Professional Development Program (PDP)

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:

• Civil Rights Specialist
• Environmental Protection Specialist
• Financial Specialist
• Community Planner
• Realty Specialist
• Engineer (Civil, Structural, Safety, or Operations/Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS))

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.

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.

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.

—Andrew Gutierrez
Transportation Engineer and Local Program Agencies Program Manager
PDP Graduation Year: 2019

As a civil engineer PDP participant, I was quickly immersed into FHWA's culture. I grew under the program and the agency cultivated my knowledge and skills to tackle complicated and complex tasks. For example, I learned about the Emergency Relief Program by visiting the sites of washed-out roadways and fire-warped culverts. I also learned about major project requirements by attending project meetings for the Golden Gate Bridge. On these assignments, I learned the design process and the field of construction. The PDP was a great opportunity to develop and grow as a transportation engineer. It also allowed me to explore new career opportunities.

—Brian Goodson
Community Planner
PDP Graduation Year: 2018

As a PDP participant, I worked with my awesome coach to tailor the program to meet my professional development goals. I completed five unique developmental assignments that allowed me to fully understand the transportation planning process and gain different perspectives. The PDP provided me invaluable experience and the opportunity to grow as a planner. Above all, the PDP allowed me to cultivate both personal and professional relationship that I continue to lean on.

—Ed Burgos-Gomez
Safety Engineer
PDP Graduation Year: 2018

Joining FHWA through the PDP was a great learning experience. As an engineer, I was exposed to numerous fields and program areas inside FHWA, including design, construction, and program management. This opportunity allowed me to build lasting professional and personal relationships as well as develop leadership and interpersonal skills. The connections I made through the PDP have been invaluable.

—Steven Davis
Transportation Engineer
PDP Graduation Year: 2019

The PDP was an incredible opportunity to get a macro-view of the FHWA. It allowed me to connect my area of expertise to the larger goals of the agency., The developmental assignments, trainings, and PDP Academy expanded my professional network within all disciplines of transportation. I highly recommend the PDP to anyone interested in becoming a leader in transportation.

—Wanda Hughley-Culbertson
Civil Rights Specialist
PDP Graduation Year: 2018

I entered the PDP as a mid-career hire. My PDP coach aided in my professional development by providing me with the resources necessary to build a career foundation in transportation. My PDP classmates and I became family. We were from different backgrounds, age groups, nationalities and found common ground as PDPs. When you are placed at your PDP assignment, you may feel as though you need to have all the answers. You do not and that's okay. The PDP equips participants with the tools that allow them to succeed.