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Supervisory Transportation Program Specialist DIRECT HIRE


Job Location:

Chicago, IL - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 165386 - 165386
Posted: 6 October 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 4 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

This position is in the Office of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region 5 located in Chicago IL. You will serve as the Deputy RegionalAdministrator under the supervision of the Regional Administrator.


Duties

As a Supervisory Transportation Program Specialist you will:

  • Directs the management of Federal-aid planning capital and operating grants assuring that projects are initiated and implemented based uponthe consideration of environmental engineering economic social and technological factors as well as grantee experience. Assures all significantactions involving project development and application follow all policies. Recommends FTA project financing approval or disapproval.
  • Provides executive direction for the project planning and management programs and for oversight and guidance in the management of FTAgrants. Ensures the timely performance of project activities.
  • Provides direction for the accomplishment of civil rights and legal actions consistent with delegations of authority.
  • Supervises regional administrative planning financial and oversight staff. Directs the management of regional resources the establishment ofpolicies and goals for management services and support including training budget formulation and administration financial management auditand general administrative activities. Represents the interest of the Regional Office in all administrative and personnel matters.

The ideal candidate for this position is a senior-level professional and has experience managing cross-disciplined teams and large complex transportationprojects with significant knowledge of the transportation industry. The candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills andbe able to convey ideas and make recommendations to senior internal and external stakeholders. The candidate must have a strong work ethicand be resilient in high-pressure and changing environments.


Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicants successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • SUPERVISORY PROBATIONARY PERIOD: New supervisors must complete a 1-year probationary period (unless already completed).
Qualifications

This announcement has an Individual Occupation Requirement (IOR).

  • Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled.

PLEASErefer to theEducation Requirements section of the announcement to review requirements for the education portion of this series.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position you must also meet the specialized experience requirements.

To qualify for Grade 15 you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14 it must include:

  • Experience leading managing and supervising staff responsible for program operations and project delivery and providing guidance related to policy and program requirements and creating innovative solutions to improvepractices and processes.
  • Experience interpreting developing and implementing rules regulations and policy to ensure compliance as well asnegotiating program policy and project issues.
  • Experience with planning managing and overseeing agency initiatives contracting procedures and a workingknowledge of contract Law as well as the Federal Transit Act.

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 and Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear concise organized and convincing manner for the intended audience.
  • Strategic Thinking - Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization in a global economy. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
  • Leadership - Influences motivates and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
  • Transportation Program Management - Comprehensive knowledge of the role that the FTA and the federal government (including OMB Treasury GSA and OPM) play in funding transportation programs nationwide; roles and responsibilities of federal state and local transportation partners.

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: applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.


Required Experience:

Manager