Program Analyst 3

Salary: $69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-58828-08070
Department: Department of Transportation
Division: TR Strtgc Dvpt Impltn Off
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 08070
Position Number: 00201535
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: A3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00084400
Bureau / Division: Strategic Development and Implementation Office
Worksite Address: 400 North Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17120
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
As a Program Analyst 3 with the Department of Transportation, you will be part of a team that drives meaningful changes to improve transportation programs. Your work will help leaders across the state make informed decisions that keep operations running smoothly. This position offers the chance to apply your analytical skills to real-world challenges. You will help PennDOT build stronger tools, processes, and strategies for statewide success.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on analyzing transportation programs, supporting statewide planning, and guiding improvements that strengthen performance across many operational areas. You will help leadership make informed decisions while supporting system enhancements and key projects. As a Program Analyst 3, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Evaluation: Evaluate program processes and determine how well goals and performance expectations are being met
• Data Analysis: Analyze large sets of operational data to identify trends, measure progress, and guide improvements
• Technical Guidance: Provide expertise on systems, reporting tools, and statewide performance measurement needs
• Project Support: Coordinate improvement initiatives and assist leadership with planning, tracking, and reporting activities
• System Enhancement: Support enhancements to business processes and help resolve issues through collaboration and analysis
• Reporting Development: Prepare charts, tables, and other materials used statewide to explain findings and support decision making

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Program Analyst 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of analytical experience, two of which include professional experience in program evaluation and the development of program recommendations, and a bachelor's degree; 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 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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01


Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Program Analyst 2 for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

02


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03


How many years of full-time analytical experience, two years of which included professional experience in program evaluation and the development of program recommendations, do you possess? (Program evaluation is defined as interpreting and assessing the mission, goals, and objectives of a program area, the eligibility criteria for participants, and the required outcomes. Development of program recommendations is defined as utilizing the results of internal/external qualitative or quantitative research and analysis in order to provide suggestions on how to effectively proceed with the goals and objectives of a program.)

• 3 years or more
• 2 but less than 3 years
• Less than 2 years
• None

04


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05


How much graduate coursework have you completed in Qualitative, Quantitative, and Evaluative Research Methodologies; Program Evaluation and Measurement; Marketing Research; Financial Planning; Project Management; or Policy Analysis? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 30 credits or more
• Less than 30 credits
• None

06


You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.


If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

07



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DATA COLLECTION AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Coordinate and direct the collection, editing, tabulation, and summarization of data to ensure accuracy, reasonableness, and completeness. Plan and conduct advanced statistical collections. Analyze and interpret data using various mathematical and statistical methods, techniques, and software to adapt techniques as needed and identify and investigate new data relationships.


Levels of Performance


Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience coordinating and directing the collection, editing, tabulation or summarization of data; planning and conducting advanced statistical collections to provide data and analyses; AND analyzing and interpreting data using various mathematical or statistical methods, techniques, or software to adapt techniques as needed and identify and investigate new data relationships.
• B. I have experience planning or conducting advanced statistical collections to provide data and analyses; OR I have experience analyzing or interpreting data using various mathematical or statistical methods, techniques, or software.
• C. I have successfully completed college coursework related to data collection, statistical methods, or mathematical statistics.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

08


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. Your experience coordinating and directing collection data
3. Your experience planning or conducting advanced statistical collections to provide data and analysis or identifying/investigating data relationships
4. Your specific duties and responsibilities, including details as to the scope/scale of each listed project/experience

09


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

10



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PROGRAM AREA ANALYSIS
Performs program, fiscal, and policy analyses of an organization's program areas for the purpose of developing solutions and recommendations for program changes. Determines whether programs achieve objectives and operate cost effectively; and analyzes programmatic or fiscal effects and implications of prior policy decisions or proposed policy changes and other economic analysis and special studies. Analyzes and evaluates agency programs or projects to determine the extent to which the goals and objectives are being met and to determine the impact of changes.


Levels of Performance


Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience determining if program areas are achieving objectives and operating cost effectively. I was responsible for analyzing results and making recommendations for improvements.
• B. I have experience determining if program areas are achieving objectives and operating cost effectively. I was responsible for analyzing results. I did NOT make recommendations for improvements to programs based on my analysis.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis, qualitative business analysis, or quality control.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

11


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The actual duties you performed related to analyzing information
3. Your level of responsibility

12


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

13



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - RESEARCH
Develop research design and methodology studies, then conduct the research studies by gathering, organizing, and analyzing pertinent program data such as legislation, policies, procedures, staffing, operations, program measures, census data, target populations, and program impacts to make decisions on program effectiveness and efficiency, make improvements to programs, and meet state and federal guidelines.


Levels of Performance


Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing research design and methodology studies, then conducting the studies to determine program effectiveness and efficiency, to make improvements to programs, and to ensure program compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• B. I have experience conducting research studies to determine program effectiveness and efficiency, to make improvements to programs, and to ensure program compliance with state and federal guidelines. I did NOT develop research design and methodology studies.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research methods, or research design and analysis.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

14


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The actual duties you performed related to conducting research
3. Your level of responsibility

15


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

16



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - TECHNICAL AND CONSULTATIVE SERVICES
Provide technical assistance and consultative services to organization program managers and staff on the development, review, or administration of programs, policies, plans, and data processing applications. Consult with program officials to identify relevant areas for research or study. Advise on the development of resource allocation criteria and on the completion of reporting requirements for the purpose of program evaluation. Suggest and develop programs and ideas in anticipation of demand for an organization's services. Assess, define, and recommend possible solutions to programmatic needs and issues.


Levels of Performance


Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to program areas to identify needs and answer questions. I was also responsible for recommending possible solutions to programmatic needs and issues.
• B. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to program areas to identify needs and answer questions. I did NOT recommend possible solutions to programmatic needs and issues.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to counseling, public relations, employee or labor relations, or education.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

17


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The actual duties you performed related to technical and consultative services
3. Your level of responsibility

18


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

19



WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - COMMUNICATION
Prepare and present information, studies, and reports verbally and in writing on program or project evaluations, development, and analysis to provide policy and decision makers with factual information to be used in planning, implementing, monitoring, and resource allocation. This may include preparing narrative reports, tables, graphs, and charts as well as responding to verbal and written inquiries regarding programs. Respond to informational requests and provide procedural guidelines, criteria, and training necessary for the implementation and management of programs and projects.


Levels of Performance


Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have developed AND presented materials regarding program or project evaluation, development, or analysis. I was also responsible for responding to informational requests regarding programs or guidelines.
• B. I have developed materials regarding program or project evaluation, development, or analysis. I did NOT PRESENT this material.
• C. I have presented materials regarding program or project evaluation, development, or analysis. I did NOT DEVELOP this material.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, journalism, speech, or communications.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

20


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The actual duties you performed related to communication
3. Your level of responsibility

21


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question