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Program Manager (Safety) - SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Federal Transit Administration
San Francisco, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/19/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/17/2026
Summary

This position serves as a liaison between FTA Headquarters and the Regional Office (TRO) performing a myriad of safety, oversight and compliance activities to advance FTA’s safety mission. The position may work with recipients, Regional and HQ staff on safety and enforcement concerns discovered in the program areas. This position coordinates with stakeholders to provide information for safety compliance in program areas during technical compliance reviews, and for related safety activities.

Duties

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This position is geographically located in a single FTA Regional Office but may be responsible for carrying out job responsibilities for multiple regions, as stated below:

  • Serves as the liaison between Regional Offices and TSO Headquarters as a part of the Safety Management Process by providing advice in identifying, reviewing, and escalating safety issues.
  • Provides communication and liaison support between Regional Offices and TSO.
  • Supports recipients and the region in safety grant applications, project implementation, inspection, oversight, and coordination activities.


The ideal candidate for this position is a motivated, experienced, and self-reliant professional with exceptional communication skills and analytical abilities, as well as a customer service mindset. This candidate will also be able to travel 25% to 30% for the position.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
  • You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.


CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In 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.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).


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 Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

  • Experience utilizing methods and techniques to conduct analytical studies and/or projects relating to transit safety-oriented programs.
  • Experience interpreting, drafting, reviewing, and editing transit safety guidance or regulations.
  • Experience communicating information to internal and external stakeholders.


To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

  • Experience utilizing, managing, and reporting methods and techniques to conduct analytical studies and/or projects directly related to transit safety-oriented programs.
  • Experience interpreting, drafting, reviewing, and editing transit safety guidance or regulations.
  • Experience communicating, leading, and presenting information to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience overseeing and leading work, summarizing and reporting team progress and project status, and providing mentorship to other team members and staff.


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:

  • Safety Technical Analysis: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to identify, control, mitigate, and eliminate safety hazards in the design and use of facilities, equipment, operations, and work processes; Knowledge of the principles of safety, environmental issues, and accident prevention program administration.
  • Transit Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of rail transit operations, maintenance, and safety; knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations governing facilities, bus and rail operations as well as construction projects.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated skill and ability to communicate orally and in writing on technical and non-technical subject matter with state and local officials, agency and DOT officials and to assist in making presentations to groups.


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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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. Code9202(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.

    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.

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    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.

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