Professional Development Program (PDP) | Federal Highway Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


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Careers

About

Professional Development Program (PDP)

The FHWA is looking for exceptional recent graduates for the PDP in a variety of disciplines. To get started, the PDP accepts applications at least twice a year (Fall/Spring).


To apply for open PDP positions, please visit www.usajobs.gov to open an account and search the key words: Federal Highway Administration.


Application Tips:

  • Read the vacancy announcement in its entirety.
  • Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
  • Obtain an unofficial transcript.
  • Apply early since a limited number of applications will be accepted.

If you have any questions about a submitted application, please email transjobs@fhwa.dot.gov.

Prospective applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Be a recent graduate (within up to 2 years for a non-veteran and up to 6 years for a veteran).
  • Have an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree.*
  • Have a 3.0 or above Grade Point Average.
  • Be willing to relocate at the start, during, and after successful completion of the program.

* Individual Occupational Requirements

If applying for an Engineering position (Engineering 0810 series), an engineering degree accredited by ABET is required. Learn more about Professional Engineering position requirements.


If applying for a Community Planner position (Community Planning 0020 series), the degree must be in community planning or a related-field. Learn more about Community Planning position requirements.


For answers to general questions about the PDP, please email fhwapdp@dot.gov.

Professional Development Program logo

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Professional Development Program (PDP) provides entry-level career development for employees to learn, develop, and apply technical skills to advance the Nation's transportation program.

The PDP offers full-time, paid positions that include benefits starting at the General Schedule (GS) 7 or 9. The positions have promotion potential to a GS12. The PDP recruits for the following positions:

PDP is up to 24-month in duration and consists of the following core components:

  • On-The-Job (OJT) Training
    • Opportunities for PDP participants to develop practical hands-on skills, knowledge, and competencies associated with a discipline in a professional work environment.
  • Developmental Assignments
    • Opportunities for PDP participants to apply learned OJT skills, knowledge, and competencies associated with a discipline.
  • Leadership Skills Academy
    • Opportunities for PDP participants to develop and learn about professional, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills that are needed by all FHWA professionals.

PDP participants are sponsored by a Federal-Aid Division Office or Federal Lands Highway Division. To maximize the participant's technical/professional development, a PDP Coach is assigned to guide the participant throughout the program.

Ready to join the FHWA Team? Stay connected with us to receive information about opportunities and more.

If you have general questions, please email Maria Rosa, PDP Coordinator at fhwapdp@dot.gov.



Page last modified on October 26, 2021
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000