Travel Operations Generalist II Full Time NEW

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Travel Operations is seeking an experienced and motivated Fiscal Administrator II to provide day-to-day operational and fiscal support across a broad range of Travel Operations functions. These include Travel Reservations, the Foreign Travel Office, the Conference Administration Team, Conference Support Services (off-lab meetings, events, and retreats), and Temporary Remote Assignments (TRAs).

In this role, you will report to the Travel Operations Group Supervisor and play a key role in ensuring the Laboratory’s compliance with travel-related policies, processes, and associated requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review foreign trip forecasts for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Support conference and foreign traveler onboarding by partnering with travelers and delegates to ensure all pre-trip requirements are met, including submission of Foreign Travel Forecasts, completion of Advance Notification Forms (ANFs), and receipt of State Department Country Clearance; provide specialized support for late-add travelers.
• Maintain the master conference list within the Unified Forecasting Opportunity (UFO) system.
• Gather inputs and prepare required conference reports for NASA.
• Provide customer service and guidance to travelers on policy-sensitive inquiries, travel compliance matters, and applicable JPL Rules.
• Assist with the management of JPL’s unused airline tickets, including monitoring, tracking, and reporting on these assets.
• Support Temporary Remote Assignments (TRAs), as required.
• Review off-lab meeting(s), event(s), and retreat documentation for allowability; assess related hotel and event contracts to minimize financial and contractual risk to JPL.
• Compile data and prepare a variety of travel-related reports.
• Participate in cross-training to ensure effective backup support across all Travel Operations departments.
• Support updates and enhancements to travel-related systems and tools, as needed.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Perform ad hoc duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Requires HS degree with 6 years related experience or Associates with 1 year related experience with related training required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong customer service orientation.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of applicable Laboratory and/or NASA policies and procedures, government regulations, and familiarity with JPL institutional business processes.
• Strong critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and proactive problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments independently.
• Working knowledge of JPL travel policies and processes.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of travel systems and tools, including Concur Request, Concur Booking, Concur Travel & Expense, and Unified Forecasting Opportunity (UFO).
• Ability to leverage IT tools and systems to improve operational efficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$61,568 – $76,232

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.