PATHWAYS RECENT GRADUATE - Transportation Specialist (Approvals Permits) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. PHMSA.HMHQ-2025-0001 Department Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Salary $45,146.00 to $88,926.00 Grade 05 to 09
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/14/2024 Close Date 12/4/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is for RECENT GRADUATES.  For additional information regarding the Recent Graduates program visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=graduates. 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is part of the Pathways Program and is open to Recent Graduates Eligibles only. For additional information please visit:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=graduates

Duties

As the Recent Graduate Compliance Investigator you will:

  • Assist in preparing explosives, fireworks, organic peroxide, and self- reactive material classification approval documents in final form for review.
  • Assist in reviewing, coordinating, and referring explosives, fireworks, organic peroxide, self- reactive material classification approval applications, DOT explosive test lab and fireworks certification agency approval applications to the Sciences Branch and / or the General Counsel’s Office in developing technical evaluations and risk assessments.
  • Assist in reviewing public comments received in response to proposed and final rule making notices and prepares replies to inquiries concerning proposed and final rules, and interpretations relevant to the programs.
  • Provide advice in the form of draft letters, memoranda, and telephone communications in response to written and oral inquiries from shippers, carriers, other government agencies and the general public regarding the applicability and application of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) or approvals.
  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Hazardous Materials Regulations, including new and pending changes to enable performance of duties involving classification documents, inspection, and enforcement activities. Maintain an understanding and applying the relevant APA 87-1 Standard regulations.
  • Represent the Department in meetings with officials of Federal, State, and local government departments and agencies, manufacturers, shippers, carriers, and trade associations. Participate in assisting in conference calls with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to use computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

The Ideal Candidate is described below:

  • Has skills to communicate information to federal and state agencies, the hazardous materials industry and public, on regulatory matters relating to the transportation of hazardous materials.
  • Has the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and to prioritize work in a changing environment.
  • Has a passion to excel, motivation to be a self-starter, a willingness to learn and a desire to work hard in a fast-paced team environment.
  • Knowledge or education in the area of chemistry would be preferrable.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen and meet Pathways Recent Graduate requirement.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
  • Review Required Documents Section as documents are required by closing date
  • Must meet Recent Grad requirements by closing date.

PATHWAYS RECENT GRADUATE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY - You must:

  • Provide required documentation to verify degree has been, or will be, completed prior to appointment.
  • Meet the basic qualification standards outlined under the Qualifications section for this series and grade level.
  • Exceptions are made for veterans, as defined in 5 USC 2108, who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during the two-year eligibility period described above. These individuals have a full two-year period of eligibility upon their release or discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may their eligibility period extend beyond six years from the date on which they completed their academic requirements.

If selected, you: 

  • Must sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement;
  • Will serve on an excepted service appointment for at least a two year trial period; 
  • Will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations;
  • Must be provided at least 40 hours of interactive training, directly linked to your employment field, within 45 days of appointment;
  • Will be assigned a mentor within 90 days of appointment;
  • Will be evaluated for conversion to a term or permanent appointment in the competitive service at the end of two years.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be  registered for the Selective Service.
  • DECLARATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT: Selectee is required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine suitability for federal employment.
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT:  Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • TRIAL PERIOD: The recent graduate is in a trial period throughout the entire Pathways Recent Graduate/FHWA PDP appointment.
  • PHYSICAL LOCATION: The recent graduate will be required to work onsite.

Qualifications

To determine which eligibility, review the following grade specific details.  You will be asked questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet this experience and/or education in your resume and/or uploaded transcripts or you may be deemed ineligible. 

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the education requirement AND experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-05 on Experience, you must have three years of general experience, with at least one year equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in:

  • Applying safety regulations and collecting and reviewing data.

To qualify for the GS-05 on Education, (refer to the 'Education Requirements' section for applicable degrees, transcript(s) are required) you must have:

  • A four year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree.

You can also qualify with a combination of applicable post high-school education and experience as noted above. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts.

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

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

To qualify for the GS-07 on Education, (refer to the 'Education Requirements' section for applicable degrees, transcript(s) are required) you must have:

  • At least 1 year of Graduate-level education (above a Bachelor's); OR A Bachelor's degree (Undergraduate) with Superior Academic Achievement*.

*Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.(In order to be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.)

  • 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.
  • 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 in your included resume and transcript(s).

To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07, it must include:

  • Experience applying safety regulations concerning hazardous materials; AND
  • Experience collecting, reviewing and analyzing data to prepare written summaries and reports.

To qualify for the GS-09 on Education, refer to the 'Education Requirements' section for applicable degrees, transcript(s) are required) you must have:

  • At least 2 years of progressively higher level Graduate education (above a Bachelor's) leading to an applicable degree.
    Master's degree or have been awarded a Master's or equivalent higher level Graduate degree.
    LL.B. or J.D., if related.

You can also qualify based on a combination of Graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported in your included resume and transcript(s).

RECENT GRADUATE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:
*Applicants must have obtained a qualifying associates, bachelors, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years unless military service interfered with a veterans eligibility to apply during that two year time frame. Veterans meeting the above exclusion may apply within 2 years of discharge or 6 years from the date of receipt of the degree whichever comes first.

(http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp) for information on crediting education.

You must provide a copy of ALL of your college/vocational/technical transcript(s). See  "Required Documents" section for additional information.

Applicants may refer to the U.S. Department of Education’s Institutional Accreditation System to determine whether their school/program is accredited: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx.

Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. See OPM's General Policies (http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp) for information on crediting education.

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.

Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/ and U.S. Department of Education website at http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

Foreign Education: If your education was completed or is from foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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:

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

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

EDUCATION INFORMATION:

College or university education -- Educational course work may be at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Successful completion of graduate level courses will be accepted as evidence that an applicant also possesses the knowledge taught in courses at lower levels in the same field.

Additional information

TRAINING: You must successfully complete a residential 6-week formal training course including any pre- and/or post-course training requirements. Travel to and from this residential training will be paid as allowed by government travel regulations. Individuals who do not successfully complete the training academy may be separated from employment with the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration.

MOBILITY AGREEMENT: Appointees will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement. If you decline a position due to geographic location, you will receive no further consideration under this announcement. This agreement states that in order to be placed in the program, or upon graduation from the program, you may be assigned to any location, within the Agency and that you will move to the new duty location. Failure to relocate can be used as the basis for non-selection and failure to relocate after completion of the program can be the basis for your termination from the Federal service.

IMPORTANT: Applicants must be open to geographic mobility for developmental assignments and permanent placement relocation nationwide. If you decline a position due to geographic location, you will receive no further consideration under this announcement.

SERVICE AGREEMENT: Appointees will be required to sign an agreement to continue in service upon completion of the Professional Development Program and serve in the agency for two times the length of the training period (approximately 24 months).

TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: This position is approved for occasional telework. 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. You are required to report to the office on a regular basis since this is not a full-time telework position, or approved as a remote work position.

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.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation

This announcement may be used to fill additional 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

All applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the DOT Pathways Recent Graduate Program requirements, then the education qualifications for this series, and finally if they meet the education and/or specialized experience requirements for the grade(s). 

All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume. If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.

You will not be considered for the position if any part of the application or supporting documentation is incomplete.  Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or adverse action after hiring.

Ultimately, the Automated Staffing Office is responsible for determining an applicant's eligibility. All applications that are verified to meet all of the requirements will be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants will not be rated or ranked. Qualified Recent Graduates will be referred to the hiring manager in unranked order by veteran preference status:  (1) Preference eligible having a compensable, service-connected disability of 10 percent or more; (2) all other candidates eligible for 10-point veteran preference; (3) candidates eligible for 5-point veteran preference; and (4) candidates not eligible for veteran preference.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

The following is a list of documents that are only required based on the type of position and consideration for which you are applying.  Please review each of the following sections to determine which, if any, additional documents you need to provide with your application.

RESUME: Your resume MUST contain specific information used to make a qualification determination that includes employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time or average number of hours worked per week,  and position titles.  If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level.  The resume should show relevant experience and education as well as support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes may be uploaded later in the application process.

COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE.

TRANSCRIPTS - are required if you are using education to qualify. The transcript may be an unofficial transcript at the time of application, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements. You will need to provide an official transcript if selected.

VETERANS: Your last DD214 (member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, that shows the type of discharge and all dates of active duty is required to verify your eligibility.  It need not be official.

  • If you wish to be considered as a preference eligible, you need to submit a copy of your DD214 (member-4 copy).
  • If you are claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability.  An SF-15 is desired, but not required.

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.

How to Apply

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://help.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
Address
DOT, PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMIN
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.  The most highly qualified candidates are then referred to the hiring manager for further consideration in veteran's preference order. 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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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