Supervisory Government Information Specialist

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration's (PHMSA) mission is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials that are essential to our lives. To do this, the agency establishes national policy, sets and enforces standards, educates, and conducts research to prevent incidents. We also prepare the public and first responders to reduce consequences if an incident does occur.

The Supervisory Government Information Specialist: Oversees FOIA requests from intake through final response, including managing a personal docket, reviewing records, applying exemptions, conducting consultations, and drafting responses and correspondence. Supervises FOIA Office personnel by assigning work, establishing deadlines, conducting performance appraisals, and providing guidance, mentoring, training, and career development. Leads and manages the PHMSA FOIA program, developing and improving policies, processes, and procedures, and maintaining a comprehensive FOIA reference guide aligned with changes in law and policy. Serves as PHMSA's primary FOIA liaison with DOT's FOIA Officer and other modal administrations, while participating in Department-wide FOIA management meetings and coordinating on non-FOIA media and document-production matters. Acts as the primary FOIA program-management contact for internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, industry, educational institutions, news media, and the general public. The ideal candidate for this position is a senior level professional with demonstrated experience and extensive knowledge of FOIA rules, regulations and procedures that supplies them with the skill to oversee an agency- wide FOIA program, and related records management and privacy issues. Experience handling Exemption 4 consultations and with FOIAXpress is highly desired. Experience or training in the legal field is also highly desired.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may 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. SUPERVISORY PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed). BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. 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.