Clarification from the agency

Current Federal employees serving under a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service; applicants with reinstatement eligibility; applicants eligible for appointment under special appointing authorities; special selection priority consideration under either the Career Transition Assistance Program or Interagency Transition Assistance Program for well-qualified displaced or surplus candidates

This position is located in the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Office of Auditing and Evaluation (JA). The office conducts audits and audit-related projects involving multi-billion-dollar transportation projects, programs, and operations, prepares reports and Congressional testimony, and briefs senior level industry and Government officials on numerous aspects of critical transportation programs. This office’s audits focus on enhancing the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Nation’s transportation systems, as well as DOT’s internal operations. JA also supports OIG investigators’ criminal, civil, and administrative cases related to Federal transportation programs and DOT operations.

The work of this position involves audits and audit-related projects, such as reviews and Congressional testimony. An employee in this position works under the direct supervision of a Project Manager (PM) and a Program Director (PD). The Auditor works as a member of an audit team responsible for assessing the effectiveness and/or efficiency of transportation programs, activities, and Departmental operations in the areas of assigned audits or audit-related projects. 

Under the direct supervision of a PM, an Auditor is responsible for independently performing work in all phases of an audit—planning the audit, conducting the audit, preparing audit products, and assisting in closing applicable audit recommendations—in accordance with generally accepted Government auditing standards and other applicable auditing policies and/or procedures. An Auditor prepares accurate, complete, and timely materials that conform with policies and standards and documents all support within the electronic audit management system. An Auditor may serve as a technical advisor for junior auditors by providing guidance and training.

An Auditor works with their PM and team in acquiring and reporting audit-related information both orally and in writing. If an exit conference is conducted, an Auditor may assist the PM and PD in presenting findings and recommendations clearly and logically and responding to questions accurately and professionally. An Auditor advises the PM about fraud and other serious problems, abuses, program weaknesses, and trends disclosed by their audit work and recommends corrective action.

Following audit issuance, DOT OIG monitors recommendations until closed. A PD or PM may ask an Auditor to assist with reviewing auditee provided evidence and assessing whether the evidence supports recommendation closure.

Under the direct supervision of a PM, an Auditor may be required to assist in preparing Congressional testimony. This may include assisting with the preparation of the written and oral statements, the research and assembly of supporting documentation, and completion of administrative and other tasks for the testimony.

All employees are responsible for safeguarding non-public information in accordance with OIG and DOT policies and procedures. Employees with security clearances are responsible for properly handling, processing, storing, reproducing, transmitting, and destroying Classified National Security Information (CNSI) as set forth in law, Executive Order, and DOT policy governing classified information to protect against unauthorized disclosure that could reasonably be expected to cause damage to national security and prevent compromise or access by unauthorized persons. As applicable, an Auditor attends required security briefings and completes the annual security training within 90 days of receiving notification, unless missed or the completion deadline is extended due to circumstances beyond the employee's control—subject to the approval of the appropriate senior official.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• A one year probationary period may be required.
• This position is subject to a background investigation
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date.
• Relocation is not authorized
• Position is subject to pre-employment/random drug tests.

Qualifications

All documents must be received, and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.  Your resume must be well documented with the specialized experience, otherwise you may be deemed ineligible.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the Basic Education Requirements & Specialized Experience qualifications for the grade(s) at which you are requesting consideration. Applicants must meet qualifications and time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

GS-11: To qualify you must meet the following requirements:

Education: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

OR

Specialized Experience: At least one-year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience includes providing assistance to higher level staff with research that is complete, accurate and relevant with data gathered from competent and reliable sources and documents to develop a concise and coherent message; analysis that is sufficient to support findings, conclusions, and recommendations; interpreting or applying regulations, program guidance, or policies; examining and testing (such as using statistical and/or judgmental sampling) records and management controls; reviewing material for completeness and consistency.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: Applicants that possess a percentage of the required specialized experience and a percentage of the required graduate level education such that, when the percentages of the required education and specialized experience are added together, they equal 100%. (Only graduate education and professional experience equivalent to the GS-9 or higher is creditable).

GS-12: To qualify you must meet the following requirements:

Specialized Experience: At least one-year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes conducting reviews/audits/evaluations for programs, or other activities to determine either economy, efficiency, effectiveness, or compliance; experience gathering and analyzing data to determine its validity and reliability; experience conducting interviews and other oral communications to acquire or exchange information used in a review/audit.

GS-13: To qualify you must meet the following requirements:

Specialized Experience: At least one-year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience includes experience leading or conducting reviews/audits/evaluations for programs, or other activities to determine either economy, efficiency, effectiveness or compliance; experience gathering and analyzing data to determine its validity and reliability; experience conducting interviews and other oral communications to acquire or exchange information used in a review/audit/evaluation.

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.

Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies:

1. Audit Planning and Execution - Audit planning and execution of transportation related topics at the Federal government level, using GAGAS standard.

2. Audit or Topic Specific Knowledge  - Experience conducting audit and good familiarity with the transportation-related sector. Auditing experience uses GAGAS audits and conducted at the Federal government level.

3. Written Communication- Relevant audit or professional writing experience, with demonstrated recognition for writing skills and efficiency.

4. Oral Communication - Relevant oral communication experience, with demonstrated recognition for oral skills and efficiency or extensive experience communicating with high level officials.

5. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills - Experience in both critical thinking and analytical skills, including conducting audit analysis.

6. Teamwork/Working Relationships  - Experience in both teamwork and effective working relationships which resulted in successful project completion.

How you will be evaluated

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

All applicants: Your application will be reviewed in two phases to determine how you move forward in the hiring process.

Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.

GS -11 Applicants passing “Phase I” will move on to the “Phase II” of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the KSAs/Competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your responses to the announcement questionnaire and supporting documents. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.

GS- 12/13 Applicants passing “Phase I” will move on to the “Phase II” of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the KSAs/Competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents). Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.

Federal employees must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements for merit promotion consideration.  TIG is the 52-week requirement Federal employees in competitive service, General Schedule (GS) positions at GS-5 and above must serve before they are eligible for promotion to the next grade level. TIG requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).

NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.

Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed in the announcement, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.

• Include any supporting documents that don't fit within another category or are listed in the job announcement.
• Some jobs require additional professional certifications. See the job announcement for details.
• Your DD-214 or Statement of Service shows if you qualify for Veterans' Preference, the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 or the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heros Act. We prefer the member 4 copy of your DD-214.
• If you qualify under the Schedule A appointing authority, include a disability letter.
• Include a performance appraisal as proof of federal employment.
• Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.
• A separation notification used to determine employment eligibility.
• Your SF-15 shows if you qualify for 10-point Veterans' Preference.
• Your SF-50 shows a federal position you've held, grade level and duty location. Your SF-50 can support position changes, conversions or separation for employment eligibility.
• Transcripts may support your qualifications for a federal job and can include high school, college or other schools.

Resume (required) - Your resume must sufficiently describe how your experience fully meets the specialized experience requirements as stated in this announcement for each grade level(s) you are applying (see "Qualifications" section). **Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. Your resume must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. We cannot assume you have performed the experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. Resume must contain all of the following for each experience/position listed: job title, name of employer, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year format), hours worked per week, detailed description of duties performed, and if a Federal position, series and grade or equivalent. We will not access web pages linked on your resume to determine your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information.

For additional information see:

• USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job?
• USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL -Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation (documented within the last 18 months of employment) and 2) a list of any awards (e.g., superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last three years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is unavailable and indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at a satisfactory or above level.

Merit Promotion - All current Federal employees must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, current grade level and full performance level of the position held.  All reinstatement eligibles/former Federal employees must submit a SF-50 documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, grade level and full performance level of the position.  

Non-competitive eligibles - 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.

DD-214 and/or Vet Letter/SF-15 or VEOA - To receive consideration including veteran's preference points, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 12/04) and Vet letter. The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.

SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position.

CTAP/ICTAP - 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 80) and provide all 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.

Next steps