English: District of Columbia Department of Transportation (d-dot) logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m a big fan of transportation agencies using social media to reach their customers & stakeholders.  But often you will find many of these agencies send out tweets and Facebook posts that are plain boring and borderline irritating.  Fortunately, some agencies do understand the importance of adding humor and fun to keep their messages appealing yet entertaining without looking too mundane.  Among a handful of agencies that do this so well is @DDOTDC (aka DC Department of Transportation). They always know how to mix up the seriousness of a bland transportation message with a little bit of humor to make it easy for the end-user to consume, esp. at the end of a long day.  The communications team at @DDOTDC has done a commendable job on many occasions and today is not an exception.

Like every time it happens, today DC metropolitan area got into panic-mode when snow flurries started hitting the ground. As folks left offices/workplaces early, the vehicle traffic started building up on the streets. So, to lighten up the mood and poke a bit of fun of the traditional behavior of DC metro residents, the @DDOTDC team pushed out a series of fun tweets titled Top 5 signs it’s snowing in DC”:

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294905698196811776

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906098425679873

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906463334301696

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906684915208194

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906972103393280

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294905698196811776

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906098425679873

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906463334301696

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906684915208194

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906972103393280

And you see my point? How refreshing is it to see a public agency do something like this instead of just sending out plain boring traffic congestion updates during an already crazy time on the streets?  If you happen to serve as a communications in-charge at any transportation agency, you will be thrilled to see such great levels of audience engagement from the community for each one of these messages (i.e., retweets, Favs, etc). So, if you get a chance, say “Thank You” to the @DDOTDC team for their fun yet sincere community service and all the hard work they put in to keeps us safe on the roads.

Position Title: Transportation Specialist, GS-2101-13 / 14 CAH (Open to US Citizens)

Job Announcement Number: FHWA.HOP-2013-0010

APM Terminals, Portsmouth, VA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Open Period: Friday, January 11, 2013 to Monday, January 21, 2013

Duty Locations: Washington, DC, US

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen.

There is an open position for a Transportation Specialist assigned to the Office of Freight Management and Operations, in the Office of Operations of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Within a team environment, the Transportation Specialist is recognized as a national expert in developing and delivering a freight-related programs and initiatives program. This includes working closely with the public sector at all levels of government and the affected industry sectors to conceptualize and implement this programs and initiatives. You will be considered an expert in the field of intermodal freight operations and will have the ability to manage technology-based programs; and will serve as lead for activities related to integration of freight into transportation infrastructure and operational improvements. You will serve as the lead for public sector freight transportation activities, programs and initiatives throughout the United States and with Canada and Mexico and our partners in other countries of the world.

The ideal candidate is a mid-career to senior professional with knowledge and experience in transportation and intermodal freight operations, with knowledge of supply chain logistics, the economic factors that drive industry liaisons and drive business relationships, and intergovernmental relations as conducted with other Federal, State, MPO and multi-jurisdictional entities. For complete information and to apply, click here.

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks a Geographer to join our team. 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. This position is located in the Office of Geospatial Information Systems (OGIS), which is part of RITA’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The OGIS develops quality geospatial transportation data and applications and advances its effective use in transportation decision making.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RITA is offering and opportunity for a seasoned public-service driven professional who is motivated and self-reliant. This individual must be able to share their experiences in providing geospatial information services. These experiences should include: (1) preparing high quality maps that showcase transportation information; (2) performing geospatial analyses involving transportation networks and facilities; (3) developing, maintaining, and distributing geospatial transportation data; and, (4) providing technical support directly to the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the Office of Emergency Transportation.

If you or someone you know has the experience and a demonstrable record of proven results, I encourage you or them to apply to this Washington, D.C.-based position. We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The vacancy announcements can be found at:

(Merit Promotion): https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/333541400 – Open Period- Thursday, December 13, 2012 to Monday, December 24, 2012

(All Sources): https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/333537000 – Open Period – Thursday, December 13, 2012 to Monday, December 24, 2012

Closing Date: December 16, 2012

This position will serve as the Capital Project Manager for the Montgomery County Annual Bikeways Program, in the Department of Transportation’s Division of Transportation Engineering Planning & Design Section. This position will oversee the budgeting and directing the construction of bicycle facilities, including bike lanes, multi-use trails, parking/end-of-trip facilities, pavement marking and signage plans for both safety and way finding.

Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress and cost tracking reports, manage, coordinate, and supervise the construction process from the conceptual development stage through final construction on time and within budget. Directs and/or participates in the inspection of bicycle facilities or other road projects to assure that approved design is executed and that construction meets established standards. Develops or directs the development of requests for proposals, scopes of services, bid packages, contracts, amendments and other documents for the selection and contracting of design and construction services. Position requires thorough knowledge of grading, drainage, paving (asphalt and concrete), pavement markings and signage, construction, retaining walls, and other construction scopes related to bicycle facilities. File for necessary permits for project or assists consultant or contractor to prepare documents to file. Compile and analyze bicycle planning, design, and program data with a focus on customer service, innovation, and continuous improvement. Coordinate new project development or major renovation with user agency to ensure that facility meets their requirements.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Duties include, but are not limited to serving as the division’s central contact for public inquiries, initiating studies, constructing on-road and off-road bicycle facilities, participating in maintenance and operational matters, providing public information and updates on program events, construction projects/detours, and special projects/services, increasing social media/public outreach. Develop and maintain the bicycle program website and other forms of communications, including print and social media as well as video.

The job will also entail planning innovative bicycle infrastructure and safety improvements, including analyze staffing, implementation capabilities and bicycle facility needs for the County and prepare budget for the associated Capital Improvement Programs Annual Bikeways Program, Stand Alone CIP Bicycle related projects, and federal and state grants.

Position requires extensive engagement with the public, advocacy groups, various organizations consultants, citizen’s organizations, and public officials to resolve matters regarding the planning/design and construction of bicycle facilities. This position will also require attending meetings or performing work at locations outside the office if necessary.

For more information, visit: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ohr/staffing/careers.html(Hat Tip: Young Professionals in Transportation)

How do you teach a disrespectful driver about road safety? Rotary Club from the city of Blumenau, Brazil, started a campaign aimed at drivers who don’t respect crosswalks. And here is the outcome:

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKWBDhTWiaU’]

Description
Director of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure
Salary: Negotiable up to $155,642 based on qualifications.
Position is open until filled. First review of applicants: 12/14/12

Map of Virginia highlighting Loudoun County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The newly created Department of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure is currently accepting applications for the position of Department Director. This is a senior level management position. The Director provides oversight of transit and road development, the implementation of traffic improvement measures, the review of transportation-related land development applications, the development and administration of the County’s Capital Facility Standards, and the design, planning and construction of General Government public-use facilities. Position duties include, but are not limited to: overseeing and directing all work related to County transportation and capital projects such as strategic planning, budgeting, funding, design, construction, administration, and cost analysis; advising on policy matters; ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations; and planning, directing, and managing the annual capital and departmental budget process including providing recommendations and resolving budget issues. This position regularly presents to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and other public forums on a wide variety of transportation and capital construction issues. The Director is also responsible for leading and managing a high performing staff and maintaining a professional work environment in accordance with County policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
The successful candidate will hold a Master’s degree and a minimum of ten years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in transportation planning, engineering, architecture, public administration, or construction management is strongly preferred. Senior management level experience in a local government organization managing transportation initiatives, capital projects, facilities design and/or construction projects and experience supervising exempt level staff is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  

Loudoun County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a criminal history/credit/driver’s license check.
Interested applicants must complete and submit an application via our electronic application system. To apply, please go to our website: www.loudoun.gov

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via ITS America

The Program Manager is a mid -level position (to be located in Washington, DC) with day–to-day oversight of our contractual relationships with the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and other organizations as well as managing multiple task orders as project manager.  The Program Manager will also be responsible for engaging and acting on behalf of ITS America’s membership and the broader ITS community to help save lives, time, and money and sustain the environment through broad deployment of ITS technologies.

The position will report to the Chief Technology Officer / Vice President of Programs and will support the oversight of a staff of professionals who support the U.S. DOT and other contracts as well as ITS America’s Coordinating Councils and Forums.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Manage ITS America’s contracts with the U.S. DOT and others (50% of the time): Perform duties as the Program Manager on task orders with the U.S. DOT and other projects, including project management, budget tracking, and budget forecasting.  Supervise technical staff that supports the various task orders of the contracts, ensuring all deliverables and milestones are met on time and on budget.  Translate all technical tasks into tangible member benefits, and channel member feedback into a benefit to clients.  Take on management of new contracts with ITS America clients, as appropriate.
2. Provide substantive, technical input to task orders and offer guidance and support (20% of the time) on how best to promote awareness and knowledge transfer on the content and products of task orders to serve the ITS community.
3. Support ITS America’s councils and associated technical, policy, and educational programs (15% of the time):Help carry out member-driven projects by identifying DOT or member funding resources, and supervise subject-matter experts on staff.  Supervise development of educational programs for major events, and work closely with Member Services team in support of membership recruitment and retention, helping grow the society.
4. Support Business Development (15% of the time): Support business development including identifying new opportunities, proposal responses and grant application preparation, cost estimates, and other related activities.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of five years in Project and Program Management positions including budget tracking and budget forecasting in the transportation field, preferably in ITS.
• Experience with managing government contracts, preferably with the U.S. DOT and/or State DOTs.
• Bachelor’s ’s degree is required, preferably in engineering—in a technical area related to transportation, policy, and/or telecommunications.
• Experience in managing 5-10 employees and/or consultants.

Skill Requirements

• Relationship builder – able to work as a team member and provide courteous service to internal and external clients.
• Superior written and oral communications.
• Organized – able to manage multiple projects at the same time and demonstrates a real attention to detail.
• Consistently demonstrate cooperative attitude—assumes responsibility and is flexible in working with others.
• Demonstrates a commitment to follow through; results oriented.
• Initiative – actively engaged in continuous improvement, provides suggestions for improvement, offers solutions to challenges/issues.
• Ability to make dynamic personal presentations to key partners and stakeholders in the ITS community.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated competencies in the Microsoft Office Suite of software products used by ITS America.

To be considered for this opening:

• Include a cover letter with salary requirements.
• Attach resume as either a MS Word document or PDF.
• E-mail cover letter and resume to hr@itsa.org.