(Source: via Young Professional in Transportation (YPT) Blog)

Cambridge Systematics is hosting two recruiting sessions in Washington, DC during the TRB Annual Meeting. This is a great opportunity to learn more about transportation consulting careers!

Image Courtesy: Yptransportation.org - Click image to enlarge

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration seeks several Community Planners to join the  Transportation Policy and Planning Technical Center (RVT-20) of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center).  Located in Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Volpe Center plays a unique role in looking across the transportation enterprise by applying its multi-disciplinary capabilities to anticipate future transportation issues and challenges across all modes of transportation. These positions are based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

We seek several talented Community Planners interested in joining our consulting teams to develop, plan, and implement guidance, tools, strategies, and programs related to transportation planning, environmental stewardship, realty, and transportation research. As part of our teams, you will help increase the level of expertise of transportation professionals within our clients’ organizations; support better-prepared transportation plans that serve state and local government needs; and advance professional capacity building initiatives across Federal and state agencies. You will work with several teams contributing to major projects, and lead other smaller projects.

These are great opportunities for professionals with varying levels of experience in transportation planning, professional capacity building, and strategic and community and stakeholder involvement. You must have superb analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, and be able to excel in an entrepreneurial, fast -paced environment.Transcripts are required (see details in “How to Apply” tab in the official announcement). You will be required to submit writing samples if you are invited to interview.

Given our ongoing needs, we will review applications and refer top candidates for interviews multiple times during the open period of the announcement. The first application review will be January 23, 2012. Thereafter, we will do monthly reviews with the final one occurring after the application deadline, Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

The Community Planner GS-0020-11-12 (Term Appointments) announcement is posted to the Public on www.usajobs.opm.gov: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/306978700.

Cross-posted on YPTVoice, the blog for Young Professional in Transportation (YPT)

TRB Annual Meeting Tips from Ananda Palanisamy on Vimeo.

YPT Voice is pleased to present the sixth in a 10-week series of blog posts to introduce YPTers to the TRB Annual Meeting (#TRBAM) and to help them prepare for the annual conference in January 2012.  A complete summary of YPT-recommended TRBAM events will be available before and during the conference.

Dear YPT-ers,

When I was approached by YPT to share some tips for fellow-YPT-ers in terms of maximizing their benefit while attending the upcoming TRB, I chose to take a different route and opt for a video blog post rather than the the usual text-laden post. Thanks to my wife Chithra Jeyaram (@RealTalkies), a skilled film-maker from Univ. of Texas, I managed to get a quick video post done. Let us know what you think.

Oh, please remember this video only offers some random thoughts and by no means should be considered as a comprehensive tool when you are preparing to attend the TRB Annual Meeting. One item left out in this above video is the possibility of running into poor internet connectivity. Though the lobby at conference hotels offer free internet, it is often slow and not secure. The situation gets even worse when you are holed up in many of the conference rooms during the event. So my advice is to you, if possible, is to bring an aircard that can help you connect to the internet when you are attending the event.

Also, one more item I forgot to mention in the above video is the busy lunch/dinner times in the nearby eateries around the conference hotels, esp. around Marriott and Omni Shoreham. Yes! Trust me it gets very busy and sometimes meetings attendees have to skip lunch in order to make it to the next session on time. So, do not hesitate to hop on the metro Redline and get to the adjacent stops – Cleveland Park & Dupont Circle are located on either side of the Woodley Park/Zoo Metro station. There are plenty of eateries around Dupont Circle and Cleveland Park stations and can help save you considerable amount of time, which you otherwise would have spent waiting in line at the eateries around Woodley Park station.

Finally, do check out the TRB Facebook page and follow the daily updates shared on the feed wall. If you find anything interesting or worth sharing, please do not hesitate to share with fellow attendees.

Looking forward to meeting you all at the YPT Reception.

Previous posts in the #TRBAM  2012 series:

• TRB Annual Meeting Session Spotlight – Choose Your Acronym: Credentials for Transportation Professionals
• TRB Annual Meeting Session Spotlight: Young Members Council Meeting
• My First TRB Annual Meeting: Some Tips for Newbs
• Looking Back: TRBAM 2011
• TRB Annual Meeting: What you need to know

(Source:  Young Prof. in Transportation)

 

Who May Apply:

U.S. Citizens
We are not accepting applications from non-U.S. citizens.

How We Will Evaluate You:

Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s).All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated.

Key Requirements:

U.S. Citizen

The Next Generation of Flight is Underway – and you can be part of it! We need you and your fresh ideas to shape the air transportation system of tomorrow, and the way America flies. Come be a part of the new generation in aviation, an industry that is absolutely critical to this nation’s economy and security.The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is a fundamental transformation of our nation’s airspace system. It uses 21st century technologies to meet future demands, avoid gridlock in the sky and on the runways, further improve safety, and protect the environment. For more information on NextGen, watch this brief introduction: Giving the World New Ways to Fly

Job Duties:
The incumbent will perform a wide variety of national level funds oversight and analytical duties associated with all aspects of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) budget process. This includes providing guidance, oversight, and tracking of funds obligations, to ensure compliance with AIP statutory requirements, program authorizations and appropriation. The AIP annual budget generally exceeds $3 billion annually. The incumbent will perform financial planning; reviews and necessary calculations of annual legislative authorization and appropriation proposals. Incumbent will serve as a national subject matter expert in developing and maintaining guidance on financial management and funds control responsibilities for the AIP. Provides budget and legislative related advice and guidance to management, staff, regional office personnel along with the general public. Prepares written responses to public and Congressional inquiries on the implementation of the AIP.

Minimum Qualifications:

All applicants must demonstrate one-year of SPECIALIZED experience equivalent to the next lower grade. For the FV-I level, applicants must have one year at the FV-H or FG/GS-12 level in the federal service. SPECIALIZED experience is experience which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform duties of the position and that is typically in or related to work of the position to be filled. (eg. performs wide variety to determine and analyze airport captital improvement) For the FV-J level, applicants must have one year at the FV-I or FG/GS-13 level in the federal service. SPECIALIZED experience is experience which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform duties of the position and that is typically in or related to work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organzation (eg. subject matter expert and provides leadership analyzing airport capital improvement plan).

Other Job Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)

1. Ability to analyze and convey financial and technical information to a variety of audiences in meetings, presentations, or briefings.
2. Skill in the application of fiscal management techniques and processes.
3. Knowledge of applicable statutes, regulations, and directives controlling the AIP and familiarity with other related programs, e.g., Passenger Facility Charge, National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, Facilities & Equipment, etc.
4. Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (including MS Excel and MS Word) and reporting system (including the Systems of Airports (SOAR), DELPHI (financial management system), or a standard database system (eg. MS. Access or Oracle Discoverer).

IMPORTANT: Ensure that your work experience supports your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) answers. Your answers and associated work experience will be evaluated further to validate whether the answers that you selected are appropriate. Answers may be adjusted as appropriate.

Benefits:

FAA offers an excellent comprehensive benefits programs. To learn more about the federal government benefits, please click here.

More Information About This Job:

• We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
• Travel may be required.
• Position may be subject to a background investigation.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.

As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
Direct deposit of pay is required.

1. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all external announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this external announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include work history that describes how you meet the answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate.
2. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements will be further evaluated on the KSA listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or priority grouping and referred to the selecting official for consideration. Failure to meet minimum qualification requirements automatically disqualifies an applicant.
3. This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation Plan. Additional information about core compensation is available at www.faa.gov.
4. FAA organizations may offer service credit towards the accrual of annual leave to certain newly appointed or reappointed employees. In order to receive consideration for such a benefit, applicants’ prior non-Federal service or active duty uniformed service must directly relate to the duties of the position to which appointed. Granting service credit is at the sole discretion of the hiring organization, and granting such benefit is not an entitlement nor guaranteed to any newly hired employee.
5. Applicants must apply on-line (https://jobs.faa.gov). Applicants must have a status of “Submitted” by 11:59 PM CST on the closing date for it to be accepted. Applications submitted via email or fax WILL NOT be considered.
6. The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies.
7. This position is also being announced as Vacancy Announcement No. AWA-APP-12-MT19408-23539 as Current or Former Federal Employees & EVHO. Please review both vacancy announcements to determine if you are eligible to apply.

This is a bargaining unit position.

Required Documents:

You must submit proof of veterans preference (DD-214, and, if claiming 10-point preference, SF-15 plus proof required by that form) as requested by the Human Resource Office. Veterans Preference will only be considered based on what is supported. If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, the Human Resource office may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration.

Forms:

• SF-15 : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

For more information on this job:Call the Human Resource Services Division at 202-267-8012 or email to 9-AWA-AHR-200-VACANCYINQUIRY@FAA.GOV.

Servicing HR office:
Federal Aviation Administration
Human Resource Services Division
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 523
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: 202 267-8012
Fax Number: 202 267-7032

Reports To: Chief Officer, Environmental Sustainability
Authority:      TA/OA/MTA Bus
Location:     2 Broadway, Manhattan
Application Deadline:  12/12/11     

SUMMARY:
Under general supervision and with significant latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, the incumbent will assist in the development, collection, analysis, organization and presentation of data and information related to Sustainability in all aspects of Bus Operations (including fuels, vehicles, facilities, training and recycling).  In addition, the incumbent will support and manage projects and will assist in the development and implementation of an enterprise asset management system. Assignments will require the incumbent to work at all NYCT Department of Buses and MTA Bus Company facility locations throughout the five boroughs, and Yonkers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and apply systems (i.e., tools/software, job aides and protocols) to facilitate data collection and analysis on a continuing basis; train others to use these systems.
• Implement multiple projects simultaneously and be accountable to ensure that all projects are advancing as required to meet targets.
• Interface with staff from Operations, Maintenance, Capital Programs, and other MTA Units and outside parties on sustainability issues, programs and initiatives.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of and demonstrated interest in environmental sustainability concepts and approaches.
• Experience in Microsoft Office, Access and Powerpoint, ESRI ArcGIS and other relevant programs.
• Good database and data management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Highly developed customer service skills, including listening and inquiry skills.
• Demonstrated interest in new technologies and their application.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with a major in one or more of the following: information systems, operations research, finance, accounting, economics, business, public administration, engineering, science or a related field.
• Three (3) years of satisfactory full time experience; or
• A satisfactory equivalent of education and successful experience.

(Source: Huffington Post)

(Source: TransitTalent.com via Bernie Wagenblast’s TCN)

The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the management of activities for the Office of Media Relations. Serves as deputy chief spokesperson for the Authority and manages Metro’s media relations efforts with traditional media (TV, radio, print, online) and key external agencies. Assumes Director’s responsibilities when necessary. This is highly responsible professional and administrative work. Significant writing is required, as is the ability to provide professional, on camera and on-the-record comments on behalf of the agency.

Major Duties

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the media relations department (commonly known as the press office). Supervises public information officers.
• Serves as deputy chief spokesperson for the Authority on a variety of issues affecting WMATA and the communities served. The incumbent deals with print and broadcast media on a day-to-day basis, responding to inquiries and generating information pertaining to the Authority, including local, regional and national media outlets.
• The Manager, Media Relations & Deputy Chief Spokesperson is an official Authority spokesperson. This includes 24-hour on-call duty to provide support during service disruptions or emergencies, and to respond to media inquiries concerning Authority policies, business matters, and service issues outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Advises and prepares the General Manager, Executive Leadership Team, Directors, and subject-matter experts for interviews with reporters and arranges such interviews.
• Develops and assists in the conception, production, implementation and administration of all strategic media plans. The individual analyzes and evaluates media plans for effectiveness and recommends alternatives, if appropriate
• Works closely with individuals in other departments and offices to coordinate media relations activities such as media photo opportunities, formal and informal press conferences, live interviews, taped interviews, group interviews, one-on-one interviews, and media roundtable discussions.
• Conducts and oversees special research and evaluations on media-related programs and projects to enhance the dissemination of information to the various media outlets and recommends improvements.
• Researches, writes, and disseminates news releases, talking points, media advisories, fact sheets and media/press kits.
• Edits news releases from Public Information Officers prior to release.
• Researches, writes and disseminates talking points/message points to appropriate internal audiences for their use in responding to media inquiries.
• Uses available technology to post news related to the Authority on Metro¿s web site, transmit information through email alerts or similar technology. Work in coordination with Social Media Manager to ensure news appropriately transmitted via social media channels.
• Builds professional relationships with reporters to establish credibility, positive rapport, and fair coverage of issues critical to the Authority.
• Develops management and administrative reports within the Office of Media Relations.
• Advises the Director of Communications & Chief Spokesperson on strategic and tactical matters to maximize positive news coverage. Must be able to meet tight deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced, breaking-news environment.
• Meets with colleagues in other departments and offices to help develop strategies for presenting these programs to the media and the public. The individual meets with the Director of Communications & Chief Spokesperson to develop media strategy on issues affecting the Authority.
• Must maintain confidences while working with confidential information.

The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. It is not intended to limit in any way the right of supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Click here for more details.

(Source: Open.NASA)

What an amazing and inspiring project by the Brits!  The Bloodhound Supersonic Car project is currently underway in UK and its primary objective (as stated in the project website)  is to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in science, engineering, technology and maths – by demonstrating how they can be harnessed to achieve the seemingly impossible by building a car that is 12.8 meters long, weighs 6.4 tons, and cruises on high grade aluminum wheels and reach 0–>1050mph in 40 secs on land.  Whew!!! Below is an extract from Open.NASA blog.  Wishing the project team all the very best in their mission to notch a new land speed record.

Image Courtesy: Bloodhound SSC

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

From zero to 1,050 miles per hour, the team behind the Bloodhound SuperSonic Car is taking the everyone along for the ride on their engineering adventure to break the world land speed record in 2013. The project is a huge challenge that will produce untold technology spin-offs and aims to inspire the next generation of engineers around the world through openness and engagement.

Project Director Richard Noble and his team are building a car that will go zero to 1,050 miles per hour (mph) in 40 seconds. Named after Britain’s 1950s Bloodhound Missile Project, the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) car is 12.8 meters long, weighs 6.4 tons, and cruises on high grade aluminum wheels, which will experience radial stresses of up to 50,000 times the force of gravity at full speed.

The project is risky, dangerous, and unprecedented. Focused on building the safest car possible, Noble’s Bloodhound team intends to overthrow the current FIA World Land Speed Record by 30 percent. “It’s such a huge leap, of course we’re going to get into trouble,” said Noble. “We’re going to learn an awful lot as we develop it.”

Click here to read more.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is seeking a mid-level planning professional who has demonstrated technical skills and a passion for smart, urban solutions. If you are interested, please send your resume to christopher.delfs@dc.gov -AND- apply through the District of Columbia Department of Human Resources at the link below. The first screening date is November 22, 2011.

https://erecruit.dc.gov/psp/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE

Job Overview

Transportation planners conduct professional analytical work identifying, leading, conducting and implementing transportation planning studies and policies. Planners contribute to capital budget formulation and prioritization, promote sustainable transportation system planning with local government officials, and educate and collaborate with local stakeholders. The ideal candidate will contribute to the visionary – future oriented – perspective of the Strategic Planning Branch of the Policy Planning and Sustainability Administration (PPSA) in the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The District of Columbia faces significant transportation challenges and is seeking innovative solutions. This is an opportunity to work on a range of transportation planning issues that are at the cutting edge of the profession.