Welcome to the Department for Transport careers page. This site will provide you with information on the types of opportunities we can offer as well as information on what it is like to work for us.

Typically vacancies for graduates, school leavers as well as experienced professionals and specialists are advertised via the Civil Service recruitment site, on-line advertising sites and occasionally in the national and specialist press.

Who we are and how we work

The Department for Transport provides leadership across the transport sector working with regional, local and private sector partners. The role of the central Department is to set strategy and policy context, and establish and manage relationships with the organisations responsible for delivery. The Department’s seven Executive Agencies are responsible for delivering a range of services, such as driving tests and the HM Coastguard. The Department also sponsors a number of other transport bodies, Non Departmental Public Bodies and other organisations that are responsible for delivery.

The central Department employs circa 1,681 people and comprises five Groups: Domestic; International, Strategy and Environment; Major Projects and London; Corporate; and Permanent Secretary’s central group.

Our vision incorporates three key principles for how we will work as a Department:

• One team – focusing collectively and collaboratively on our priorities as a Department.
• Best we can be – making the best use of our resources.
• Rewarding jobs – each of us carrying a balanced workload which use our skills and make us feel valued.

Transport is a very high profile area. Everyone relies on the transport network in one way or another whether it is to get to work or school; visit friends and relatives; or simply the effective movement of freight so there is food in the shops. And our work is seen as a key part in delivering the Government’s growth agenda.

Our people

We employ highly talented people from different walks of life and a range of diverse backgrounds including the public, private and commercial sectors.

The roles we can offer include project and programme management, provision of policy advice across all modes of transport, and a range of specialist roles in areas such as engineering, economics, transport modelling, statistics, social research, accountancy, law, Human Resources and IT.

Some examples of the sorts of projects people are currently working on include:

• Managing the £560 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund which provides Local Authorities with the freedom to develop their own targeted transport packages that address the particular transport problems in the area in partnership with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
• A number of high profile projects such as Crossrail and High Speed 2 both of which involve complex delivery chains and a wide range of stakeholders and require a mixed team to deliver.
• Working with local authorities to invest in a wide range of local schemes such as the new link road to Manchester Airport
• Reforming our Railways.

What all our work has in common is that we are all here to help deliver a transport system that is an engine for economic growth – one that is sustainable and safer and improves quality of life in our communities.

The skills we value

There is a huge variety of work in the central Department for Transport. Advertisements for posts will outline specific criteria, however in all areas of work there are core skills you will need.

The ability to interact with people and work as part of a team are essential. We do not run transport services directly ourselves, we achieve our aims by working through our delivery partners such as train & bus companies, local authorities and many other public and private sector organisations.

So we are looking for people who are self motivated, possess excellent communication skills, who are able to understand others’ points of view in order to negotiate and influence our partners and stakeholders effectively.

We also value people who can demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills.

Above all we are looking for people who are enthusiastic and motivated about improving transport.

The benefits we offer in return

• Quality work in an enabling environment

  The majority of our people cite interesting and worthwhile work as one of the great benefits they enjoy. Everybody relies on transport in one way or another. Our work to deliver better and efficient transport has a direct effect on people’s lives, their safety, the nation’s economy and the environment.

  The Department’s aim is to provide a working environment in which our people understand the contribution they and their teams are expected to make and are supported in their work to achieve it.

• Flexible working patterns

  Our full time staff based in London work 36 hours a week, excluding lunch breaks. Staff based outside of London work a 37 hour week, excluding lunch breaks.

  Wherever possible, we offer flexible and variable working hours to enable our people to achieve a balance between the demands of their work and their personal lives. Allowing for operational requirements, many of the jobs are offered on a part-time or job share basis, and working hours can often be varied to suit personal circumstances, as well as working styles in some areas, e.g. homeworking or remote bases.

• Equal Opportunities

  The Department for Transport values equality and diversity in employment and a socially inclusive transport system. We are committed to being an organisation in which fairness and equality of opportunity is central to the approach in business and working relationships and where the organisational culture reflects and supports these values. In DfT you have the right to a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, working hours, union membership, union office or union activity.

• Generous allowances

  All our people receive an annual leave allowance of 30 days plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays. Staff can also apply for interest free season ticket loans. There are a range of developmental opportunities accessible by our staff and we offer a competitive reward package.

• Sport and recreation

  The Department has a very active sport and recreation club affiliated to the Civil Service Sports Council and it hosts many events and activities.