This is a Pathways Recent Graduate position. The Volpe Center’s Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. The employee performs a range of Technology Policy Analyst duties that are designed to enhance his/her professional knowledge as a Technology Policy Analyst.  This is a one year appointment in the excepted service which may lead, at the agency’s discretion, to a time-limited or permanent appointment in the competitive service.  The full performance level of this position is GS-12.

The employee’s primary duty is to participate as a member of a team that conducts research and applies analytical methodologies on a broad set of topics as a means of developing, comparing, and evaluating policy options in support of successful transition of technologies (e.g., connected vehicles, automated vehicles, new transportation applications, or vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, among others) from research into adoption and use.

The ideal candidate for this position has (or is within receiving a degree by end of August 2013), in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.  In addition to courses in the major and related fields, a typical college degree would have included courses that involved analysis, writing, critical thinking, research, etc. These courses would have provided an applicant with skills and abilities sufficient to perform progressively more responsible work in the occupation.

THIS VACANCY IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 150 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AND WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON THE CLOSING DATE OR MIDNIGHT ON THE DAY THE 150^TH APPLICATION IS RECEIVED, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

This is an Excepted Service appointment.  You may be converted, without a break in service, to a term (time-limited), career, or career-conditional (permanent) appointment upon completion of program requirements without further competition, but there is no guarantee.  The selectee is in a trial period while on the Pathways Recent Graduates Program appointment.  If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to submit writing samples prior to your interview.

This announcement may be used to fill positions beginning the Summer of 2013.  Relocation is not offered with the position.

The starting salary is as follows:  GS-9, step 1:  $51,871 per year

Click here to learn more and to apply

About: An innovative, fee-for service organization, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT‘s) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is an internationally recognized Federal center of transportation innovation with a world-class, multidisciplinary technical team with expertise across all modes of transportation.  RITA coordinates the U.S. DOT’s research programs and is charged with advancing the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.

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The Volpe Center seeks multiple Technology Policy Analyst, GS-0101-13 in the Technology Innovation and Policy Division, (RVT-91) within the Advanced Transportation Technologies Technical Center. This division provides the technical and analytical support for research initiatives and decision-making at all levels of government and industry supporting all modes of transportation.  The Technology Policy Analysts primary duty is to participate as a member of a team that conducts research and applies analytical methodologies on a broad set of topics as a means of developing, comparing, and evaluating policy options in support of successful transition of technologies (e.g., connected vehicles, automated vehicles, new transportation applications, or vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, among others) from research into adoption and use.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in an environment with little policy precedence and where policy options have to be developed and created concurrently and iteratively with transportation related technology development.  This position is not focused on application of existing policies to IT or other systems, but is focused on the objective and rigorous development of new policies for new and emerging transportation technologies.

You must have superb analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, and be able to excel in an entrepreneurial, fast –paced environment. Transcripts are required (see details in “How to Apply” tab). If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to submit writing samples prior to your interview.

Note:  Please note that the application deadline is Monday, June 24, 2013. Click here to learn more and to apply.

About: An innovative, fee-for service organization, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (VolpeCenter), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S.DOT’s) Research and Innovative Technology Administration in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is an internationally recognized Federal center of transportation and logistics with a world-class, multidisciplinary technical team with expertise across all modes of transportation.

Application deadline: Monday, May 7, 2012

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is seeking an Supervisory General Engineer, GS-0801-15 to serve as Chief of the Energy Analysis and Sustainability Division at the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center). Located in the Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Volpe Center plays a unique role in looking across the transportation enterprise by applying its multi-disciplinary capabilities to anticipate future transportation issues and challenges across all modes of transportation. This position is based in Cambridge, MA.

Reporting to the Director of the Center for Environmental and Energy Systems, you will be responsible for developing, planning, and overseeing the performance of all the work within the Division’s portfolio of projects. The Division is responsible for providing analytical, regulatory and policy support related to transportation-related energy use and environmental sustainability in support of multiple agencies and organizations. The Division performs a broad range of analyses and evaluations pertaining to alternative energy sources and sustainability. This may include technical work in the environmental sciences, energy efficiency and renewable energy financing, mechanical engineering, electronics and chemical engineering, systems engineering, and economic, industry, and rulemaking analysis. The Division provides planning and management support for programs that promote improved energy-related technologies and practices in the transportation sector and improved transportation-related technologies and practices in the energy supply system. You will be responsible for managing the operation of the Division, including directing and supervising staff.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing, managing, and leading engineering research projects in order to develop transportation-related technologies, solutions, and policies in areas related to sustainability, alternative energy, and/or alternative fuels. To succeed in this position you must have an entrepreneurial outlook, with the ability to translate working relationships within your professional network into business and new program opportunities. Ability to travel 20% is required.

This announcement is posted to the Public and to Merit Promotion eligible applicants on www.usajobs.gov. Please know that Merit Promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

PUBLIC (RITA.VOLPE-2012-0064): http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/314705100

MERIT PROMOTION (RITA.VOLPE-2012-0063): http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/314704500

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration seeks a senior executive to serve as the Director of the Center for Safety Management Systems (RVT-30) of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center). Located in the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Volpe Center plays a unique role in looking across the transportation enterprise by applying its multi-disciplinary capabilities to anticipate future transportation issues and challenges across all modes of transportation. This is a permanent position in the Senior Executive Service, and it is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Reporting to the Deputy Associate Administrator for Research and Innovation, you will lead and oversee the Center for Safety Management Systems comprised of three technical divisions with a combined technical/scientific federal staff of 80 employees; a portfolio of 93 projects; and average annual obligations of $70 million. This Center maintains and applies internationally recognized capabilities in the acquisition, maintenance, distribution, and analysis of transportation safety data to assist transportation entities in taking effective actions to reduce the number and severity of transportation-related deaths, injuries, and property damage. The Director will also collaborate with other Technical Center Directors in overseeing Volpe’s support for safety programs for other DOT organizations in addition to safety management systems for FAA and FMCSA.
To succeed in this rewarding and challenging leadership position, candidates must have expertise leading applied research and technology projects in safety management systems in the transportation field. Candidates must also possess exceptional management, planning and communication skills, and be willing and able to contribute as part of a collaborative management team. Travel is required (30-50%).

The announcement is posted to the Public at http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/311508000

Application deadline: Extended to May 1, 2012

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks several Operations Research Analysts to join several of the Centers of Innovation (COI) at the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center). RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.

This is one of eight Centers of Innovation (COI) at the Volpe Center whose function is to undertake transportation policy analysis and research that contributes to a compelling vision of the 21st Century transportation enterprise and supports decision making in the development, management, operation, and financing of an integrated multimodal national transportation system that meets 21st Century mobility needs for goods and people. These positions are located at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA.

RITA has  exciting career opportunities across several of its COI’s for recent graduates and mid-level Operations Research Analysts interested in conducting analyses of policies, programs, operations and systems to support the development of its  clients’ decision-making, operations and strategic planning as well as the deployment of advanced technology at the local, regional, and national level.

In this role, you will formulate, plan, and conduct analyses as well as assist senior project managers in planning and coordinating projects and conducting the assigned project segments. You will gather and analyze data using a variety of analytical techniques (e.g. surveys, literature reviews, stakeholder outreach; trade-off analysis, economic and/or regulatory impact analysis, etc.); analyze data sources to determine data quality and develop summary statistics. You will assess the readiness of agencies and the readiness of technologies for adoption; document findings in technical reports and present results before a variety of audiences.

These are great opportunities for new and mid-level professionals with strong quantitative and qualitative analysis background who excel in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment. You must have superb problem-solving, communication and presentation skills. Experience or interest in transportation is a plus. Transcripts are required (instructions on how to submit them are listed in the How to Apply tab). Writing samples will be required of all applicants identified as best qualified for the job.

These Operations Research Analyst GS-1515-11/12 positions (RITA-VOLPE-2011-0007) opened Wednesday, November 3, and the application deadline is Monday, January 14, 2011. The official announcement may be found here: Operations Research Analysts 11/12 (RITA.VOLPE-2011-0007)

The first application review date will be close of business Monday, November 15, 2010.  Thereafter, we will do monthly reviews and referrals of applications with the final review occurring after January 14, 2011 (application deadline). Given the continuing need for professionals in this field, RITA will review applications and refer the top candidates for interviews multiple times during the open period of the announcement.

If you or someone you know has the experience and proven results, I encourage you or them to apply under the following vacancy announcement. We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

Good luck!

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for an Intermittent Electronics Engineer/Operations Research Analyst.

RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.  This position is located within the Center of Innovation for Advanced Vehicles and Information Network Systems, at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA.

The Research Engineer/ORA will define, manage, conduct, and direct evaluation research efforts relating to safety critical performance issues in surface transportation systems, in the context of related technology policy considerations. Studies are related to vehicle and wayside navigation guidance and control system technologies relative to performance characteristics, potential vulnerabilities, and malfunction  modes  and mitigation methods, protection against electronic security threats and attacks, and preservation of personal; information and identification privacy.

This is a permanent, intermittent position; work will be performed on an as-needed basis, as projects arise; the number of hours will depend on the breadth and scope of assignments. The position may be filled as either an Electronics Engineer or an Operations Research Analyst.

If you know someone interested in this Cambridge, MA based position who has the experience and proven results, please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The vacancy announcement can be found on:

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/JobTitle=ElectronicsEngineer+OperationsResearchAnalyst

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for an IT Specialist (Network Services). RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.  This position is located at the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), an innovative fee-for service organization which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT’s) Research and Innovative Technology Administration in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Volpe Center is an internationally recognized Federal center of transportation and logistics with a world-class, multidisciplinary technical team with expertise across all modes of transportation.

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented IT Specialist (Network Services) to serve as key member of the Safety Data, Collection, and Distribution Division. In this exciting role the ideal candidate must have demonstrated experience in providing technical support for technology systems by planning, designing, and managing network environments within or related to a transportation field.

This announcement is open to the general public and under merit promotion for current or former federal employees and people eligible under special hiring authorities. Please note that merit promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

The general public announcement can be found via the link below:

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/IT Specialist_PUBLIC

The merit promotion announcement can be found via the link below:

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/IT Specialist_MERIT PROMOTION

Please direct any questions to Tara Smallidge, Volpe Human Resources, at 617-494-2450.

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for a Community Planner.  RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.  This position is located within the Transportation Policy, Planning, and Organizational Excellence Division at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA.

The Professional Capacity Building Program Manager will manage Professional Capacity Building (PCB) programs in three key areas which include Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Innovative Program Delivery, and Transportation Planning.   They will provide technical leadership for these programs as well as oversight and program management of projects and staffing needs in all phases of the capacity building program cycle.

The position will plan and conduct outreach events and other efforts, such as implementing websites, webinars, workshops, peer exchanges, databases, brochures, scans and other capacity building tools and techniques.   The incumbent will design curricula and plan innovative methods of delivery; monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PCB activities; scope out new projects and design new program activities.

If you know someone interested in this Cambridge, MA based position that has the experience and proven results, please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  USDOT is looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The vacancy announcement can be found on http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=87796834&JobTitle=CommunityPlanner

Please direct any questions to Susan Faldasz, Volpe Human Resources, at 617-494-2339.