Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Government Information Specialist at PHMSA

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for government transparency and public policy? The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a vital component of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is seeking a leader to manage its FOIA and public records programs. This high-level position offers the chance to influence organizational policy and protect the safety of the American public.

Job Responsibilities

The Supervisory Government Information Specialist serves as the final authority on FOIA matters. Key duties include:

Overseeing the lifecycle of FOIA requests from intake to final response.
Mentoring and supervising staff, including performance management.
Developing and modernizing FOIA policies and electronic tracking systems.
Serving as a primary liaison between PHMSA and DOT leadership.
Resolving complex legal and policy conflicts regarding public disclosure.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the specific specialized experience required for either GS-14 or GS-15 levels. Below is a comparison of the typical requirements for these high-ranking federal positions:

Feature	GS-14 Requirement	GS-15 Requirement
Scope	Manage FOIA/Records Program	Executive Lead & Strategy
Leadership	Leading research & projects	Directing staff & accountability
Policy	Analyzing legal changes	Setting long-term strategy

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $143,913 - $197,200 per year.
Federal Benefits: Competitive health insurance, retirement plans, generous paid leave, and structured career growth.

Application Tips

Read the Two-Page Limit Rule: Your resume must be no more than two pages long.
Narrative Formatting: Write your experience in full paragraphs detailing your role, agency, and achievements.
SF-50 Accuracy: If you are a federal employee, combine all SF-50s into one PDF to prove your 52-week service history clearly.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact at the Department of Transportation. If you are prepared to lead with integrity and excellence, submit your application before the closing date.

Why This Supervisory Government Information Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of transparency and public safety at the Department of Transportation—lead the FOIA and privacy programs at PHMSA.

Supervisory Government Information Specialist Job Overview

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Government Information Specialist to manage its agency-wide Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public records program. This role is pivotal in ensuring transparency, protecting sensitive information, and navigating complex legal and policy environments at the intersection of energy safety and public disclosure.

Requirements for Supervisory Government Information Specialist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet specialized experience requirements for GS-14 or GS-15 grade levels.
Must complete a one-year probationary period and a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Must undergo a successful background security investigation.
Must satisfy 52-week time-in-grade requirements for internal federal applicants.
Must register with the Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959.
Must be willing to travel and use a government-issued travel card.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Government Information Specialist

Experience managing Exemption 4 consultations.
Proficiency with FOIAXpress software.
Formal education or training in the legal field.
Proven history of leading teams and managing organizational budgets.
Advanced ability to design metrics to measure program success.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work options including potential telework.
✓Ongoing career development and leadership training programs.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Government Information Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Government Information Specialist Job

Register for an account on USAJobs if you have not already done so.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure you meet all requirements.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it is limited to a maximum of two pages and includes all required details.
Gather supporting documentation, including SF-50s, DD214s, or performance appraisals as required.
Click 'Apply Online' to submit your application and complete the assessment questionnaire.
Verify that all documents have successfully transferred to the system before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; only the first two pages will be reviewed.
Be explicit in your narrative; HR cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Map your resume experience directly to the specialized experience described in the announcement.
Combine your SF-50s into a single PDF to prove your 52-week time-in-grade clearly.
Double-check your application status within your USAJobs portal after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the page limit for the resume?

Per the Merit Hiring Plan, your resume must be no longer than two pages. Additional pages will not be reviewed.

Can I submit a cover letter?

Only the first two pages of your resume will be evaluated. Additional materials such as cover letters are not reviewed during the phase I assessment.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The position is telework-eligible, though not fully remote. You should be prepared to work in the Washington, D.C. area.

Job from Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

The U.S. Department of Transportation is tasked with ensuring the safety, efficiency, and modernization of our nation's infrastructure. PHMSA specifically focuses on the safe transport of energy and hazardous materials. Joining our team means contributing to a "Golden Age of Transportation" where your work directly impacts public safety, environmental protection, and national security.