USDOT seeks to fill a number of fulltime permanent Community Planners at entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level (grades GS-07, GS-09, GS-11, and GS-12). Selectees would be assigned to one of the following divisions: Organizational Performance Division (RVT-22), Transportation Planning Division (RVT-23), or other divisions within the Volpe Center. This position is located in the Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The ideal candidates should have an interest in joining our consulting teams to develop, plan, and implement guidance, tools, strategies, policies, plans, and programs related to transportation planning, environmental stewardship, realty, and transportation research. As part of our teams, you will help increase the level of expertise of transportation professionals within our clients’ organizations; support better-prepared transportation plans that serve national, state, regional, and local needs; and advance professional capacity building initiatives across federal and state agencies. You will work with several teams contributing to major projects, and lead other smaller projects. This is a great opportunity for professionals with varying levels of experience in transportation planning, professional capacity building, and strategic and community and stakeholder involvement.

You must have superb analytical, communications, and problem-solving skills, and be able to excel in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment. Transcripts are required. You will be required to submit writing samples if you are invited to interview.

If you or someone you know is interested in this position with relevant experience and a demonstrable record of proven results, I encourage you or them to apply. We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

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

The open period is: 12/17/2013 to 12/27/2013

Application deadline: Friday, December 27, 2013

Merit Promotion Announcement:  RITA.VOLPE-2014-0027 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/357546200

Public Announcement: RITA.VOLPE-2014-0026 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/357544200

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

Note: This is an SES position. 

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) in the U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking a dynamic executive to serve as the Deputy Director, Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The Deputy Director is responsible for guiding the Bureau’s programs, as described in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users of 2005, under the direction of the Secretary of the Department, and the RITA Administrator and Director of the Bureau.

As such, this executive will support the Director in leading the transportation data compilation, analysis and statistical programs of the Bureau, and its related research and development activities. The Deputy Director’s responsibilities will be to manage and direct the operations of the Bureau to ensure the quality of the programs in developing statistical guidelines, statistics and data systems that provide effective information on the status, performance, trends and impacts of transportation nationwide.

The individual filling this position needs to be a dynamic leader with fresh ideas and strong background in transportation and statistics. Furthermore, the individual we are seeking must have proven executive skills commensurate with a position at this level including, but not limited to, excellent interpersonal, communication, and planning skills; and extensive experience in managing resources (financial and human) in a large multi-disciplinary organization. While not required, executive experience in the Department/Federal government and an advanced technical degree are desirable.

If you know someone who has the qualities described above and who may be interested in learning more about this challenging position, please encourage them to apply for this vacancy. We want to attract a diverse pool of candidates from within and outside the government who can bring strong executive skills to the position. The vacancy announcement can be found at: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/305933100 

PLEASE NOTE: Closing date has been extended! ( March 5, 2012)

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration seeks several Community Planners to join the  Transportation Policy and Planning Technical Center (RVT-20) of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center).  Located in 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. These positions are based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

We seek several talented Community Planners interested in joining our consulting teams to develop, plan, and implement guidance, tools, strategies, and programs related to transportation planning, environmental stewardship, realty, and transportation research. As part of our teams, you will help increase the level of expertise of transportation professionals within our clients’ organizations; support better-prepared transportation plans that serve state and local government needs; and advance professional capacity building initiatives across Federal and state agencies. You will work with several teams contributing to major projects, and lead other smaller projects.

These are great opportunities for professionals with varying levels of experience in transportation planning, professional capacity building, and strategic and community and stakeholder involvement. 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 in the official announcement). You will be required to submit writing samples if you are invited to interview.

Given our ongoing needs, we will review applications and refer top candidates for interviews multiple times during the open period of the announcement. The first application review will be January 23, 2012. Thereafter, we will do monthly reviews with the final one occurring after the application deadline, Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

The Community Planner GS-0020-11-12 (Term Appointments) announcement is posted to the Public on www.usajobs.opm.gov: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/306978700.

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration is looking for an executive to serve as the Director of the Center of Innovation (COI) Air Traffic Systems and Operations of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center).  Located in 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.

Reporting to the Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Innovation and Technology, the COI Director will lead and oversee the Air Traffic Systems and Operations COI comprised of four technical divisions – Navigation and Surveillance; Operations Risk Assessment and Terminal Systems; Traffic Flow Management; and Communications and Operations.  This COI has a combined technical/scientific federal staff of 85 employees; a 150 project portfolio; and average annual obligations of $80 million, representing one-third of the Center’s portfolio. Through close collaboration with other Volpe Center COI Directors, the COI Director will assist in the development of FAA and other strategic initiatives and new program opportunities, and, as needed, serve as liaison to FAA leaders in working with managers across the Volpe Center.

To succeed in this rewarding and challenging leadership position, the COI Director must have expertise leading applied research and technology projects – ideally as an engineer/scientist- in one or more areas of air traffic operations and systems, including aviation communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS), and air traffic control safety and security.  This individual must also possess exceptional management, planning and communication skills, and be able and willing to contribute as part of a collaborative management team.  While not required, an advanced scientific or technical degree is highly desirable. Travel is required (30-50%).

The vacancy announcement can be found on COI Director, Air Traffic Systems and Operations (attached find a copy of the vacancy announcement).