Jobs and internships | Bureau of Transportation Statistics

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.

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).

• 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.