SALARY RANGE: $61,612.00 to $96,001.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD: Friday, October 25, 2013 to Monday, November 04, 2013

SERIES & GRADE: GS-0810-11/12

POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time – Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12

DUTY LOCATIONS: FEW vacancies – Lakewood, CO, US

This position is located in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Federal Lands Division Office and supports the Division as a senior designer with responsibility for the development of plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) packages for the most complex, advanced projects relative to the design of highways and bridges. The projects occur primarily on Federal Lands managed by other Federal agencies, such as the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service and include a multi-state area. The Senior Designer mentors, trains, and assists in distribution of project work tasks to other designers on the team and assists in quality control on design work products. As assigned, may be a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) responsible for managing Architect-Engineer (A/E) Consultant task orders or reimbursable agreements.

The ideal candidate for this position is a mid-career engineer with experience working both independently and with multi-discipline teams as a lead/senior designer in developing, monitoring, and adhering to the design, budget, and schedule for assigned roadway construction projects, providing technical assistance from initial scoping through construction support, and addressing design engineering issues with a wide range of external contacts.

Recruitment ID: 0939-TSOEBU-10/13

SALARY: $61,496 – $98,745

CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Executive Service – Serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking to fill a (Administrator VII) Project Manager position to promote Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in Maryland in the Office of Real Estate with the Maryland Department of Transportation. This position will manage MDOT Real Estate Projects. This will include working with development teams and stakeholders in the creation of a site development plan; negotiating agreements and financial plans; leading project teams; participating in meetings and briefings; providing recommendations on policy; providing written briefing materials and reports. This vacancy is located at The Secretary’s Office (MDOT Headquarters) in Hanover, MD located in Anne Arundel County.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: Six years of experience in administrative or professional work, three years of which must have been in the area of real estate development in the private or public sector to include one or more of the following: project management, business negotiations, legal work, land use planning, site development/design and planning (preferably in the transit or rail industry). In addition, two years of experience involving the supervision of other employees, overseeing and coordinating the general operations of a unit, applying rules and regulations, or exercising responsibility for the development of policies and procedures or an aspect of real estate projects.

NOTES:

1. Additional experience in administrative or professional work may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
2. Additional graduate level education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at the rate of 30 semester credit hours on a year to year basis for the required general experience.

TO APPLY: You must complete an application (DTS-1) to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for the employment application. Please include all relevant experience on your application. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity or any other experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for. Qualified applicants may be subject to background and reference checks. If you do not wish to apply online, you may call 410-865-1073 for an application.

Applications can be mailed to: RECRUITMENT AND EXAMINATION UNIT, OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES, MAILSTOP 140, 7201 CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE, HANOVER, MD 21076, or you may apply online at https://jobs.mdot.state.md.us. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications sent without sufficient postage will not be accepted and will be returned. Applications sent through interoffice mail that are not received by the closing date will not be accepted. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request. Please notify in advance. MD Relay Service Number (711). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request.

Click here to learn more and to apply

via Jalopnik

Chanced up upon this awesome video on /Drive’s YouTube channel, with some of my favorite automotive writers (Travis Okulski and Mike Spinelli of Jalopnik with Andrew DelColle from Popular Mechanics) talking about the nagging questions many of us have about autonomous vehicles. I’d say that this video  is more like a e-Primer for all things on autonomous vehicles for those interested (and some more) but offered in a nice, and conversant package without getting you all bored. Check it out.

Video description: When are the first self-driving cars coming, how will they work and — the most important question — will I be able to take a nap in traffic? All of those questions and more will be answered. With Andrew Del-Colle, associate editor of Popular Mechanics magazine and Travis Okulski, senior writer at Jalopnik.

Related resources

• Read The 12 Most Important Questions About Self-Driving Cars” (Popular Mechanics)
• Self-Driving Cars on Reddit

Job Title: Planner II

Closing Date/Time: Mon. 10/21/13 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Salary: $4,223.25 – $6,015.00 Monthly ($50,679.00 – $72,180.00 Annually)

Job Type: Non-Union Regular Full-Time

Location: 710 NE Holladay, Portland, Oregon

Responsibilities
Provide planning programming and implementation support associated with TriMet’s service capital planning and scheduling programs. Conduct research and technical analysis, field investigation and documentation. Lead internal and external projects with stakeholders.

Provide coordination between TriMet and government agencies and participation in programs, plans and projects. Understand and reflect in all planning and conceptual design efforts the safety and operational needs of TriMet services.

Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related work as required.

Essential Functions:

1. Assist in the conception, development and implementation of a variety of transit service planning projects and activities; work with jurisdictional representatives in developing and implementing plans and projects consistent with departmental objectives. Perform related research, data collection and analysis.

2. Provide support and analysis for service planning and scheduling, especially annual service plan, quarterly service changes and new service development.

3. Under general supervision, develop and manage project contracts and grants. Assign work to contractors, monitor contractor performance, document deficiencies in performance, communicate with the contractor and assure contract compliance with contract specifications.

4. Support TriMet capital, service policy and agency planning with proactive project management including the public, stakeholders and other jurisdictions.

5. Perform analysis, prepare documentation, formulate solutions to operations problems and write reports as assigned.

6. Stay abreast of new techniques in transportation planning, project management and computerized technical analysis.

7. Work with citizens, interest groups and representatives from other governmental agencies on transit planning projects.

8. Prepare draft transit plans and programs for implementation.

9. Conduct analysis and tasks to support new capital projects, service planning and jurisdictional planning and coordination activities.

10. Prepare maps and other analysis and presentation documentation, using GIS, Excel, and other computer-based tools.

Position Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in City or Urban Planning, Engineering, Business, Systems Analysis, Public Administration or a related field.

Two years of experience in Planning or a similar field. Related work experience in transportation planning and operations may substitute for education requirement on a year-to-year basis.

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Selection Criteria:

1. Knowledge of principles and practices of transit, planning principles, operations and analysis.

2. Knowledge of project planning management techniques.

3. Intermediate skills with Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, database applications and other software applications. Project management, graphics, GIS application experience desirable. Demonstrated proficiency to accurately keyboard (type).

3. Ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and graphic form.

4. Ability to lead tasks and manage consultants contracts on time and on budget.

5. Ability to prioritize work and effectively coordinate the work of others.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and the general public, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities and/or other vulnerable populations.

7. Ability to produce clear technical as well as public documents.

8. Ability to research a variety of data sources for analysis that leads to a conclusion, recommendation and/or report.

9. Ability to focus on essentials of tasks and produce focused and timely results.

10. Ability to work productively and cooperatively with divergent groups within and outside the agency.

Click here to learn more and apply

In its 5th year, the North America Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum will present the top 50 infrastructure projects required for bringing the world back to growth and job-producing competitiveness. These projects offer tremendous business opportunities for financial, equipment and technology, engineering and construction firms as well as for the public sector. Projects presented include surface transportation, water and wastewater, new and traditional energy, urban mass transportation, oil & energy, ports & logistics and digital infrastructure.

Transportgooru is excited to be a media partner for this important event that brings together practitioners and policymakers engaged in the infrastructure conversations.  Hope I can get to meet some of you at this event. Here is what you get for registering:

• Short, clear, project presentations of the Top Infrastructure Projects
• Pre-scheduled private meetings with project presenters and event sponsors
• Topical workshops and round tables
• Multiple networking opportunities
• Participant contact information
• Cocktail opening reception

Dates: OCTOBER 29 – 31, 2013.

Location: MAYFLOWER RENAISSANCE HOTEL, WASHINGTON, DC

Registration:  Click here to learn more and to register for the event.

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) is seeking a full time Director to manage its transportation program. The qualified candidate will assume duties under the Executive Director and manage and grow a comprehensive transportation technical assistance and policy program. Duties include working with association members, research and project management, outreach and partnership development, drafting papers and correspondence, analyzing policy issues, working with Congress and the Administration, managing portions of conferences and meetings, and addressing transportation technical issues.

The preferred candidate will have a Master Degree in Transportation Planning, Community Planning, or Public Policy (or associated degree), five to ten years previous experience in a transportation, community development or policy field, and have experience working with an association and/or public or private agency in policy, research, or grassroots development. The preferred candidate should have worked with Congress and/or the Administration and be familiar with Congressional education and processes. The candidate will have excellent writing and communication skills, be team oriented, understand basic office productivity software and be web smart.

Salary and benefits package, full time position, travel required, EOE employer, position open until filled.

NARC serves 250+ members representing Regional Councils and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in transportation, environment, homeland security, and economic development.

How to Apply:

Candidate must submit a resume and cover letter electronically to jobs@narc.org  No Phone Calls or Faxes Please.

via Lockheed Martin

Today, August 19th, is the U.S. National Aviation Day and what better way to celebrate than with a video of first night time vertical landing of F-35B on a carrier deck.  The video shows a U.S. Marine Corps test pilot performing the first night-time vertical landing aboard the USS WASP  on August 14 and it looks equal parts scary and awesome seen in the neon green glow of the night-vision camera. It is safe to say that it adds a new dimension and immense depth to the strike capability of a carrier group with this new feature added.

* Note: According to Wikipedia that National Aviation Day is observed to celebrate the development of aviation.  It was established in 1939 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who issued a presidential proclamation which designated the anniversary of Orville Wright‘s birthday to be National Aviation Day (Mr. Wright, born in 1871, was still alive when the proclamation was first issued, and would live another nine years). The proclamation was codified (USC 36:I:A:1:118), and it allows the sitting US President to proclaim August 19 as National Aviation Day each year, if desired. His/her proclamation may direct all federal buildings and installations to fly the US flag on that day, and may encourage citizens to observe the day with activities that promote interest in aviation.

The Alliance for Biking & Walking is seeking a full-time Outreach Coordinator to work from our DC office as part of the Advocacy Advance program.  Advocacy Advance is a dynamic partnership of the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the League of American Bicyclists to boost local and state bicycle and pedestrian advocacy efforts. Advocacy Advance provides targeted trainings, reports, grants and technical assistance to equip advocates with the specific tools they need to increase biking and walking investments in their communities. To find out more, please visit www.AdvocacyAdvance.org.

The Advocacy Advance Outreach Coordinator will work directly with advocacy organizations and agency staff to increase the awareness of funding programs for walking and biking projects and programs and share best practices in securing and utilizing this funding at the state and local level nationwide. The work of the Outreach Coordinator will have a particular emphasis on communicating the health benefits of walking and biking and related funding opportunities.  Work includes social media communications, health research and outreach, sharing best practices of advocacy organizations, field travel and database management.

Outreach Coordinator Responsibilities
Health Research and Outreach:
•    Research and communicate about the health benefits of active transportation and health-related funding, policies and advocacy
•    Conduct outreach to member organizations on applicable issues to support their advocacy campaigns and organizational development, particularly related to the health impacts of transportation policy and funding
•    Create resources for transportation advocates, agencies and the health community explaining the connection between transportation planning, funding and safe, accessible infrastructure
•    Work with local, state and national partners to provoke a national conversation about the health benefits of walking
•    Turn technical research and policy reports into easy-to-understand resources for general audiences, including the health community
•    Maintain the Advocacy Advance website and promote resources through social media, including blogs and photos

Advocacy and Organizational Support:
•    Gather and share examples of how advocates and agency staff have successful won and used public funding for pedestrian and bicycle projects and programs
•    Review grant reports and member activities and share best practices among advocacy members
•    Facilitate / present at workshops, conferences and webinars
•    Perform other administrative duties as needed

Qualifications
Essential:
•    Strong oral and written communication skills
•    1-3 years experience in nonprofit outreach, communications, research, or related field
•    Familiarity with InDesign
•    Familiarity with web site management, HTML and database tools
•    Experience with social media management or organizations
•    Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
•    Interest in pedestrian and bicycle advocacy and health issues
•    Track record of working well on team projects
•    Cheerful, friendly and upbeat outlook

Helpful:
•    Familiarity with Salesforce
•    Knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs nationwide
•    Interest in transportation policy and funding
•    Hands-on work with state and local advocacy organizations and agency staff
•    Specific experience working with national non-profit organizations

Compensation 
Compensation will be relative to experience with health and retirement benefits. The Advocacy Advance Outreach Coordinator reports to the Advocacy and Programs Director.

Timeline and How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply to Brighid O’Keane, Advocacy and Programs Director, at applications@PeoplePoweredMovement.org with “Advocacy Advance Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line.  All applicants should include a cover letter, resume and professional writing sample (no college papers, please). Optional additions include a link to a personal or social media account you have managed and a design sample.  The final deadline for applications is 12 Noon EDT, Thursday, August 29th 2013. Finalists will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Employment:  The Alliance for Biking & Walking is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Alliance
The Alliance for Biking & Walking is the only national organization that trains, assists, empowers and strengthens community leaders and their organizations to transform communities through better bicycling and walking. With more than 200 state and local bicycle and pedestrian organizations employing hundreds of professionals in nearly every city and state, our people powered movement is transforming communities and the country.

Mission
The Alliance for Biking & Walking creates, strengthens and unites state/province and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations.

Vision
Every community benefits from the fun, practicality and efficiency of biking and walking. In 2020, one-third of all trips in North America will be made by bicycling and walking for all reasons ranging from personal health and environmental sustainability, to economic necessity and moral responsibility.

Click here to apply

Related articles

• Women and Biking: Achieving Gender Equality
• The Stop as Yield Concept: What Do You Think?
• “There aren’t any.”
• Bike Cleveland

via Huffingtonpost

Apparently this is how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (covers U.S. Customs and Border Patrol) takes care of imported vehicles with falsified documentation.. As Huffingtonpost notes,  this Land Rover Defender reached the Port of Baltimore with falsified identification numbers, claiming to be an older model.  But when the USCBP folks found out that this model is in fact newer and tinkered with to look “vintage”, they decided to junk it because it does not comply with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.  The seized vehicle — estimated to be worth $25,000 overseas but as much as $150,000 in the U.S. — was considered “illegal and unsafe,” officials said. Such a non-compliant vehicle cannot be imported unless it is at least 25 years old, officials said.   It seems that dozens of similar Defender vehicles have been seized in recent months at ports around the country and one can only imagine the rivers of tears shed by the owners when they learned the fate.