Equal Opportunity Specialist 1

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as an Equal Opportunity Specialist 1 and support efforts that keep statewide construction projects fair and accountable. This role helps guide important participation programs that strengthen opportunities for diverse businesses. You will learn key steps of contract award and project delivery while working alongside experienced professionals. Apply today to begin a career which allows you to grow your skills and contribute to essential transportation initiatives!

This role supports federal and state participation programs that guide the contract award process for highway construction projects. Your work will focus on reviewing project goals, monitoring commitments, providing technical guidance, and supporting compliance from advertisement through 'notice to proceed'. As an Equal Opportunity Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Management: Manage statewide Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and DB programs in alignment with federal and state regulations
• Goal Review: Analyze individual project participation goals and submit recommendations for changes or approval
• Contract Monitoring: Track projects from advertisement to 'notice to proceed' and support required contract award actions
• Compliance Checking: Review commitments, certifications, and prequalification documents and recommend actions when requirements are not met
• Team Coordination: Serve on review teams and draft recommendations related to Good Faith Efforts for consideration by leadership
• Technical Assistance: Provide guidance to contractors on Engineering and Construction Management System (ECMS) procedures and certification requirements

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position may be eligible for alternate work schedule (AWS).
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Human Resource Management Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year as an Equal Opportunity Assistant or Human Resource Assistant 2 (Commonwealth job titles or equivalent Federal Government job titles, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of paraprofessional analytical experience in an equal opportunity or human resource program; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.