Out of Service Criteria.
Conducts in-depth investigations into the causes of highway accidents and hazardous material incidents involving motor carriers to determine whether applicable regulations or laws have been violated; develop information for use in furthering the agency’s accident prevention program.

This is an ideal position for a person who wants to do meaningful work to make travel on our nation’s highways safer by promoting and enforcing compliance of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Programs. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to relate to all types of personalities in challenging and sometimes contentious, circumstances. This is an ideal position for a person who wants to be challenged and advance within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Location/Salary Clarification: This announcement establishes an open continuous Standing Register. This Register will be used to fill positions as they become vacant. Duty locations will vary. Your consideration will be based on your top 9 location choices.

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
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.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Varies by position. If applicable, you must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position to which appointed.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: Travel will vary by position. If the position requires 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).
REMOTE WORK: This position may be eligible for Remote Work. Remote work is an arrangement in which an employee works at an alternative worksite (e.g., from home) and is not expected to report to the office to work. Remote work location will be determined upon/after selection and may affect locality pay. If selected as a remote work position, must have access to high speed internet and cell phone service meeting current Agency standards from the approved work location within the Contiguous United State and sign a remote work agreement. The difference in salary is determined by the locality pay in each location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule/
DRUG TESTING: This position is subject to random drug testing as provided in the DOT Drug-Free Department Workplace Plan, DOT Order 3910.1.

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.

If selected for a Border Investigator position - You must be able to speak and write fluently in English and Spanish.

To qualify for the GS-07 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-05 it must include:

Experience applying Federal and/or State safety regulations; AND
Experience collecting and reviewing data.

To qualify for the GS-07 on Education alone, you must have at least 1 year of graduate-level education OR superior academic achievement.

**Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate level education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

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 applying safety regulations concerning trucks or buses; AND
Experience collecting, reviewing and analyzing data to prepare written summaries and reports.

It also requires practical knowledge of the economic side of the motor carrier industry including: business and operating practices; corporate structures; subterfuges; and illegal business practices.

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.

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:

Knowledge of motor carrier programs with emphasis on motor carrier enforcement programs and applicable regulations.
Skill and ability in using program management principles and practices (e.g. strategic planning, setting and communicating goals, adjusting to changing priorities, implementing/ evaluating programs, assessing the impact of new legislation on programs, etc.) to administer transportation safety programs and related technologies.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including demonstrated ability to develop and present briefings and training, as well as prepare highly technical reports and standards.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, which promote leadership, negotiations, cooperation and teamwork, including the ability to identify and foster new and innovative partnerships and avenues for marketing FMCSA expertise.

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.

Note: This trainee position may be located in a FMCSA Division office or as a remote worker position, depending on the location assigned. If selected for a remote position (approved to work from home) you must reside within 49 miles of the city or county selected for and your home address becomes your duty station for pay setting purposes.

The difference in the salary at the GS-07 and 09 levels is determined by the locality pay in each location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position.

Additional information

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. If approved for occasional telework, you will be required to report to the office on a regular basis. The number of telework days approved is determined by the agency policy, emergency situations, the approval of your immediate supervisor, and if applicable, approval of additional officials.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR FMCSA INVESTIGATORS:

Successful completion of the FMCSA Safety Investigator Academy, including any pre- and/or post-Academy training requirements; and,
Successful completion of a minimum of 6 compliance reviews or onsite investigations under the direction of a person certified to conduct compliance reviews and onsite investigations: and,
Successful completion of a minimum of 32 Level I and/or V roadside inspections, under the direction of a person certified to conduct Level I and/or V roadside inspections. (May include specialized passenger vehicle Level I, and/or V roadside inspections and/or specialized HM and/or specialized cargo tank and/or other bulk packaging.)

FMCSA Basic Investigative Enforcement Training Academy Requirements:

· Attendance/Curriculum: The Academy training curriculum focuses on the policies, regulations, and procedures for carrying out compliance and enforcement responsibilities for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Courses specifically include information on how to interpret regulations, how to investigate possible violations of regulations in accordance with the field operations training manual, how to conduct and document a Level I roadside inspection and how to write and document a basic enforcement investigation report.

All new FMCSA Academy hires are required to attend and successfully complete this training program. Since expertise and knowledge of FMCSA programs, policies, and procedures is critically important to the agency and difficult to obtain through alternate sources, the following policies are in effect.

Test/Remediation Requirements:

(A) A student may not fail more than one, Written Examination in an Academy Training Program. Immediately upon failing a second, regularly scheduled, written Examination, the student will be dismissed from the Academy Training Program.
(B) Individuals hired under the Delegating Examining Unit (DEU) procedures, who fail their Academy Training Program, will be dismissed from employment with FMCSA immediately.

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

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.

All applications will be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational and specialized experience requirements. Applicants will not be rated or ranked. Veteran's Preference does NOT apply. All applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official. Applications received under direct hire public notice may or may not result in a referral or selection. Management has the prerogative to select at any grade level.

Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. The answers you select in the on-line process must be substantiated in your application package. If upon review, it is determined that your described work history, competencies, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be updated on your behalf or you may not be referred to the selecting official. The Automated Staffing Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

RESUME - All applicants must provide a resume created within USA Jobs Resume Builder, that shows relevant experience, education and support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes can by uploaded later in the application process.

TRANSCRIPTS are REQUIRED if you are substituting education for experience. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.

WRITING SAMPLE: Varies by position and supervisory determination. You may be asked to provide a writing sample.

PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS/INCENTIVE AWARDS: If applicable, performance appraisals and/or Incentive award documentation may be submitted and forwarded to the selecting official in consideration of your application. To receive credit, submit a recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable (do not submit a performance plan) and/or incentive award documentation dated within the last 18 months (i.e. performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increases, etc.).

FEDERAL APPLICANTS: You must submit SF-50(s) that verify your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant. DO NOT submit an award SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility. For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks’ time-in-grade requirements. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/service/SF-50/

NON COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If requesting concurrent consideration for Non-competitive (NC) appointment eligibility, you must provide the appropriate SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS, such as PCS orders (military spouse) describing move & marriage certificate; letter from VA or DD214 describing 100% disability of spouse; letter from State Vocational Office certifying disability (schedule A), etc. For more information, visit military spouse NC appointments or Persons with Disabilities NC appointments.

DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:

your most recent performance appraisal,
the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.

Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration. For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.

To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.

If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov

Agency contact information

Automated Staffing Office

Phone

000-000-0000

Fax

000-000-0000

Email

TRANSJOBS@dot.gov

Address

DOT, FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com. (Select "My USAJOBS" and click "Applications"). Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Ratings will be determined based on the documents and information received by the closing date. Qualified candidates will be assigned a category, not including points that may be assigned for veterans' preference. If the vacancy is advertised under status, your application will be scored on a scale between 70 - 100. The most highly qualified candidates are then referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. If the vacancy was advertised under category rating, then the appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.

Open & closing dates

04/15/2024 to 06/01/2024
Salary

$46,696 - $91,873 per year
Salaries reflected on this announcement will vary based on the duty station of the appointed position.
Pay scale & grade

GS 07 - 09
Locations
Additional locations are listed below.
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel will vary by position and location.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Multiple Appointment Types - Multiple Appointment Types - Appointment type vary depending on position (Term, Temp, Permanent, etc.).
Work schedule

Multiple Schedules - Multiple Schedules - Work Schedules vary depending on position (Full-time, Part-time, Intermittent, etc.).
Service

Competitive
Promotion potential

12
Job family (Series)

2123 Motor Carrier Safety
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Other
Drug test

Yes
Position sensitivity and risk

Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness
Announcement number

FMCSA.DH-2024-0001
Control number

786596000

Motor Carrier Safety Spec. (Commercial Prgms/HazMat/Safety/Border Investigator) (DIRECT HIRE - P) Job

Summary

This job is open to

The public