Program Analyst - DIRECT HIRE

This position is in FTA's Office of Transit Programs (Urbanized Area Programs Division). The office administers national capital and operating assistance for public transportation. The incumbent assists with program development, implementation, analysis, and oversight. Key tasks include managing day-to-day operations for assigned formula and competitive grant programs, developing guidance, and researching industry policies. Major duties: As a Program Analyst, you will: Be considered an expert on issues and tasks related to development and implementation of transit programs, including new programs resulting from legislation or those that require extensive external coordination with other federal programs. The work includes resolution of issues involving other federal agencies, grantees, regional offices, State or local authorities and/or headquarters personnel. Lead the development and provision of program guidance to FTA staff and grantees on competitive and formula grant programs as needed. Track the appropriations and obligations of congressional designated projects and activities and reports to Congress on unobligated balances. Approves discretionary projects for congressional notification and release prior to obligation. Research, prepare, and review written program guidance for major programs, which includes drafting and processing notices, orders, circulars, and other policy or guidance-related documents. Presents information about FTA programs and policies in meetings with internal/external stakeholders including elected officials, trade associations, professional organizations, grantees, and congressional staff. The ideal candidate is a skilled subject matter expert in federal grant administration who excels at bridging complex policy with practical program execution. A problem-solver with a strong background in federal grant frameworks, statutory regulations, and oversight governing formula and discretionary funding programs. Experience in 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 transportation policy, programs or procedures is desirable. The position is an excellent opportunity to advance their career with the Federal Transit Administration, work with transportation officials and meet the challenges of advancing transit systems across the United States. Qualifications: To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade that include: Knowledge of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 (Federal public transportation law) and related statutes, regulations, orders, circulars, notices, policies, procedures, past practices, and other Federal laws and regulations to grant development and implementation of formula and discretionary grant programs for urban areas. Experience evaluating program data and legislative requirements. Experience gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing program information to deliver briefs, technical reports, and oral presentations for a variety of audiences. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher-level 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: Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence. 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. Manages and Organizes Information - Identifies a need; gathers, organizes, and maintains information; determines its importance and accuracy, and communicates it by a variety of methods. To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 grade that include: Experience applying 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 (Federal public transportation law) and related statutes, regulations, orders, circulars, notices, policies, procedures, past practices, and other Federal laws and regulations to grant development and implementation of formula and discretionary grant programs for urban areas. Experience evaluating grant program data and legislative requirements to deliver actionable recommendations that enhance program operations. Experience developing policies, programs, and procedures and communicating that information to a variety of audiences including agency leadership, Congressional staff, and external stakeholders. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience. 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: Grants Management - Knowledge of requirements, practices, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence. Manages and Organizes Information - Identifies a need; gathers, organizes, and maintains information; determines its importance and accuracy, and communicates it by a variety of methods. To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade that include: Experience applying 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 (Federal public transportation law) and related statutes, regulations, orders, circulars, notices, policies, procedures, past practices, and other Federal laws and regulations to grant development and implementation of formula and discretionary grant programs for urban areas. Experience in providing technical assistance in the implementation of grant programs and recommending changes to enhance program operations. Experience developing policies, programs, and procedures and communicating that information to a variety of audiences including agency leadership, Congressional staff, and external stakeholders. 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: Grants Management - Knowledge of requirements, practices, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. Manages and Organizes Information - Identifies a need; gathers, organizes, and maintains information; determines its importance and accuracy, and communicates it by a variety of methods. Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence. 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 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.