Job Title:  Transit Data Planner I

Job ID:  118658

Date Closed: 12/04/2012

Business Unit: Charlotte Area Transit System

Full/Part Time:   Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:  Regular

Image Courtesy: Google Images – Click to apply

It is the mission of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to improve the quality of life for everyone in the greater Charlotte region by providing outstanding community-wide public transportation services while proactively contributing to focused growth and sustainable regional development. The Transportation Planner I accomplishes this by utilizing transit operation data to support the implementation of service enhancements to CATS’ existing and future transit services. The Transportation Planner I analyzes information received from transit technology systems, i.e. Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVL), digital cameras, Automatic Passenger Counters (APC), GIS information and other databases, to develop route and service change plans. Proficiency in GIS applications and knowledge of database applications is highly desirable. Knowledge of transit practices is preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts ongoing performance and cost analysis of existing transit services and make recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of bus services.
• Assists in the preparation and development of detailed transit planning reports, programs, and documents.
• Assist in the preparation of service change and service planning activities.
• Participate in the monitoring and reporting on the performance of CATS bus routes and overall system performance.
• Assist in the development and analysis of CATS Route Performance Program Reports.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of comprehensive bus stop databases.
• Collects statistical data and assist in report preparation.
• Responds to citizen and customer inquiries by explaining policies and/or investigating service issues.
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments, and participates in special projects as required.
• Some transit scheduling work is required.
• Coordinate and attends public and departmental meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a BA or BS degree in planning, geography or related field. Excellent verbal and written skills are required as the position coordinates aspects of database flow across functionary departments. Must be able to work flexible schedule. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, a criminal background check, DMV report and be eligible for a City Driving permit.

 Click here to apply

TO APPLY  Send a one- or two-page letter describing why you are the person for the job with a resume to alex@bicyclecoalition.org

Position available February 1. Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Because there are better ways to get around, the Bicycle Coalition’s Development Director will lead three fundraising teams: major gifts, membership and stewardship/database. These organization-wide teams are working to meet our 2014 strategic plan goals of raising $250,000 in major gifts, doubling membership to 3600 households and engaging our donors in our mission.

We have grown from an annual budget of $200,000 to $1,000,000 in just a few years — mainly through grants and contracts. To sustain our growth, we need to grow the individual support that is the core of our past and future as a membership organization.

Financial support from individuals provides a reliable stream of unrestricted money for our work, demonstrates community support, and produces members who are our best advocates, volunteers and education ambassadors.

Please visit www.bicyclecoalition.org/jobs to apply. Position available February 1. Applications accepted until the position is filled.

PURPOSE AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Making bicycling better through advocacy and education, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) promotes biking as a healthy, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation and recreation in ten counties in Southeast Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.

We believe in better ways to get around and:

• excellence in pursuit of our mission,
• a workplace where every person’s contribution is valued,
• representing the diversity of the community we serve,
• the joy of riding a bike, and
• working hard while still having time for family, friends and bike rides.

The Development Director will lead a team fundraising effort of board members, volunteers, the Executive Director and seven other staff from across the organization. (The Development Director directly supervises two staff.) Our fundraising is composed of three teams (major gifts, membership and stewardship/database) to achieve the goals of significantly increasing major gifts and membership laid out in the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan (you can find the plan at bicyclecoalition.org/about).

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Development Director reports to the Executive Director. The Development Director will:

• Work primarily out of the Bicycle Coalition office
• Occasionally work outdoors
• Travel to suburban evening meetings as well as several national events a year
• Work some evenings and weekends

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Development Director will:

• Manage budgeting, planning and implementation for all fundraising, including major gifts, membership and stewardship
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Committee of the Board of Directors, implement a major donor campaign raising $250,000 from 400 identified donors
• Develop and implement a membership campaign to double membership to 3600 households over two years
• Manage the stewardship of all gifts, including managing donor data in Salesforce, workflows for acknowledgement, new members, recruiting volunteers and member communications
• Supervise two fundraising staff and lead three staff-wide fundraising teams
• Manage the Bicycle Coalition’s communications plan in coordination with the Policy Director and the Education & Safety Director
• Support the Executive Director and Policy Directors’ work on grant applications and stewardship

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A strong commitment to the Bicycle Coalition’s mission
• Three or more years of a demonstrated working knowledge of the principles and practices of philanthropy, especially raising money from individuals through membership/annual giving and major gifts
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages, abilities, cultural groups, economic status or sexual orientation
• Ability to lead teams of volunteers and staff not under your direct supervision to achieve well-defined goals
• Experience in managing donor data in an organization-wide database
• Ability to complete work in an unstructured and informal environment with limited supervision
• Problem solving skills, creativity, flexibility and self-motivation
• A professional appearance and manner
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• A personal history of giving

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in making major gift solicitations and coordinating the efforts of volunteers in making solicitations of up to $50,000
• Proven success in growing membership/annual fund giving, especially at an organization with a budget under $2 million
• Supervisory experience, especially leading teams that cross program areas
• Proven success in creating and managing direct mail campaigns
• Experience with online giving and an understanding of how online content and communications drive fundraising results
• Experience with Salesforce

This is an exempt position. Salary commensurate with experience.

The Bicycle Coalition is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex or age.

Position Description: 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to help develop, coordinate, implement, and communicate all of the Georgetown BID’s transportation initiatives to make Georgetown more accessible, improve pedestrian, bike, transit, and auto mobility, and improve the perception that Georgetown is easy to get to, around, and from.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Works with CEO, Marketing Director, Deputy Director for Operations, and other Staff, Board, and community, stakeholders to develop Georgetown transportation initiatives and participates in all city efforts that contribute to, or impact, Georgetown transportation including: public and private parking, street configuration, signage,
street cars and bus transit, taxi, para-transit, bike, bike sharing, car sharing, curb management, pedestrian experience, transportation marketing, organizing, and
advocacy programs.

B. Specifically:

1. Coordinates the BID’s participation in citywide streetcar program and organizes the BID stakeholder coalition working to bring the streetcar to Georgetown.
2. Coordinates the BID’s participation with the DC Circulator (DC Surface Transit Inc.)
3. Works with research coordinator to collect, update and report Georgetown transportation data including pedestrian counts, vehicle counts, parking statistics, and other relevant information.
4. Coordinates the BID’s activities to improve signage and wayfinding in Georgetown.
5. Oversees the BIDs efforts to develop a retail parking program (both on and off street).
6. Participates in an implementation program to improve Georgetown’s street furniture system. This should be integrated with other programs such as the Circulator and CaBi.
7. Works with city agencies and neighborhood stakeholders to plan and implement performance parking and other transportation programs that improve the experience of coming to Georgetown whether by car, bike, bus, or foot.
8. Works with marketing department to develop and communicate all materials necessary to support this program.

C. In general develops project plans, budgets, and implementation schedules, prepares RFPs for appropriate phases of projects, administers contracts and manages projects to timely completion.
D. Helps identify and secure outside resources to fund both planning and implementation from private, partnership, city and federal sources.
E. Integrates the BIDs transportation agenda into other relevant parts of the BID program.
F. Provides support for other Georgetown projects upon request of the CEO.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Georgetown dc day (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Transportation Director reports to the CEO and works closely with all other staff members.

SCOPE

• Manages interns and consultants only.
• May represent the Georgetown BID to the city and Georgetown stakeholders on transportation issues.
• Exercises high level of initiative, independence, non-policy decision making and negotiation and implementation of projects.
• Develops budgets, and expends funds as approved for specific line items.
• Makes recommendations on major expenditures.
• Integrates transportation with other departments and organizations of the BID.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 4-years of experience in the field of transportation, urban planning or related field.
• Strong written communication skills, including preparation of RFPs, and/or detailed reports.
• Excellent verbal communication skills including public speaking, facilitating and negotiating skills.
• Demonstrated skills in strategic planning.
• Experience managing multiple tasks to bring projects to timely completion.
• Basic analytical skills
• Bachelors degree required (preferably in related field of transportation, urban planning, public administration, public policy or related field). Masters degree preferred but not required.

SALARY
Competitive and comes with an excellent benefits package.

TO APPLY
Please send resume and cover letter to:

Transportation Director Search
Georgetown Business Improvement District
1000 Potomac Street NW
Suite 122
Washington, DC 20007

You can also send your resume or questions to: jobs@georgetowndc.com . Please put “Transportation Director Search” in the Subject line.

BACKGROUND
The Georgetown BID is a 12 year-old publicly chartered non-profit organization dedicated to making Georgetown cleaner, safer, more user-friendly and more vibrant. . The Georgetown BID runs a variety of programs including marketing the neighborhood as a unique shopping, dining, and historic destination, keeping the streets and sidewalks clean and passable; improving the streetscapes with plantings and street furniture; collecting and disseminating economic development research; and improving transportation access and mobility throughout the area. The organization has a $3.1 million annual budget and 17 employees and full-time contractors. For more information visit our web site at www.Georgetowndc.com.

The Georgetown Business Improvement District provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, non-job-related disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected group status. In so doing, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and applicants for employment are afforded an equal opportunity to pursue job opportunities to the fullest extent possible with the organization. Decisions on employment, promotions, opportunities for personal development, compensation and benefits reflect our commitment to furthering the principles of the Georgetown BID’s equal employment opportunity policy.

This Job Announcement, and any application submitted pursuant to it, is not an offer of employment or an employment contract.

via YPTransportation.org

This position is located in the Innovative Program Delivery office (HIN), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Washington, D.C. The Financial Analyst will serve as a member of the TIFIA Joint Program Office (JPO), one of five teams within HIN. The ideal candidate for this position will bring specialized experience in budget and accounting to apply the principles of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (FCRA), as interpreted through guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to manage the TIFIA program funds appropriated by Congress. Working with the budget and accounting staff from the FHWA and the Office of the Secretary, as well as outside technical advisors, you will prepare TIFIA’s annual budget submission, calculate the subsidy cost of each TIFIA transaction, prepare apportionments, collect payments from applicants and borrowers, and ensure that all financial events are recorded properly in the program accounts. This position is being filled at the GS-11, 12 or 13 level and is located in Washington, DC. Salary range is $62,467.00 to $115,742.00 per year, based upon qualifications.

This Financial Analyst vacancy announcement can be viewed at: FHWA.HIN-2013-0002: DEU-Open to all US Citizenshttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/331226200 and

FHWA.HIN-2013-0004: Government Employees only https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/331227500.

In order to be considered, please follow specific application procedures on the announcements.

Application Cut-off: Given our continuing need for professionals in this field, we will routinely review applications and refer the top candidates for potential interviews multiple times during the open period of the announcement. The first cutoff for applications is close of business November 26, 2012, 2nd cut-off is December 26, 2012 and final review occurring after January 24, 2013 (closing date).

 This position is a Transportation Specialist assigned to the Freight Analysis and Research Team within Office of Freight Management and Operations (HOFM) of the Office of Operations of the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA).  The Office is responsible for analyzing trends and developing policies concerning multimodal freight transportation,

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

Within a team environment, the Transportation Specialist is responsible for providing expertise in data, modeling and analytical techniques for  analyzing  and forecasting freight activity and its economic and environmental consequences, to support FHWA headquarters, FHWA field components, state DOT personnel, and professional staff of Metropolitan Planning Organizations and other stakeholders in establishing a comprehensive program for improving freight operations within the country’s transportation network.supporting freight transportation planning and project development at all levels of government through information and professional development programs, enforcing vehicle size and weight laws, and promoting improvements in freight operations and technology.  Its mission is to provide programs, policies, research, and technology transfer that promote efficient and effective freight flow on the highway system and its intermodal connectors within the United States and across its international borders.

via NPR 

Heard this nice review of the “fastest train in whole of Africa” on NPR.

via YPT Boston

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English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a guest post by Michael Rodriguez, a friend and business colleague, on one of the most pressing questions facing Virginia’s voters tomorrow in the 2012 elections.  A quick bio of  the author: Mike is a Transportation planning/economics consultant. Identifies himself as a Tech junkie.  Apple enthusiast. Marlins fan. Badger fan. Nintendo fanboy. Overall transportation geek. Mike is also actively engaged in Twitter (@TranspoPlanner) and you can learn more about him here. 

On Election Day, Virginians will encounter a statewide ballot measure,Question 1, that would amend the Virginia Constitution by limiting the government’s ability to exercise eminent domain – limitations that would hinder critical projects such as Metro Rail expansion, the new 495 Express Lanes, and many worthy economic development projects. The true implications of this amendment are an unnecessary restriction on public projects, a narrow definition of eminent domain powers leading to greater costs, and other negative unintended consequences.Virginia Question 1: Bad for Infrastructure and Bad for Communities

Eminent domain, the government’s power to acquire private property for public use, is central to state and local government’s ability to build infrastructure and facilities – things like roads, water lines, parks, schools, and police precincts. In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court in Kelo v. City of New London also upheld a practice that local governments had been engaged in for quite some time, namely, acquiring land and transferring it to a private developer when undergoing economic redevelopment. However, the Court also left states with the power to restrict this practice.

Since Kelo, a concerted, partisan response in many states has sought to severely limit the government’s power to conduct its business through eminent domain and undermine urban and regional planning in general. Question 1 is Virginia’s version of this partisan effort. While framed as a “property rights” issue, make no mistake that this amendment goes too far and tries to slip in significant roadblocks to all public projects that use eminent domain.

Question 1 is unnecessary to prevent the type of eminent domain use in Kelo because Virginia has already enacted laws to address this. Despite these statutes, the proponents behind Question 1 seek to go beyond what is already on the books. In the process, they are willing to open up Pandora’s Box of problems that they have failed to address. These problems are why the Virginia Municipal League, Virginia Association of Counties, and mayors across Virginia strongly believe Question 1 is a setback for building needed infrastructure and the ability to create strong and vibrant communities.

One problem is that Question 1 would hinder innovative projects in transportation, among other areas, by limiting eminent domain in any setting that would be “for profit.” Immediately, this language would obstruct and likely stop any toll road, port redevelopment, or other project that uses “public-private partnerships” – where the government and private sector collaborate. These types of projects have traditionally had bi-partisan support in Virginia and nationwide, including support from Governor McDonnell. Nonetheless, Question 1 would prevent such projects.

What this means for Virginians is that projects like the 495 Express Lanes would be challenged, since these projects involve the government and private sector collaborating over toll revenues. Projects like Metro Rail’s Silver Line expansion to Dulles Airport would be thwarted, since they are partly financed through those tolls. In short, Question 1 unnecessarily interferes in government’s ability to collaborate with the private sector to innovate and improve our transportation and public facilities.

Another concern is that Question 1 also requires the government to compensate property owners not only for their property’s value, but also for “lost profits.” For example, farmers would not only be compensated for their land at market value, but also for profits they may (or may not) experience in the future from sales of their produce. While a noble goal,there is a fundamental math problem with this logic. The future profits of a piece of real estate, like a farm or factory, are already incorporated into its market value – economists call it “capitalized value.” This is why a high yielding farm sells for more than a low yielding farm, all other things being equal.

The existing norm of compensating at market value already addresses these potential profits; so requiring additional compensation is economic double counting. Furthermore, profits are speculative, and the overall effect is to limit public projects by increasing costs, encouraging frivolous litigation, enriching trial attorneys, and enabling an unelected board to guess at compensation levels. In the end, we all pay for this when the cost of building public infrastructure increases drastically.

There are a host of other unintended consequences, but the bottom line is that Question 1 goes beyond simply protecting private property rights. It would nearly kill, or at least severely inhibit, public-private partnerships to build infrastructure, thus requiring more government bonds and debt to build. It would also increase the cost that we Virginians pay for our roads and other infrastructure. Do not be fooled. A vote in favor of Question 1 might be a great deal for trial lawyers, but it’s a bad deal for Virginia’s infrastructure and the future of our communities.

Note:  All opinion expressed are the author’s.  This blog serves as a platform to echo the voices of the community.  Feel free to share and register your thoughts below.  Also, you are welcome to submit articles on transportation issues for publishing on this site.

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• Eminent Domain Casts its Long Shadow Over the Texas Legislature

Saw this picture below tweeted out by joanna coles @JoannaColes Editor-in-Chief Cosmopolitan Magazine. She shot this gridlocked thoroughfare from her office (located on the 38th floor of the building where Cosmopolitan mag. is located).  With its subway system crippled by Sandy, this pic. shows how badly NYC needs to reconsider its transportation strategies and prioritize implementing any/all strategies that moves people away from cars.  It is going to be once heck of a recovery until the subway limps back to normal!   

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Halloween ’07 (Photo credit: Clover_1)

Happy Halloween!

As you (or the kids in your household) venture out trick or treating tonight, I want to remind you of a few things regarding safety. Today’s press release from insurance giant StateFarmshowed how dangerous

trick or treating can be for younger children.  StateFarm says that its research with Bert Sperling’s BestPlaces,  analyzed four million records in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Database revealed the following

• Halloween Was Deadliest Day of the Year for Child Pedestrian Accidents
  One hundred and fifteen child pedestrian fatalities occurred on Halloween over the 21 years of our analysis. That is an average of 5.5 fatalities each year on October 31, which is more than double the average number of 2.6 fatalities for other days.
• The “Deadliest Hour”
  Nearly one-fourth (26 out of 115) of accidents occurred from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Over 60% of the accidents occurred in the 4-hour period from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Middle of the Block Most Hazardous
  Over 70% of the accidents occurred away from an intersection or crosswalk.
• Ages Most at Risk on Halloween
  Most of the fatalities occurred with children ages 12-15 (32% of all child fatalities), followed by children ages 5-8 (23%).
• Drivers Who Posed the Greatest Risk
  Young drivers ages 15-25 accounted for nearly one-third of all fatal accidents involving child pedestrians on Halloween.
• Drivers Who Posed the Lowest Risk
  Drivers ages 36-40 and 61-65 were involved in the fewest child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween. Together, these age groups accounted for nine child pedestrian fatalities (8%) in the 21 years of the study.
• Fatalities Declining
  Each of the last six years of the study (2005 – 2010) has seen Halloween child fatalities below the 21 year average of 5.5.

• Also,  California  Department of Public Health today said that on Halloween between 4PM- 10PM, more than 2 times as many kids die in pedestrian/vehicle incidents than during the same time on other days during the rest of  year.  Scary, right?

One more thing you may want to know is this: Last Halloween, more than 24,700 drivers received a red light violation, according to the Safer Roads Report 2012: Trends in Red-Light Running. So, tonight when you venture out with (or without) your kids, be careful.  Dress to be SEEN and do not become a statistic!

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• Walk This Way Halloween Safety Twitter Party