The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is currently hiring a Program Manager for Environment, a position located in Washington, DC.

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO ) Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Under the leadership of the Program Director for Environment, the Program Manager for Environment serves as the liaison to the AASHTO Resilient and Sustainable Transportation Systems (RSTS) Steering Committee and manages the RSTS Technical Assistance Program (TAP). The Program Manager also serves as a liaison to the Standing Committee on Environment (SCOE) Air Quality, Climate Change, and Energy Subcommittee (AQ Subcommittee). Additionally, the Program Manager oversees and directs various activities under the Center for Environmental Excellence (the Center) by AASHTO. Duties are performed with input from the Program Director and oversight groups consisting of state transportation agency representatives.

As liaison to the above committees, the Program Manager’s primary duty is to ensure AASHTO members are cognizant of key technical, legislative and regulatory issues related to climate change, extreme weather, air quality and other related environmental topics; and ensuring members are aware of how general environmental topics relate to transportation. The Program Manager monitors the legislative, regulatory and technical activities of appropriate Congressional committees, federal agencies and other public interest groups and associations, and provides this information to members to assist them in policy deliberation and development.

In managing the RSTS Technical Assistance Program, the Program Manager is responsible for the development of long-term program and project objectives and strategies; program and project planning and budgeting; contract preparation, negotiation and administration; marketing of RSTS services and products; coordination of activities, programs and projects with governmental agencies, trade associations and public interest groups.

As staff liaison to the SCOE Air Quality, Climate Change and Energy Subcommittee, the Program Manager provides management support to the subcommittee. In this capacity, the Program Manager attends meetings and provides policy and procedural advice; advises on meeting agendas; disseminates informational materials to committee members, provides other assistance as required; and serves as liaison between the AQ Subcommittee and SCOE.

As a task manager for the Center, the Program Manager supports the Program Director in developing the annual work plan; long-term environmental program objectives and strategies; environmental program and project planning and budgeting; contract preparation, negotiation and administration; marketing of the Center’s services and products; and coordination of activities, programs and projects with governmental agencies, trade associations and public interest groups. The Program Manager oversees the development of training materials, webinars, websites, workshops, and national conferences that provide AASHTO members opportunities to engage in critical environmental discussions.

The Program Manager represents and promotes AASHTO’s environmental goals and policy positions in meetings, task forces and workshops; prepares and delivers presentations; and performs other functions as needed.

Position Requirements:

A broad understanding of federal and state environmental policies, regulations, procedures and practices as they relate to transportation; and sound comprehension of the administrative, legislative and regulatory process at the federal and state levels is required.  The incumbent must have an understanding of state transportation responsibilities, planning and project delivery practices and policy issues. Project planning, budgeting and management skills, experience with contracts administration and financial reporting, and excellent written and oral communication skills are required. The incumbent must be able to travel approximately 30 days per year.

The successful candidate must have a minimum of four to six years of progressively responsible, professional experience in the transportation sector; with a focus on environmental issues or in the environmental field with a focus on transportation issues.  Prior experience in project management is desired.   A bachelor’s of arts or science degree, preferably in an environment or transportation related field is required.  Evidence of a higher degree of professional development, such as a postgraduate education, is desirable.

To apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to recruiter@aashto.org by close of business on Friday, April 3. Relocation costs are not reimbursable.

AASHTO is an equal opportunity employer.

Related articles

• Pieces in Place for AASHTO to Endorse Protected Bike Lanes… by 2020
• Obama proposes 6-year, $478 billion highway bill; industry groups voice support

JOB TITLE: Traffic Signal Systems Analyst
CLOSING DATE/TIME: Wed. 03/11/15 11:59 PM Arizona Time
SALARY: $50,398.40 – $70,220.80 Annually
JOB TYPE: Classified/Full-Time
LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona
DEPARTMENT: Transportation

POSITION OVERVIEW
Proactively monitor, manage and evaluate the traffic flows on MCDOT and Regional roadways through the development, implementation and management of signal timing and application of Traffic Signal System.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum education and/or experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience in Intelligent Transportation Systems, Transportation or Engineering. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.

Specialized training, certifications, or other special requirements:
A valid Arizona Driver’s License is required at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must have good understanding of traffic signal systems, traffic signal controller/cabinet and how it operates. Must be able to develop traffic signal timing plans, traffic signal construction plans, and have a basic understanding of communication systems, and operation of traffic signal system. Requires a basic understanding of Traffic Engineering practices and procedures, software’s such as HCS, Passer, Syncro, NetSim.Ability to interpret and analyze data; ability to write technical reports; ability to present material in a clear, concise and logical manner, orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with those contacted in the course of work; and the ability to work independently. Knowledge of Federal and State transportation laws and regulations governing traffic markings, traffic signals, and roadway lighting. Familiar with the manual of uniform traffic control devices and its application to Traffic Engineering functions. The ability to make complex traffic engineering decisions that affect the safety of the public, both vehicular and non-vehicular. The ability to use traffic engineering computer software packages. Ability to perform computer-assisted drafting and prepare designs and specifications for traffic signals projects and department presentations. The ability to negotiate solutions with citizens, utilities, and other outside contacts. This position requires a post-offer physical examination.

Preferred training, certifications and/or other special requirements:
Registration as a Professional Engineer.

Working conditions:
Must be able to work in indoor TMC environment and frequently outdoors primarily at the signalized intersections and other ITS communication installations along the roadway; must be able to respond to system failures or duty assignments during any time of the 24 hour day; must have manual dexterity of hands and body to install ITS equipment, both in the field and as well as in the TMC; must be able to hear, see, climb, crouch, bend and lift/carry 50 pounds with or without assistance of a cart or device. must be able to manage frequent interruptions, time pressures, high work volumes, multiple and complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, team-oriented activities, prompt decision-making and interaction with regional and local ITS, IT and traffic management stakeholders and the public; must constantly maintain concentration, accuracy, ethical behavior and a professional demeanor.

ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS:
Monitor the operation of MCDOT’s traffic signals on the day-to-day basis. Prepare/update intersection timing plans and implement them to maintain the intersection and cooridor operations at optimum level of service. Operate, maintain and use the Traffic Signal System software to integrate signals, monitor traffic flow and implement signal timing plans. Ensure smooth operation of network, communication systems, and workstations as it relates to Traffic Signal System. Support the planning, design and implementation of other MCDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) such as Traffic Management Center (TMC), Regional Data Archive system (RADS), Advanced Traveler Information system (ATIS) etc. Monitor the operation of ITS elements such as CCTV cameras and DMS on day to day basis for signal timing applications. Maintain inventory, timing plan records, signal controller status records, communication status reports for all signals systems and ITS equipment deployed by MCDOT. Provide technical input to solve signal timing issues as they relate to other divisions, County Departments and Regional partners. Review signal construction plans, construction permits, oversize and overweight vehicle permits. Perform signal timing studies including before and after studies and analysis. Develop periodical signal timing and travel time performance reports. Represent MCDOT in public forums, before high-level public officials, technical groups and committees. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Click here to learn more and to apply

This position is responsible for performing tasks that are aimed at the efficient movement of traffic and goods throughout the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) highway system, such as: work zone management, incident and emergency response, winter operations and operational planning. Work involves participating in the evaluation of mobility needs relating to recurring and non-recurring congestion. Work tasks will include the application of engineering principles and practices related to intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The work involves reviewing plans, preliminary engineering studies and preparing plans and specifications. Completed work assignments are reviewed by the department manager or designee for accuracy, completeness and conformance with stated goals, objectives and policies. An employee in this position will participate in the coordination with other departments and units of the Commission to attain input for projects.

Click here to learn more and to apply

Photo by MPD01605

The simple math of owning a car vs. not owning one marks the paradigm shift in attitudes among generations. What was once not feasible – living without a car – has now become easy (at least in many cities across the US), thanks to location-based, on-demand transportation solutions such as Uber and Lyft. In a Business Insider article, Katherine Krug, summarizes her car-free life in San Francisco.

Since giving up my car (in Oct’ 2013) , I now spend an average of $572 per month on transportation, which comes to $11,352 per year in savings. On top of that, I get back my time, the most valuable thing of all. I save an average of 6.5 days per year — almost a full week! — to focus on the things I want to be doing, rather than serving my car.

What caught my attention is the last sentence – Katherine’s elation about not “serving” her car. If this is how the youngsters feel about automobiles there is no way anyone can make an argument for owning a car. Maybe we have turned a new page in America’s love affair with the automobiles (which, at times, seems untrue when you read about booming auto sales)?

In the backdrop of how not owning a car helped manage her mobility needs while also saving her a ton of cash, you would be astonished to see Sarah’s average monthly expenditures (and time associated)  when she owned the car (see table below). Read more here

Image via Business Insider

via YPTransportation.org

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Long Range Planning Division is accepting applications for a Community Transportation Planner 1 position in the Long Range Planning Division’s Office of Community Transportation, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Application for the Community Transportation Planner 1 position requires completion and submission of the following three items:

• Letter explaining applicant interest in the position
• Resume that is a maximum of two pages
• Written responses to the four application questions below

The three items should be emailed to Ms. Suzie Howard, Suzie.Howard@tn.gov, by 4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Thursday, February 12, 2015.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of planning experience

Or

Master’s Degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Long Range Planning Division Community Transportation Planner 1 will assist in the Division’s development and implementation of strategies that coordinate the State’s land management and transportation infrastructure needs.

• Assists in the development of guidelines for coordination of land use and transportation decisions between state and local entities.
• Assists in the development of rural regional transportation plans, major thoroughfare plans, corridor management agreements, and statewide access management plans.
• Provides technical assistance to local community partners, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Rural Planning and Consultation Organizations.
• Participates in regular collaborative opportunities with metropolitan transportation planning organizations, rural transportation consultation organizations, cities, and counties.
• Reviews new and established federal, state, and local plans and policies and makes recommendations for implementation.

This position will require occasional statewide travel.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

(Please use a separate sheet for each question.)

When answering the application questions, you should use examples of work related experiences. If you do not have appropriate work related examples, non‐work related examples are acceptable.

1. Describe two or three major trends in transportation and land use planning.
   • Do you see any of these trends in Tennessee?
   • What are some of the biggest challenges coordinating land use and transportation?
2. Give an example of a transportation planning idea or improvement that you had and how did it make a difference in the community that you were serving?
3. Give a specific example of a situation in which you had to deal with conflict when working with the public.
   • Describe in detail how you handled both the person(s) and the situation.
   • How did this affect the overall outcome of the situation or issue?
   • How did you document and communicate the outcome?
4. Provide a few detailed examples of professional and/or self‐improvement skills that you developed or enhanced over the past two years.
   • Were these skills prerequisites of your current position?
   • How have these skills assisted you in the performance of your current job responsibilities?

Please contact Ms. Tanisha Hall, Director, Long Range Planning Division, at Tanisha.Hall@tn.gov with questions about the position openings. 

Welcome!

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize is an exciting new initiative of the J.M. Kaplan Fund, a New York-based family foundation. In 2015 up to ten Prizes will be awarded to U.S.-based individuals or teams addressing our country’s most pressing needs through social sector innovation.  The Prize will provide up to three years of support at $50,000 per year, as well as a $25,000 “bank” of funds available for technical assistance or targeted project expenses, making a total award of up to $175,000.  Specifically, the Prize seeks to support inter-disciplinary innovation in the fields of cultural heritage, human rights, the built environment, and the natural environment.  The Prize is particularly designed for high-risk, early stage ideas being piloted or prototyped by dynamic visionaries.

The Creation of the J.M.K. Innovation Prize

For three generations, the J.M. Kaplan Fund has provided catalytic funding for projects in their early stages of development.  Whether a pilot project, a new organization, or a nascent initiative, work supported by the Fund has involved a certain level of measured risk that ultimately led to large-scale, transformative results.  The new J.M.K. Innovation Prize will further this legacy, providing funding to visionary social entrepreneurs throughout the United States who are championing emerging social sector innovations.

Differentiation from Other Innovation Programs

The burgeoning field of social innovation has become a recognized area in philanthropy.  The demand for funding of this type, however, has increased so rapidly that many worthwhile ideas fail to find backing from established funders.  The J.M.K. Innovation Prize will fill a gap in this marketplace, not only by providing critical capital to the social innovation field, but also by taking risks on projects that may be seen by others as underdeveloped or too small.

Another difference is that the J.M.K. Innovation Prize will build on the Fund’s longstanding areas of grantmaking interest while remaining flexible enough to allow for fresh and unexpected thinking.  Prize recipients will ideally innovate across at least two of the Fund’s four traditional disciplinary boundaries:

• Cultural Heritage (e.g., historic preservation, archaeology, architecture, arts & culture)
• Human Rights (e.g., immigration, homelessness, incarceration, public health, education)
• Built Environment (e.g., parks, open space, public space, waterfront revitalization, transportation)
• Natural Environment (e.g., oceans, conservation, land use, climate change, alternative energy)

Criteria for Selection

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize will be awarded to projects or ideas that: represent a game-changing answer to a clearly identified need; demonstrate an interdisciplinary or hybridized approach, ideally involving at least two of the four areas of interest to the Fund; demonstrate the potential to develop an actionable pilot or prototype with Prize funding; show scalable impact or impact beyond the initial pilot or prototype; and hold out the promise to benefit multiple individuals, communities or sectors through a clearly articulated theory of change.

Our 2015 Timeline

Interested individuals or teams may apply for the J.M.K. Innovation Prize from January 15 through April 30, 2015.  A short application will be made accessible via this website starting on January 15.  A sub-set of applicants will be invited to submit a second, longer application for the Prize in late spring.  A review of these second round applications will take place throughout the summer, with finalists being flown to New York City in the fall to present their ideas to the trustees of the J.M. Kaplan Fund.  The Prize’s awardees will be publicly announced in November 2015.

Award Details

Awardees are eligible to receive $50,000 per year for three years, as well as a $25,000 “bank” of funds available for technical assistance or targeted project expenses.  Accordingly, the total prize award amount will total up to $175,000 per prize recipient over the three year period.  These funds are intended to allow recipients to focus their attention on their social impact idea.  Awardees will also receive ongoing, dedicated support from the J.M. Kaplan Fund, including networking opportunities at in-person convenings.

Apply Now!

You may access the online round one application for the J.M.K. Innovation Prize from January 15 through April 30, 2015 by clicking here.  We are using the grant management software program Foundant Technologies for this process; the creation of a Foundant account is necessary to view the round one application itself.

Additional Information

For convenience, you may download this one-page document containing the information presented on this webpage. For any additional information, please contact:JMKInnovationPrize@JMKFund.org.

Position Summary: The Bicycle Program & Transportation Communications Coordinator will coordinate the bicycle management program on campus, and identify opportunities to enhance bicycle safety initiatives. Based on benchmarking from other universities, recommend new and innovative bicycle programs for the campus community. Engage students and employees in bicycle planning. Serve as alternative transportation representative on university and/or locality committees reviewing bicycle programming and/or safety. Provide GIS data collection and mapping for alternative transportation and other Parking and Transportation units. Coordinate campus notices, news stories and special features for the Alternative Transportation program as well as other Parking and Transportation units for review by the division communication manager.

Photo by cbowns

Required Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or public administration or equivalent training and experience. Demonstrated experience with alternative transportation modes (with an emphasis on bicycling). Working knowledge at the proficient level of GIS software, including ArcGIS, to record and analyze data, and make useful maps. Demonstrated experience analyzing and summarizing data in a variety of formats. Excellent customer service skills. Extensive computer experience and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience using illustration and desktop publishing software such as Adobe CS/5. Ability to complete numerous projects and details simultaneously and accurately. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in university setting. Experience preparing press releases. Experience developing bicycle programs. Experience working with advocacy constituents.

For a complete listing of position qualifications, and to apply, please visit www.jobs.vt.edu, and search for posting SW0150063. Review of applications will begin 2/09/2015.

Click here to learn more and to apply

The Department of Transportation is seeking qualified applicants to perform difficult professional and administrative work involving planning, organizing, administering, and providing technical guidance for major transportation Capital programs, including VDOT and NVTA financed road projects under agreement, utility relocation and right-of-way acquisition.

Work involves:

• supervising and managing subordinate staff;
• formulating the Division budget;
• participate in the development of overall policy for the Transportation Department and in the development and maintenance of the CIP;
• participating in the development and implementation of County-wide policies and procedures.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation. Supervision is exercised over subordinate professional and technical staff. Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity.

To apply click on this link http://agency.governmentjobs.com/pwcgov/default.cfm

Photo by m01229

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 25, 2015

TransitCenter, a civic foundation that supports and catalyzes innovation in sustainable urban mobility, seeks a Program Analyst to join its New York City office. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a growing organization and assist in conducting research, developing and implementing programs and projects related to improving transportation in cities, as well as building organizational capacity.

Responsibilities

As part of a small team, the Program Analyst will research issues, develop opportunities, and execute projects that promote sustainable urban mobility, with oversight from the Executive Director and Director of Research & Development. Some projects may be executed through the use of program consultants with specialized subject matter expertise, who the Program Analyst must be qualified to oversee. A sample of works we have previously commissioned can be inspected atwww.transitcenter.org/ourwork.

Initial primary area of focus may include initiatives related to a diversity of topics such as transit planning, technology, rider information, or capital project finance. While specific assignments will be shaped in part by the Program Analyst’s particular background, a successful candidate will have avid interest and versatility to work on a range of other transportation-related subjects as assigned.

The Program Analyst will also share responsibility for communicating TransitCenter’s initiatives through articles, blog posts, and social media.

TransitCenter’s philanthropic activities are effectively in start-up mode, so the Program Analyst will also be expected to play a hands-on role in operations and shoulder a portion of the organization’s administrative and clerical duties as assigned.

The position is based in New York City. The salary range is $55-70,000 commensurate with experience, with a competitive benefits package.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• Fundamental understanding of the principles underpinning sustainable urban mobility and an intuitive appreciation of the role that transportation plays in contributing to urban vitality. While technical knowledge of transportation can be a plus, it is not a requirement, and is secondary to natural curiosity and passion for the mission.
• Keen ability to scan developments in research or case studies, make connections across disciplines, and draw hypotheses and/or rigorously-supported conclusions.
• Research capacity to build a case through solid evidence. General knowledge of common primary and secondary sources for issues related to urbanization and transportation.
• A background in the methods and practice of civic action and/or philanthropy will be considered a plus.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills and a strategic communications mindset. Because our work intends to change or shift policy, design, practice, and culture, how something is communicated is nearly as important as what is being presented.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills will be useful in project implementation.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to urban planning, public policy, development, business, or economics; we strongly invite applicants with undergraduate degrees in the humanities, physical sciences or liberal arts to apply if they additionally possess a master’s degree or work experience related to urban transportation.
• At least 3-5 years of professional experience in an organization related to urban planning and development, civic activism, transportation, the environment, and/or public policy.
• Technical facility with at least one of the following will be favorable: Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, social media, or web publishing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to form connections with people of diverse backgrounds, flexibility and a sense of humor to accommodate the organization as it evolves.

To apply: 

Send a letter explaining your interest, a C.V., and one writing sample to dbragdon@transitcenter.orgby 12:00 Noon (EST, GMT -5) on January 25, 2015.