Job Alert: Director, Office of Transit Safety & Security @ Federal Transit Admn., USDOT

March 25, 2011 at 6:16 pm

(Source: USAJOBS)

Job Description

Dedicated to delivering results that matter to the American people, the FTA supports, improves, and promotes effective public transportation, the Nation’s fastest growing mode of travel. Through the administration, management, and oversight of a $10 billion annual grant program, FTA supports the development and construction of subway, light rail, and bus systems to help communities provide travel choices; improve access to jobs and health care; drive economic growth; and protect the environment.

You will serve as Director, Office of Transit Safety and Security (TPM-30) within the Office of Program Management.

You will carry out the duties and responsibilities outlined in this position description and reports to the FTA Associate Administrator of Program Management and Deputy Associate Administrator of Program Management. The duties and responsibilities include functioning as advisor in safety security matters to the FTA Administrator, and Deputy Administrator. You will serve as Director of the TPM-30 leadership team, which includes team leaders for security and safety. As a senior FTA expert in safety and security, you will represent FTA in promoting transit safety and security and is a focal point for all related programs and issues. You will also serve as a key liaison for FTA with other elements of the Department and other Federal agencies for transit safety and security matters.

You will be responsible for establishing the framework for coordinated and cooperative safety and security activities within FTA, with relevant DOT agencies, with other Federal agencies, and with concerned national organizations and State agencies. Ensures that safety and security is a priority with FTA grantees and contractors, the transit industry, and concerned interest groups. Responsible for directing, coordinating, controlling, and ensuring the adequacy of short- and long-range FT A plans and programs on all transit safety and security matters as they relate to the FTA strategic plan, its missions, programs, and objectives. Keep the FTA Administrator, and Deputy Administrator informed of emerging and controversial issues.

This position is ideal for a Senior Level professional with a broad range of transit safety and security matters and functioning as an advisor in such matters.

Click here for more information and to apply

Eno Brief Newsletter – March 2011

March 25, 2011 at 3:46 pm

(Source: Eno Foundation)

This is offensive on so many levels…oh, and never mind the typos on this Tea Party Express Caravan!

March 24, 2011 at 11:44 pm

(Source: Imgur via Reddit.com)

Apart from being grossly offensive and filled with egregiously flawed language, I also noticed that this mobile museum of conservative ideology is held together with a lot of  tape.  Yeah, I mean there is a lot of tape.. enough to wrap the entire planet.. Would be great to have an interview with the owner and the community that allows parking for this vehicle.  Also, I wonder aloud if there is any statute that prohibits operating a vehicle with so many offensive things slapped on it..Oh, well.  American politics never gets boring.  Thanks, Reddit.  I could not have find such artful expressions elsewhere..

Job Alert – Application deadline extended – Director, Center of Innovation for Air Traffic Systems and Operations

March 24, 2011 at 8:17 pm

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration is looking for an executive to serve as the Director of the Center of Innovation (COI) Air Traffic Systems and Operations of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center).  Located in Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Volpe Center plays a unique role in looking across the transportation enterprise by applying its multi-disciplinary capabilities to anticipate future transportation issues and challenges across all modes of transportation.

Reporting to the Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Innovation and Technology, the COI Director will lead and oversee the Air Traffic Systems and Operations COI comprised of four technical divisions – Navigation and Surveillance; Operations Risk Assessment and Terminal Systems; Traffic Flow Management; and Communications and Operations.  This COI has a combined technical/scientific federal staff of 85 employees; a 150 project portfolio; and average annual obligations of $80 million, representing one-third of the Center’s portfolio. Through close collaboration with other Volpe Center COI Directors, the COI Director will assist in the development of FAA and other strategic initiatives and new program opportunities, and, as needed, serve as liaison to FAA leaders in working with managers across the Volpe Center.

To succeed in this rewarding and challenging leadership position, the COI Director must have expertise leading applied research and technology projects – ideally as an engineer/scientist- in one or more areas of air traffic operations and systems, including aviation communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS), and air traffic control safety and security.  This individual must also possess exceptional management, planning and communication skills, and be able and willing to contribute as part of a collaborative management team.  While not required, an advanced scientific or technical degree is highly desirable. Travel is required (30-50%).

The vacancy announcement can be found on COI Director, Air Traffic Systems and Operations (attached find a copy of the vacancy announcement).

Transforming Transportation 2011 – Presentations Now Available for Download

March 21, 2011 at 6:55 pm

(Source: World Bank via Transport 2012)

Just after the TRB conference, senior decision makers and transport experts from around the world met in Washington from 27 – 28 January 2011 to share the latest experiences, information and best practices focused on safe, clean, and affordable transport services.

This year’s event featured case studies on sustainable transport from China, Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, India and the U.S. The joint event was co-organized by EMBARQ, The World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Institute for Transportation Development and Policy, Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities, and the Partnership for Sustainable Low Carbon Transport.

Click here to access the speaker bios and presentation (via slideshare.net) or

Click here to download the presentations (in PDF) and event agenda.

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

March 10, 2011 at 12:19 am

Job at a Glance

  • Job Category: Transportation Planning
  • Job Level: Mid I (1-4 years)
  • Salary Range: $45,286-$66,406 DOQ
  • AICP Certification: Not Required

Job Description

  • Transportation Planner II (Grade 6): $45,286-$60,369
  • Transportation Planner III (Grade 7): $49,814-$66,406

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

The Department of Transportation Planning of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is seeking a Planner II or III for the Program Coordination Team. The Program Coordination Team supports the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Washington, D.C. region. The TPB plays an important role as the regional forum for transportation planning in the National Capital region, and prepares plans and programs that the federal government must approve in order for federal-aid transportation funds to flow to the Washington region. The successful candidate will perform professional level planning activities on a wide range of activities, such as:

(1) Support the development, analysis and documentation of the Financially Constrained Long Range Transportation Plan (CLRP) which could include:

  • Updating regional maps showing the major projects in the CLRP;
  • Analyzing travel demand data to describe the performance of the plan and creating clear and concise charts and graphics;
  • Writing content for websites, brochures and reports; and
  • Providing website support for on-line public comment periods.

(2) Assist with regional transportation and land use scenario planning which could include:

  • Analyzing additional scenarios with travel demand output data, developing high-level maps and graphics, and writing reports and website content; and
  • Conducting cost-benefit analysis of additional transportation and land use scenarios.

(3) Support the environmental consultation and mitigation efforts, which could include:

  • Assisting with efforts to meet federal requirements for environmental consultation on the development of the Financially Constrained Long Range Transportation Plan (CLRP) with environmental resource agencies which includes research, data collection, mapping of natural resources and transportation projects and getting feedback from environmental agencies;
  • Researching climate change and adaptation issues for MPOs; and
  • Assisting with expanded environmental consultation activities such as helping form a task force to better coordinate transportation and environmental planning and the research for and creation of a toolkit on advanced mitigation;

(4) Provide staff support to the other TPB activities and committees as needed, such as:

  • Quarterly meetings of the TPB Regional Taxicab Regulators Task Force and the Access for All Advisory Committee;
  • Assisting with the monthly TPB electronic mail-out;
  • Developing regional transportation grant applications; and
  • Promoting regional bike sharing.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Requires (1) knowledge in the principles and practices of metropolitan transportation; knowledge in environmental planning or science a plus; (2) strong software skills in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), ArcGIS, and the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Photoshop); experience with travel demand modeling software and Microsoft Access a plus, (3) strong analytical and writing skills; presentation skills a plus; and (4) ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, elected officials and the public.

Transportation Planner II: Requires a master’s degree in urban planning, environmental or natural science, public administration, or an appropriate related field and two years’ of working experience in planning or a related field. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, analytical and writing skills, and abilities will be considered.

Transportation Planner III: Requires at least three years’ working experience in planning or related field, and master’s degree in urban planning, environmental or natural science, public administration, or an appropriate related field. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, analytical and writing skills, and abilities will be considered.

Contact Information

Phone 202-962-3200
Fax 202-962-3715
Email resumes@mwcog.org
Website www.mwcog.org
Postal Address Human Resources – MWCOG
777 North Capitol Street
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20002

Job Alert – ITS JPO Announces New Vacancy for Transportation Specialist: Data and Road Weather

March 3, 2011 at 11:58 pm

The Research and Innovation Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for a highly talented Transportation Specialist with a passion for transportation data and analysis to join the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) as the Connected Vehicle Data and Weather Program Manager. This is an opportunity to w

Seal of the United States Department of Transp...

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ork on one of the most exciting multimodal programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT).  Located at the U.S. DOT headquarters in Washington, DC, the ITS-JPO manages, coordinates and supports research programs focused on applying advanced technologies to transform the performance of our Nation’s surface transportation system.

The vacancy announcement closes on Wednesday, March 16, 2011

We are seeking a talented transportation leader who can work with all levels of the ITS-JPO staff, high-ranking officials, and others outside the agency to explore the innovative methods of data collection and use of advanced data applications in the transportation environment.  A self-starter with expert knowledge of data capture and proven program management principles is a must.  Strong coordination and leadership capabilities are needed to be successful in this important role.  A mix of strong creativity combined with institutional and technical knowledge is a must.  Ability to identify strategic program needs and develop objectives based on Administration and U.S. DOT policy, Congressional direction, and knowledge gained through the national ITS program planning process is required.

The ITS-JPO Connected Vehicle Data and Weather Program Manager will manage multimodal programs such as congestion relief, road weather management, and data capture and data management applications to provide technical leadership for state-of-practice and state-of-the-art data collection methods for continuous improvement of our nation’s surface transportation system.

If you know someone interested in this Washington, DC based position that has the experience and proven results in the above requested areas, please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

Please keep in mind that the new hiring reforms recently announced by President Obama will shorten the hiring timeline and will eliminate essay-style questions during the initial application submission. Therefore please spread the word about this exciting opportunity and encourage anyone interested to apply quickly.

To review the job qualifications and to apply, please see the vacancy announcement at USAjobs, direct link:

FHWA.JPO-2011-0001 – Open to Current Federal and Former Federal Status Employees: (Federal employees are encouraged to apply under this announcement number to maximize consideration).

FHWA.JPO-2011-0002 – Open to all U.S. Citizens

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Funding Opportunity for Transportation Research at Mineta Transportation Institute @ San Jose State University

February 28, 2011 at 10:49 am

Please see below for information about a funding opportunity from the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) for research on a variety of transportation topics, including transportation finance. As the director of MTI’s National Transportation Finance Center, Asha Agrawal will be assisting researchers with questions about submitting finance-related proposals. So if you have questions, please feel free to get in touch with Asha at asha.weinstein.agrawal@sjsu.edu.

FYI, I have not included the attachments, since they don’t go through well on email groups like this one, but all the forms are available at http://www.transweb.sjsu.edu/MTIportal/research/RFPForms.html

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Dear Colleagues,

MTI is pleased to announce the release of the 2011-2012 Request for Proposals (RFP). Attached you will find the RFP, the proposal form, and the budget template. These forms may also be downloaded from the MTI web page:http://www.transweb.sjsu.edu/MTIportal/research/RFPForms.html.

As you may know, MTI conducts an open, broad-based process for soliciting and selecting policy research projects. High-quality proposals that best match the results of the needs assessment and the objectives and research emphasis areas of the institute will be selected for funding. MTI supports research projects staffed entirely by San José State University (SJSU) faculty or by SJSU faculty collaborating with researchers from outside the university.

We invite you to submit a proposal in response to this request!  All proposals are due on MONDAY, MAY 16 2011 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

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Webinar Alert: Focusing on Truck Wireless Communication Technologies – Hosts: TIMTC, U.S. DOT, Feb 23

February 16, 2011 at 7:55 pm

Trucking industry stakeholders are invited to participate in a free webinar to discuss key policy and institutional challenges that could impact fleet adoption of new wireless communication technologies.  The particular technologies being discussed include communication technologies that allow trucks to “talk” to other vehicles and roadside infrastructure.  Through this webinar, motor carriers will be able to provide the U.S. DOT with direct feedback on technology implementation issues.

Presentations will include 1) a brief introduction on the U.S. DOT’s Truck Technology Policy program of research; 2) an overview of the potential value of the wireless connectivity technologies to the trucking industry and 3) a summary of related policy issues identified to date.  Feedback gathered from participants will be used to develop the Truck V2V/V2I Policy Roadmap and Research Agenda.

  • WHAT:            U.S. DOT’s Truck V2V/V2I Technology Policy Issues Webinar
  • WHEN:            Wednesday, February 23, 2011 1:00 to 3:00 EST
  • HOW:              Participants will need access to the internet and a telephone.  For your free registration, use the link below.  An automated email with instructions for joining the webinar will be sent to all registrants.

Please visit the TIMTC website at www.freightmobility.org to register for the webinar or click here

Interested in becoming involved with TIMTC?  Participation is free and provides the latest information and updates on trucking industry initiatives that improve the industry’s safety and mobility.  Send your contact information to TIMTC@trucking.org to receive your free membership.

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The Trucking Industry Mobility & Technology Coalition (TIMTC) is jointly managed by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the  U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA).  The TIMTC is sponsored by the U.S. DOT.  Members include motor carriers, commercial drivers, law enforcement, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, transportation planners and policy makers at the local, state and federal levels.

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Some pockets of GOP cheer for high-speed rail … at least when it is in a Hollywood movie!

February 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

(Source: YouTube via Wonkette)

Washington DC’s political columnist Wonkette says this video below earned cheers during this year’s Conservative Political Action Congress (CPAC).  Hey, wait a second.. aren’t the conservatives dead against all things high speed rail? At least that what one would think reading this rebuttal from House T & I Committee leadership, (chaired by FL Republican  Rep. John Mica), slamming President Obama’s proposal to spend some big money on High Speed Rail projects to prop up the economy and job market.  Watching this makes me wonder if the Republican leadership in the  has seen it already? Did he know that this idea was received warmly by fellow Republicans?

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