Job Alert: Transportation Specialist (GS 13/14) – USDOT Federal Highway Administration

August 7, 2013 at 5:51 pm

FHWA Traffic Incident Management Position Available
The FHWA is currently seeking a senior-level Transportation Specialist to serve as a National expert in Traffic Incident Management (TIM).  The ideal candidate will have a proven track record as a leader and influencing stakeholders and senior executives from transportation operations and a variety of non-traditional disciplines, such as law enforcement, fire, EMS, public works, towing and others. In addition, the candidate best-suited for this position will also have operational and tactical expertise in TIM, especially in developing and sustaining programmatic institutions (e.g., State or local TIM Teams), building practitioner capacity through training and other methods, and conducting public awareness and education on how motorists should respond when involved in or affected by traffic incidents.

FHWA encourages all candidates that fit the qualifications in the linked advertisements to apply for this exciting position.  Most candidates will come from local, regional, Tribal, State or Federal governments, the private sector or association partners serving the public safety community.

HWA.HOP-2013-0025 Internal, open to Government employees only:https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/348533900

FHWA.HOP-2013-0026 External, open to all US Citizens: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/348535400

 Note: Deadline for application is Friday, August 09, 2013

Perilous Journey – Wall Street Journal Video Summarizes Five Ways A Long Commute Is Ruining Your Life

July 31, 2013 at 9:10 pm

We have come across many studies over the years that dissected the ill-effects of long commutes. Add this to the collection.  This video from Wall Street Journal Live summarizes a lot of these big issues associated with long commutes. It sheds light on how hours spent driving can wreck finances, health, and marriage. Market Watch’s Quentin Fottrell joins WSJ Lunch Break to chat about the five ways commuting may be ruining your life.

Job Alert: Transportation Planner – Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments @ Washington, DC

July 30, 2013 at 5:52 pm
Job Code: DTP-1129
Job Type: Full-time job
Department: Transportation Planning
Normal Work
Schedule:
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Date Posted: 6/24/2013
Description: Transportation Planner II, or Transportation Planner III, or Transportation Planner IVSALARY:

  • Transportation Planner II (Grade 6):      $ $48,364 – $68,532
  • Transportation Planner III (Grade 7):     $53,163-$75,385
  • Transportation Planner IV (Grade 8):     $59,584- $84,431

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

The Department of Transportation Planning of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is seeking a Transportation Planner for the Program Coordination Team to support the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board’s (TPB’s) Human Service Transportation Coordination Program. The successful candidate will perform professional level planning and grants management activities for the TPB, the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Washington metropolitan area. The TPB’s Human Service Transportation Program awards grants on a competitive basis to non-profit agencies, local governments and private transportation companies to provide specialized transportation to persons with disabilities; older adults and low-income commuters.  The TPB is the designated recipient of two Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs under SAFETEA-LU: Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) for low-income commuters and the New Freedom for persons with disabilities. The TPB is expected to become the designated recipient for a new program under MAP-21, Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility for Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults.   Work activities will include the following:

(1)   Serve a lead role in administering approximately 45 grants totaling $25 million from FTA’s Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, and Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility programs. Activities include managing the grants in FTA’s online grants management software (TEAM), developing FTA required submission and compliance information such as the Program of Projects and DBE reports, and working with approximately 30 subgrantees and COG’s Office of Administrative Services on FTA required documentation, monthly invoices, quarterly Federal Finical Reports (FFRs) and milestone reports, and annual performance reports.

(2)   Provide staff support to the TPB’s Human Service Transportation Coordination Task Force which includes human service and transportation agency representatives from the local jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, Suburban Maryland and Washington, D.C. The Task Force is responsible for guiding updates to the Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan and developing priority projects for grant funding.

(3)   Assist with update of the Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan, with the guidance of the Human Service Transportation Coordination Task Force, to set priorities and evaluation criteria for MAP-21’s  Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility Program.

(4)   Assist with the project solicitation for Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility Program grants which is expected to occur between January and April 2014. This activity includes publicizing the grant opportunity, conducting pre-application conferences for potential applicants, reviewing applications for completeness, and staffing the selection committee which will make funding recommendations to the TPB.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Requires (1) knowledge of principles and practices of transportation planning and/or human services; (2) knowledge of or experience with Federal, State, or local grant administration; (3) financial management or project management experience desired and experience with FTA’s Transportation Electronic Award Management (TEAM) system a plus; (4) strong software skills in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with presentation graphic programs such as InDesign, a plus (5) strong oral and written communication skills ; and (6) the ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, grantees, elected officials and the public.

Transportation Planner II: This position requires two years working experience in transportation planning or human services, and a bachelor’s degree in planning, human services, public administration, or an appropriate related field. Federal, State or local grants administration and project management experience desired.  Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, analytical and writing skills, and abilities will be considered.

Transportation Planner III: This position requires three years working experience in transportation planning or human services, and a master’s degree in planning, human services, public administration, or an appropriate related field. Federal, State or local grants administration and project management experience desired.  Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, analytical and writing skills, and abilities will be considered.

Transportation Planner IV: This position requires at least four years working experience in transportation planning or human services and a master’s degree in planning, human services, public administration, or an appropriate related field, and Federal, State or local grants administration and project management experience. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, analytical and writing skills, and abilities will be considered.

 

EEO EMPLOYER

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter, salary history, and resume to:

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/ Human Resources

777 North Capitol Street, NE  Suite 300

Washington, DC  20002-4239

Visit our website at:  www.mwcog.org  or  Fax:  202-962-3715

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Job Alert: Lead Transportation Specialist (Planner) – USDOT’s Federal Highway Administration @ Trenton, NJ

July 12, 2013 at 5:00 pm

Image courtesy: usajobs.gov

This is a planning, research, and environment team leader position within the New Jersey Division. You will lead a professional staff comprised of planners and environmental specialists. You will serve as the planning team leader and be the key staff officer to the Division Administrator for asset management planning, technical analysis, development, programming and implementation of Federal-aid projects. As the team leader,  you will be responsible for overseeing all activities in transportation planning and programming, transportation/air quality planning, research, data collection, congestion management systems, and intermodal coordination in a diversified, highly urbanized and highly populated State. You will be responsible for supervising the Division Office Planning, Research, and Environment staff in all technical and administrative matters. You will also provide leadership, coordination and authoritative advice to State, local, industry, academic and other Federal agencies and organizations concerning all functions within scope of responsibilities.

The ideal candidate for this position will be an experienced mid-career transportation or planning professional who has experience in transportation planning, asset management, research, and environment and one who would be comfortable representing the agency to state and local officials and the general public. The candidate will be a team player, a leader; and has good communications skills. This position is also good for a person who wants to be challenged, desires a Federal career and is seeking outstanding benefits.

 Duties:

  • Serves as the principal and technical authority to state, metropolitan, and rural agencies relative to securing sound planning programs for comprehensive transportation planning having a major impact on the agencies and communities (including all state, county, and municipal areas).
  • Provides technical guidance in the planning, coordination, and evaluation of the State’s research program of studies financed with Federal funds, which are carried out in-house by State researchers or through contracts with universities, consulting firms, and other government organizations.
  • Provides authoritative, administrative, and technical leadership, guidance and coordination to Division Office staff, the State and local agency officials and appropriate consultant personnel in the formulation, direction and execution of the environmental programs.  Assures compliance with Federal laws affecting the early phases of highway project development, planning, and public involvement leading to highway location and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approvals.
  • Provides leadership and support to other disciplines in integrating transportation planning analysis and decision-making into other parts of the project development process.
  • Provides guidance and technical assistance to Division staff, and state Department of Transportation and MPO staffs on Federal planning requirements, policies, and procedures. Justifies, defends, and negotiates matters involving significant issues and major programs.
  • Serves as a team leader, and as such, sets and explains goals and plans and assigns work, develops performance standards and evaluates performance; approves hours of work, Telework arrangements and leave; signs time and attendance sheets and issues minor disciplinary actions and EAP referrals; and implements ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed.

Click here to learn more and to apply.

Note: The deadline to apply is Monday, July 22, 2013 11:59PM

Infograph: Pump prices climb, but gas tax stays flat

July 9, 2013 at 6:17 pm

An awesome infograph from the George Washington University’s Face The Facts USA shows how the federal gas tax hasn’t changed in 20 years, effectively reducing road repair revenue by 35 percent. – Learn more here

Image Courtesy: Facethefactsusa.org

Job Alert: Transportation Specialist (GS-2101-13/14) – USDOT @ Washington, DC

July 8, 2013 at 5:17 pm

Image courtesy: usajobs.gov

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking a Transportation Specialist to join the Washington, DC office.  The ideal candidate will be a mid-career transportation specialist with experience in managing highway improvement projects and implementing programs and initiatives that promote transportation technologies and partnerships.Duties:The Transportation specialist will:

  • Serve as the expert and lead FHWA authority in deploying the SHRP2 suite of project management tools.
  • Serve as the technical lead/task monitor for the R09 and R10 task order for product development and implementation.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive awareness of highway project aspects to include engineering design, construction, administration, and management.
  • Create effective relationships with senior-level FHWA stakeholders that are involved in deployment of SHRP2 project management products.

The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) was authorized by Congress in 2005 to address some of the most pressing concerns with regard to highway transportation. This includes the nation’s roadway safety, renewal, reliability, and capacity issues. The goal of SHRP 2 is to ensure that the most critical highway user needs are addressed, such as increasing safety, reducing congestion, minimizing disruption to users when roads are being rehabilitated, and providing new capacity that enhances neighborhoods and avoids environmental harm. SHRP 2 is also focused on producing methods and guidance, as well as technologies, designed to help agencies make the changes necessary to better serve their customers while managing the risk involved with institutional change.

NOTE: The deadline to submit application is Wednesday, July 17, 2013.

Click here to learn more and to apply

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USA Today: Cars that ‘talk’ to each other move a step closer (Video)

July 2, 2013 at 7:31 pm

The USA Today carried an update on the Connected Vehicle technology test program underway in Michigan.  The federally-funded program carried out by University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute explores safety gains that can be achieved using dedicated short-range communications technology to help cars communicate with one another to prevent accidents.  The video below shows how this technology works.  Also, you can read the accompanying article here.

Infographic: Distracted Driving: Moral Hazards of Motoring Muddled

June 28, 2013 at 6:27 pm

In a country with nearly 300 million vehicles and an equal number (or more?) of mobile devices distracted is fast becoming a big issue.  this infographic by IFA Auto Insurance, designed to raise public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, shows you how the extent of the problem, the consequences, etc.  Worth sharing with your peers.

Image Courtesy: IFA Auto Insurance via Business2Community.com

Source: business2community 

Job Alert: Program Management Analyst – U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s FHWA @ Columbia, SC

June 27, 2013 at 6:55 pm

Image courtesy: USAJobs.gov

Deadline: Wednesday, July 03, 2013

The U.S. Department of Transportation is looking for a Program Management Analyst for the South Carolina Division office.  This position will provide technical assistance and coordination services to the Division office leadership, including the Division Administrator and Assistant Division Administrator, on a broad range of FHWA programs. These include, but are not limited to, data management and reporting, identifying and coordinating process reviews, performing and documenting risk assessments, developing, monitoring and reporting the annual Performance Plan, conducting internal performance improvement audits, assisting with organizational restructuring and advising the Division office leadership on policy/program issues as needed.  Assist Division office leadership to develop solutions to complex problems and assist in implementation.

The ideal candidate will be adaptive, decisive, and resourceful; a pro-active, hands-on leader and motivator who is very timely in the delivery of products; can anticipate customer’s needs; and is willing to volunteer your talents and skills to assist other employees.  You should also be proficient at analyzing requirements; conducting risk assessments, evaluating operations; developing improvements; and implementing effective programs to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance productivity and competitiveness.  This position is also good for a person with extensive knowledge and skills in maintaining organizational stability and operations; and is a proven leader in quality programs and improving efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.

Job Duties:

  • Will be responsible for monitoring, tracking, recording, and reporting on various office initiatives and programs related to data and information for the programs in the division office.  Maintain current knowledge of the initiatives/program requirements and reporting due dates.  Conduct annual division risk assessment and prepare reports for delivery to FHWA headquarters.  Serve as the lead person for annual strategic planning and developing the office annual performance plan.
  • Will develop and manage a database to monitor the performance of multiple program areas to ensure that due dates for all recurring actions and activities are met. Will maintain program and project filing systems; establish the protocol and office procedures to effectively utilize these systems; independently research data sources to identify trends and potential problem areas to focus on future oversight, process reviews, and the use of limited resources.
  • Will lead ad hoc teams and will organize, analyze, and evaluate technical data problems and situations to identify issues and solutions, with little or no guidance.  Will work with division office leadership to keep the office current on national policy and legislation, conduct training, streamline processes, and make recommendations for the implementation of new management tools for improved organizational effectiveness.
  • Will facilitate meetings and discussions and make formal presentations.  Coordinate joint teams for all phases of process reviews and you will maintain the division statewide briefing and other briefing materials and update the documents for timely and accurate information.
  • Will establish and maintain effective relationships with division office leadership, team leaders, staff members, and other parties to facilitate meetings and discussions, make formal presentations to influence managers and other officials.

 Click here to learn more and to apply 

Job Alert: Technology Policy Analysts (Multiple Positions) – USDOT Volpe Center @ Cambridge, MA

June 27, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy: Usajobs.gov

Image Courtesy: www.usajobs.gov

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for experienced Technology Policy Analysts to support the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center’s  Advanced Transportation Technologies Center.   RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.  The positions are located in the Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Volpe Center seeks multiple Technology Policy Analysts, GS-0101-11/12 and GS-0101-13 in the Technology Innovation and Policy Division, (RVT-91) within the Advanced Transportation Technologies Technical Center.   This division provides the technical and analytical support for research initiatives and decision-making at all levels of government and industry supporting all modes of transportation.  The Technology Policy Analysts primary duty is to participate as a member of a team that conducts research and applies analytical methodologies on a broad set of topics as a means of developing, comparing, and evaluating policy options in support of successful transition of technologies (e.g., connected vehicles, automated vehicles, new transportation applications, or vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, among others) from research into adoption and use.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in an environment with little policy precedence and where policy options have to be developed and created concurrently and iteratively with transportation related technology development.  This position is not focused on application of existing policies to IT or other systems, but is focused on the objective and rigorous development of new policies for new and emerging transportation technologies.

If you know someone interested in this position with relevant experience and a demonstrable record of proven results please encourage them to apply.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The announcement is posted to the Public and to Merit Promotion eligible applicants onhttp://www.usajobs.gov/.   Please know that Merit Promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

Application deadline July 11, 2013

GS-13-Open to Public:    https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346367000

GS-13 Open to Status: (Merit Promotion) https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346367700

GS-11/12 Open to Public:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346366700

GS-11/12 Open to Status: (Merit Promotion) https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346366200

Informational briefingFriday, June 28, 2013, from 11:00-11:30  in conference room 1-4-33A at the Volpe Center, Cambridge MA (conference call no. 1-877-336-1839/access code 6481986).  Ryan Harrington, Chief, Technology Innovation and Policy Division will hold an information session at this time to describe the job and to answer any questions interested candidates may have.  Mary Hughes from Human Resources will be there to answer questions about the application process.

Please direct any questions to Mary Hughes, Volpe Human Resources, at 617-494-2526.