Become a Leader in Transportation Safety: Supervisory Transportation Specialist (HAZMAT) at the FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently seeking a highly experienced professional to fill the role of Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - HAZMAT). If you possess the leadership skills and technical expertise to oversee national safety initiatives, this GS-15 position offers a unique chance to impact how hazardous materials are transported across the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As the Division Chief, you will lead a team of specialists dedicated to the motor carrier and hazardous materials industry. Your responsibilities include:
- Policy Oversight: Directing the development and administration of agency policies.
- Regulatory Guidance: Providing technical expertise on hazardous materials regulations (HMR).
- Program Evaluation: Using analytical techniques to measure the effectiveness of safety programs.
- Leadership: Mentoring staff and communicating complex technical information to diverse stakeholder groups.
Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must meet the following:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience at the GS-14 level.
- Probationary Periods: Successful completion of both standard and supervisory probationary periods.
- Background Investigation: Favorable adjudication of a security clearance.
Comparison: General Schedule (GS) vs. Private Sector Senior Management
| Feature | Federal GS-15 Role | Private Sector Director |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Comprehensive/Pension | Competitive/Variable |
| Job Security | High (Tenured) | Market Dependent |
| Mission Impact | Public Safety/National | Profit/Growth Focused |
| Work-Life Balance | Regulated/Telework | Often Unbounded |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-15 level, offering an annual salary range of $169,279 to $197,200, depending on qualification and federal pay regulations.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance.
- Federal Retirement (FERS).
- Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays.
- Professional development and training.
Application Tips
- Two-Page Limit: Do not exceed two pages for your resume.
- Documentation: Ensure SF-50s clearly show your 52-week time-in-grade.
- Clarity: Use narrative paragraphs to explain your impact, not just bulleted lists.
This role is an ideal fit for a seasoned professional looking to transition their expertise into a high-level government leadership position. If you are ready to serve the public interest and advance transportation safety, apply today.
Why This Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - Hazmat) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Matters
Shape the future of national transportation safety as the Chief of the Hazardous Materials Division at the FMCSA.
Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - Hazmat) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Overview
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - HAZMAT). Based in Washington, D.C., this executive-level role is central to the Office of Enforcement and Compliance. You will manage high-level policies, direct programmatic strategies, and oversee regulatory efforts to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials across the United States. This is a high-impact position for a professional dedicated to infrastructure security, operational excellence, and protecting the public interest.
Requirements for Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - Hazmat) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level or equivalent.
- Completion of a one-year supervisory probationary period.
- Successful background security investigation and adjudication.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must maintain a government-issued travel card for official business.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements for current or former federal employees.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - Hazmat) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)
- Expertise in Hazardous Materials Regulations.
- Advanced analytical and evaluative skills for program assessment.
- Proven ability to translate technical legislative requirements into actionable agency policies.
- Superior oral and written communication skills for diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience in cross-agency collaboration and regulatory enforcement.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership advancement.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Telework eligibility as per agency policy.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - Hazmat) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Division Chief - Hazmat) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job
- Register for a USAJobs account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure the resume explicitly includes employment dates (MM/YYYY), job series/grade, and hours per week.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s (if applicable).
- Submit the full package before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; additional pages will not be reviewed.
- Use paragraph format to describe your experience rather than bulleted lists to ensure clarity for HR reviewers.
- Quantify your accomplishments and specify the tools or techniques you used to achieve results.
- For federal applicants, provide clear documentation of 52-week time-in-grade via two separate SF-50s.
- Check for confirmation of your file transfers before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per current OPM requirements, your resume must be no longer than two pages to be considered for this position.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this role is telework eligible, subject to agency policy and supervisory approval.
Can I submit my application after the closing date?
No, applications must be submitted in full by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of the announcement.
Is a degree required?
While specific education in fields like business, engineering, or transportation is relevant, specialized experience is the primary driver for qualification.
How do I check my status?
Log into your USAJobs dashboard to view application updates.
Job from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its operating administration, the FMCSA, are committed to modernizing infrastructure and prioritizing safety. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the federal government, the DOT fosters an environment of innovation, discipline, and accountability.