Jobs and internships
Careers at BTS
Ready to work on the intersection of data analytics and transportation? Want to help transform the way data and statistics inform policy decisions? BTS is the principal federal statistical agency within the Department of Transportation, leading the department in data analytics, survey design and data-driven research. We provide independent, objective, comprehensive and relevant information to decision makers and the public; your work in the positions below will help us examine the extent and use of America’s transportation systems, how those systems perform, and transportation's impacts.
The selected individuals will have opportunities to guide national surveys, perform research on statistical methodology to enhance data quality and usability, direct innovations to improve efficiency and timeliness of data collection and production, lead BTS privacy and confidentiality efforts, oversee and manage contracts, and represent BTS in various settings.
Applications in all areas of statistics and data science are welcome. For questions or more information, please contact BTSjobs@dot.gov.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements of the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
PERMANENT POSITIONS
BTS is expanding its permanent staff of career civil servants. Many of these positions are being filled through Direct Hire Authority rather than through individual announcements in USAJobs. If you are interested in any of the positions listed at the bottom of this page, resumes directly to BTSjobs@dot.gov with the position title in the subject line.
FELLOWS
The BTS Fellows program prepares a diverse, highly talented, educated, and skilled pool of individuals to address science, technology and policy issues related to transportation systems, and enhances the future workforce to be both knowledgeable and trained in fields of specific interest to transportation and statistics agencies. BTS Fellows become members of teams working on topics of national importance and will become part of the future supply of individuals with specific experience in national and international transportation statistics, data science, research and policy. Some go on to join the USDOT as staff members; others will collaborate with USDOT scientists from academic or other positions; and all will make professional contributions in areas of importance to the USDOT mission.
BTS Fellows receive a highly competitive stipend, health insurance subsidy, travel and moving reimbursement, and an allowance for education, scientific activities and professional development. Fellows join BTS for a one-to-three-year appointment at the USDOT.
BTS is currently seeking people interested in bringing transformative change to the Federal Government. These post-graduate research and developmental opportunities will infuse fresh perspective, skills, and methodologies regularly into BTS processes, products, and initiatives. Fellow appointments are listed at Fellow Opportunities.
- Applications are being accepted for a Transportation Data Fellow.
INTERNSHIPS
BTS also hosts internship positions. Interns work closely with BTS professional staff and become engaged in high profile statistical and research projects involving data from across the nation's transportation system. This includes collection and analysis of national and state level transportation data on passenger and freight movements, airline performance, maritime operations, and economic indicators. Interns can also work on statistical methodology challenges and presentation of findings from geospatial data analysis. As part of BTS, the National Transportation Library also deploys graduate students to identify data sources and build national knowledge networks.
DIRECT HIRE POSITIONS
BTS is currently hiring for several positions. For the positions immediately below, we have Direct Hire Authority
As stated above, BTS is using Direct Hire Authority to fill several positions. Direct Hire positions are not listed on USAJobs. Email resumes directly to BTSjobs@dot.gov with the position title in the subject line. You must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for consideration.
- Statisticians who will participate in national surveys and improve statistical programs (GS 11–14, direct hire authority for statistics series).
- An Equity Economist who will conduct studies to understand the equity implications of transportation (GS 12–14, direct hire authority for economists).
- A Financial Economist who will serve as a leading expert in local, state, and federal transportation finance (GS 12–14, direct hire authority for economists).
- A Commercial Aviation Industry Economist to develop statistical products and understanding related to the effects of transportation on the national and regional economies and the effects of economic conditions on transportation. (GS 12–13).
- A Freight Modeler/Econometrician to develop statistical products and understanding related to the effects of freight transportation on the national and regional economies and the effects of economic conditions on freight transportation. Please submit resume by September 22. (GS 12–14).
- A Freight Applications Manager to develop statistical products from the Freight Analysis Framework and other freight data programs to assist transportation planners and other potential data users. (GS 13–14, direct hire authority for economics/statistics/transportation specialist series).
- An Aviation Analyst Transportation Specialist who will play an important role in that assists in planning and conducting studies to help understand the major issues facing aviation (GS 12–13, direct hire authority for transportation specialist series).
- A Climate Analyst Transportation Specialist who will play an important role in that assists in planning and conducting studies to help understand the major issues in transportation climate change mitigation and adaptation. (GS 12–13, direct hire authority for transportation specialist series).
- An International Transportation Specialist who will play an important role in planning and conducting a broad and significant range of studies to help understand the major issues in international transportation (GS 12–13, direct hire authority for transportation specialist series).
- A Technical Writer to tell the story of transportation and its effects on society and to provide detailed technical documentation that assists users and providers of transportation statistics. (GS 12–14).
- A Transportation Specialist (Passenger Analyst/NTS) has an important role in participating in and managing the collection and analysis of multi-modal transportation data and emerging trends while using background planning and project management techniques and knowledge of Transportation. In addition, the ideal candidate should exhibit good oral and written ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The Specialist provides professional knowledge in one or more specialized areas of expertise while working closely with statisticians, economists, and other Specialists (GS 12–14).
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A Transportation Specialist (Transportation Systems Analyst) will play an important role that assists in analyzing historical data and trends, using that information to guide future planning. Conducting a broad and significant range of studies to help understand the major issues in transportation with knowledge and analysis. The position identifies gaps and inconsistencies in transportation data and provides a body of research that can be used to develop DOT policy. The Specialist provides professional knowledge in one or more specialized areas of expertise while working closely with statisticians, economists, and other Specialists (GS 12–14).
USAJobs Positions
- A NTAD Operations Specialist (Geographer) to assist in the management and publication of the National Transportation Atlas Database (NTAD). (GS 12–13). Click here to apply.
- A Federal Geographic Data Committee Transportation Theme Analyst (Geographer) to work with senior level staff to implement the Transportation Theme strategic plan, conduct outreach, develop geospatial standards and facilitate operations of Theme subcommittee and work groups (GS 11–13). Click here to apply.
About the Position
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) seeks multiple outstanding statisticians to join our family.
BTS is the Principal Federal Statistical Agency within the Department of Transportation (DOT), leading the department in data analytics, survey design, and data driven research. Mandated by congress, BTS provides independent, objective, comprehensive and relevant information to decision makers and the public on the extent and use of the Nations’ transportation systems, the system performance, and the systems impacts on society and the environment.
The statisticians have opportunities to guide national surveys, lead research on statistical methodology to enhance data quality and usability, direct innovations to improve efficiency and timeliness of data collection and production, and represent BTS in various settings.
Applications in all areas of statistics and data science are welcome. Individuals with experiences evaluating statistical programs, applying various statically methodologies to improve data collection and production, and having a strong research background are most desired.
These positions are telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
Are you ready to build resources that will provide our communities across the Nation with the accurate, reliable spatial data we need to understand the transportation system? Do you want to bring transformative change to traditional spatial analysis and mapping techniques at the Federal level? Have you ever wanted to influence and improve the effectiveness of geospatial data at the national level? Are you obsessed with simplifying complex problems with data and visuals that easily convey information in new, understandable ways?
The Office of Spatial Analysis and Visualization is looking for a statistician with a geographic science and transportation background who can conduct spatio-temporal statistical analysis. As a Spatial Statistician you will develop and manage critical national geospatial transportation programs, conduct geospatial analyses and effectively communicate results. The Spatial Statistician position will include a focus on strengthening the BTS portfolio of GPS and related sensor data programs and conducting research to advance methodologies for blending survey and sensor data into authoritative statistical products. As a Spatial Statistician you will work in a cross-unit corporate team environment on geospatial data, analysis and visualization and will occasionally serve as an ad hoc team leader for certain projects and other assignments, and on cross-cutting teams within BTS related to a multitude of agency program responsibilities.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
Are you ready to build tools that will provide our Nation with the accurate, reliable information we need to measure the accessibility and connectivity of the transportation network to our communities? Do you want to help DOT, planning agencies, and researchers do a far better job of demonstrating the importance and role of transportation equity in American society? Do you want to help identify and address gaps in access to opportunity? Take an appointment with our team help shape how the Department analyzes the impact of the transportation system on connecting people in underserved communities to opportunity.
The Office of Statistical and Economic Analysis (OSEA), within the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is seeking an Equity Economist. The Equity Economist plans, initiates and conducts a broad and significant range of economic studies with a focus in equity to help understand the major issues in transportation, identify gaps and inconsistencies in the data, and provide a body of research that can be used to inform policy. The Equity Economist provides domain knowledge in one or more specialized areas of economic theory and principles related to equity in transportation from an economic perspective. For example, the Equity Economist would support the Department efforts to better measure transportation insecurity and the cost burden of transportation. Research, data and analytical experience in the intersection of equity and transportation is ideal.
The Equity Economist works closely with statisticians, transportation specialists, analysts, and other economists. The incumbent works in a cross-unit corporate team environment and will occasionally serve as an ad hoc team leader for certain projects and other assignments, and on cross-cutting teams within BTS related to a multitude of agency program responsibilities.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
The Office of Statistical and Economic Analysis (OSEA), within the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is seeking Financial Economist. We are recruiting a national expert to join our team to develop new and information statistics on transportation finance and investment. The Financial Economist plans, initiates and conducts a range of financial and economic studies to help understand the major issues in transportation, identify gaps and inconsistencies in the data, and provide a body of research that can be used to inform policy. The Financial Economist provides domain knowledge in one or more specialized areas of economic theory and principles related to money including money and money markets, infrastructure investment, credit instruments and systems, banking processes and institutions, capitalization, Government taxing, borrowing and spending. Experience working with government financial data at the State, local and Federal level is ideal.
The Financial Economist works closely with statisticians, transportation specialists, analysts, and other economists. The incumbent works in a cross-unit corporate team environment and will occasionally serve as an ad hoc team leader for certain projects and other assignments, and on cross-cutting teams within BTS related to a multitude of agency program responsibilities.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
BTS is seeking an economist with extensive knowledge of the commercial aviation industry to manage the collection of financial data from commercial airlines. Knowledge of industry economics and finance, industry recordkeeping practices, data sources and industry data processing capabilities, and federal regulatory processes is valuable for this position.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
BTS is seeking a freight modeler with extensive knowledge in econometric or statistical modeling methods. The ideal candidate will have experience in developing freight transportation demand estimates and forecasts, and analyzing the relationship between freight demand and the national and regional transportation networks. The successful candidate will help, develop statistical products such as estimates of freight flows between regions and throughout the US transportation network as part of the Freight Analysis Framework.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov by September 22 and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
BTS is seeking a statistician, economist, or transportation specialist with extensive knowledge of freight transportation issues in the public and private sectors, freight and supply chain data, economic development issues and analytical tools, and freight demand modeling and performance measurement to develop innovative statistical products and analytical methods based on data collected or compiled by BTS. The Freight Applications Manager will work closely with BTS staff responsible for the Freight Analysis Framework, the Port Performance Freight Statistics Program, and related activities to develop new applications for the transportation community.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
The Aviation Analyst will play an important role in that assists in planning and conducting a broad and significant range of studies to help understand the major issues in transportation with knowledge in aviation analysis. The position identifies gaps and inconsistencies in transportation data and to provide a body of research that can be used to develop DOT policy. The Specialist provides a professional knowledge in one or more specialized areas of expertise, while working closely with statisticians, economists, and other Specialists.
- Knowledge of econometrics, statistics, and data science.
- Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
- Provides comprehensive, detailed air traffic control information as required for litigation support.
- Provides aviation data process information support to facilities for air traffic accident and incident reporting. Conducts a review of air traffic control accidents and incidents.
- Assists with quality control program tracking processes to provide overall statistical analysis for the group.
- Performs other related duties as assigned such as statistical and trend analysis, research, evaluations, and studies.
- Contributes to the preparation of management/technical reports or contractual documents and may communicate the overall results of a project or work.
- Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist.
- Identifies and informs management of problems that require their attention. Often develops and recommends techniques to address problem situations.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
The Climate Analyst will play an important role in that assists in planning and conducting a broad and significant range of studies to help understand the major issues in transportation with knowledge in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The position identifies gaps and inconsistencies in transportation data and to provide a body of research that can be used to develop DOT policy. The Specialist provides a professional knowledge in one or more specialized areas of expertise, while working closely with statisticians, economists, and other Specialists.
- Knowledge of econometrics, statistics, and data science.
- Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
- Provide direction and/or advice at key decision points and helps ensure that policy decisions, strategic plans and reports are accurate, timely and adequately documented.
- Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
- Performs research and analysis of emission reduction measures to inform program implementation efforts.
- Serves as the climate and energy programs liaison to outside entities including jurisdictions, agencies, contractors, and non-governmental partners.
- Conducts research, analyzes information and data, and synthesizes research findings into high quality work products, including informative summaries, fact sheets, presentations, and reports.
- Independently review environmental, climate, and transportation statutes, legislative and regulatory proposals, and executive orders to determine their implications for DOT policies and programs.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
The International Transportation will play an important role in that assists in planning and conducting a broad and significant range of studies to help understand the major issues in transportation with a keen focus on International Transportation The position assist in the development and managing oversight of the International Transportation programs, which include, North American Transportation Statistics (NATS) Interchange International Transport Forum (ITF), along with critical data programs, and analyses related to International Transportation programs and cooperatives while effectively communicating results, providing, analytical techniques, and coordinating with colleagues on other programs that have interrelated linkage with broader data and analysis efforts.
- Multi-faceted expertise and understating of goods movement, freight data sources, passenger travel, logistics, commodity specific transportation, and mode choice.
- Knowledge of econometrics, statistics, and data science.
- Knowledge of sources for domestic and international commodity flows, business patterns, vehicle activity, and transportation network performance.
- Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
- Analyze and determine the application of appropriate domestic and international infrastructure regulations, policies, procedures, legislation, proposals, techniques, and technology in the transportation sector.
- Provide direction and/or advice at key decision points and helps ensure that policy decisions, strategic plans and reports are accurate, timely and adequately documented.
- Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
- Identify areas where initiatives in safety, mobility, and other areas can have infrastructure-related benefits for improving transportation systems’ performance and efficiency in public and private organizations.
- Analyze and determine the application of appropriate domestic and international infrastructure regulations, policies, procedures, legislation, proposals, techniques, and technology in the transportation sector.
- Provide direction and/or advice at key decision points and helps ensure that policy decisions, strategic plans and reports are accurate, timely and adequately documented.
- Provide technical support for the North American Transportation Statistics (NATS) Interchange and actively participate in the NATS Interchange.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
BTS is seeking a transportation specialist, economist, or statistician with strong writing skills who likes to tell the story of transportation and its effects on society and who cares about providing detailed technical documentation to assist users and providers of transportation statistics in understanding the strengths, weaknesses, appropriate uses, and nuances of transportation and transportation-related data and statistics. Understanding of a broad range of transportation issues, data sources, statistical methods, analytical needs, and public perceptions is essential for this position.
This position is telework eligible. Some positions are remote work eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
FGDC Transportation Theme Analyst -Are you ready to bring transformative change to Federal spatial data production and distribution techniques? Here is a chance to influence and improve the effectiveness of geospatial data at the national level. Take a job with our team as we lead the creation of new national transportation data information products in the era of big data, and where you build new approaches to transportation data dissemination and implement innovative geospatial data products.
This position will work with senior level staff to ensure the Federal Geographic Data Committee Transportation Theme meets its goals, objectives, and actions by assisting in the development and monitoring of Theme implementation mechanisms including the Transportation Theme Strategic Plan, Theme implementation Plan, Theme Communications Plan, Communications Schedule, Communications Assessments, outreach, geospatial standards and facilitating operations of Theme subcommittee and work groups.
This position is telework eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.(GS-11/12)
To Apply
Please look for the posting on USAJobs.com in the coming days.
About the Position
NTAD Operations Analyst (Geographer) Are you ready to bring transformative change to Federal spatial data production and distribution techniques? Here is a chance to influence and improve the effectiveness of geospatial data at the national level. Take a job with our team as we lead the creation of new national transportation data information products in the era of big data, and where you build new approaches to transportation data dissemination and implement innovative geospatial data products.
BTS provides objective, comprehensive, and relevant information on the extent and use of the Nation’s transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment. You will work on various geographic projects associated with many modes of transportation and its geospatial data. Primarily, you will assist in the publication of the National Transportation Atlas Database (NTAD) within the BTS systems. The NTAD is a set of nationwide geographic databases of transportation facilities, transportation networks, and associated infrastructure. You will be responsible for automating and optimizing the compilation and timely publication of NTAD, including its geospatial data holdings with its associated attributes, database tables, and metadata.
This position is telework eligible. BTS is located in the DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To Apply
Please look for the posting on USAJobs.com in the coming days.
About the Position
The Passenger Analyst has an important role in participating in and managing the collection and analysis of multi-modal transportation data and emerging trends while using background planning and project management techniques and knowledge of Transportation. In addition, the ideal candidate should exhibit good oral and written ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The Specialist provides professional knowledge in one or more specialized areas of expertise while working closely with statisticians, economists, and other Specialists.
Multi-faceted expertise and understating of goods movement, freight data sources, passenger travel, logistics, commodity-specific transportation, and mode choice.
Knowledge of econometrics, statistics, and data science.
Knowledge of sources for domestic and international commodity flows, business patterns, vehicle activity, and transportation network performance.
Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourage modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
Analyze and determine the application of appropriate domestic and international infrastructure regulations, policies, procedures, legislation, proposals, techniques, and technology in the transportation sector.
Provide direction and/or advice at key decision points and helps ensure that policy decisions, strategic plans and reports are accurate, timely and adequately documented.
Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
Identify areas where initiatives in safety, mobility, and other areas can have infrastructure-related benefits for improving transportation systems’ performance and efficiency in public and private organizations.
Analyze and determine the application of appropriate domestic and international infrastructure regulations, policies, procedures, legislation, proposals, techniques, and technology in the transportation sector.
Provide direction and/or advice at key decision points and helps ensure that policy decisions, strategic plans and reports are accurate, timely and adequately documented.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.
About the Position
The Transportation Systems Analyst will play an important role that assists in analyzing historical data and trends, using that information to guide future planning. Conducting a broad and significant range of studies to help understand the major issues in transportation with knowledge and analysis. The position identifies gaps and inconsistencies in transportation data and provides a body of research that can be used to develop DOT policy. The Specialist provides professional knowledge in one or more specialized areas of expertise while working closely with statisticians, economists, and other Specialists.
Evaluate Transportation processes and systems and identify inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement using data.
Analyze historical data and trends, using that information to guide future planning:
- condition of vehicles, all modes;
- deployment of traffic control devices and systems and connected vehicle infrastructure at a national level;
- comprehensive data on the intercity bus travel mode;
- connected and autonomous vehicle data at the national level;
- intermodal facilities; (All Modes)
- usage of passenger and freight intermodal facilities;
- parking capacity; and
- dedicated infrastructure for bicycles and other forms of active transportation.
Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
Analyze and determine the application of infrastructure regulations, policies, procedures, legislation, proposals, techniques, and technology in the transportation sector.
Provide direction and/or advice at key decision points and helps ensure that policy decisions, strategic plans and reports are accurate, timely and adequately documented.
Provide advice on all matters and initiatives related to transportation infrastructure across the Department and encourages modal administration to adopt these strategies and initiatives.
Identify areas where initiatives in safety, mobility, and other areas can have infrastructure-related benefits for improving transportation systems’ performance and efficiency in public and private organizations.
To Apply
Do not use USAJobs. Email your resume to BTSJobs@dot.gov and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the requirements for the job series and grade to be eligible for consideration.