Become a Leader in National Transportation Safety
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently seeking a highly skilled and strategic leader for the position of Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief). Based in Washington, D.C., this GS-15 role is pivotal in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation’s motor carrier industry. If you are a results-driven professional with a passion for regulatory excellence and program management, this position offers a unique opportunity to influence national infrastructure policy.
Job Responsibilities
As the Division Chief, you will:
- Direct Strategy: Lead the development and implementation of national safety policies for motor carriers.
- Manage Operations: Provide leadership and guidance to a team of specialized staff focused on compliance and enforcement.
- Ensure Regulatory Success: Interpret complex federal regulations and translate them into actionable, agency-wide programs.
- Communicate Policy: Serve as a technical expert, providing briefings to field staff and stakeholders regarding compliance initiatives and training.
- Solve Complex Problems: Utilize data-driven techniques to identify programmatic challenges and implement efficient, long-term solutions.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent).
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Integrity: Successful completion of a background security investigation.
- Documentation: All required documents, including SF-50s and performance appraisals, must be uploaded via the application portal by the closing date.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $169,279 - $197,200 |
| Job Level | GS-15 (Supervisory) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Closing Date | August 7, 2026 |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $169,279 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales. In addition to a generous salary, employees enjoy the comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, and substantial paid leave.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages. The system will not process extra pages.
- Be Detailed: Clearly define your previous roles, dates of employment, and specific technical contributions.
- Verify: Check your application status on USAJobs regularly and ensure all PDF attachments are correctly uploaded.
This role is an ideal step for an experienced professional looking to make a lasting difference in federal transportation. With a high level of responsibility, a collaborative team, and a critical mission, the FMCSA is looking for leaders who can shape the future of safety in America.
Why This Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Matters
Lead the charge in highway safety and compliance as a Division Chief with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Overview
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking a visionary Supervisory Transportation Specialist to serve as the Division Chief within the Office of Enforcement and Compliance in Washington, D.C. In this executive-level role, you will direct critical initiatives that shape the safety of the nation's motor carrier transportation systems. You will lead a high-performing team of specialists, develop national safety policies, and translate complex regulatory goals into actionable compliance strategies that directly impact American families, workers, and businesses.
Requirements for Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period (and a one-year supervisory probationary period, if applicable).
- Must register for Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959.
- Must adhere to time-in-grade restrictions for federal applicants.
- Must hold a valid government travel card for official business.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)
- Expert knowledge of federal and state regulatory policies related to motor carrier safety.
- Proven track record in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to assess program efficiency.
- Strong ability to translate technical, complex regulatory data into clear, persuasive communications for diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience in resource management and strategic planning within a regulatory environment.
- Academic background in business administration, economics, transportation, or related fields.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with step increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Work-life balance through telework eligibility.
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job
- Create or update your USAJobs profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50s, performance appraisals, and DD214 forms if applicable.
- Navigate to the application portal to complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Verify all documents have successfully uploaded before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJobs dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; additional pages will not be reviewed.
- Be specific regarding dates of employment, hours worked per week, and job series/grades.
- Ensure your resume directly addresses the required competencies listed in the announcement.
- Submit all required proof-of-eligibility documents, such as SF-50s or performance reviews, before the deadline.
- Double-check your application for clarity and completeness, as the HR office will not make assumptions about your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per agency policy, your resume must be no longer than two pages to be considered.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this role is eligible for telework, supporting a modern and flexible work environment.
What happens if I forget to submit my SF-50?
Failure to submit required documents by the closing date will result in your immediate removal from consideration.
What is the primary focus of the Compliance Division?
*A: The division focuses on monitoring and evaluating safety programs to reduce risks within the motor carrier industry.*
Is there a probationary period?
*A: Yes, you must complete a one-year probationary period and a one-year supervisory probationary period.*
Job from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The Department of Transportation (DOT) and its operating administration, the FMCSA, are committed to fostering a safe, collaborative, and high-performing environment. As a key player in the government’s efforts to modernize infrastructure and prioritize public safety, the DOT is consistently ranked as a top place to work within the federal government. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that serves American families, workers, and businesses through rigorous safety standards and innovative program development.
