Job Alert: Research Scientist/Engineer (Program Manager – Traffic Crash Analysis Program) – Texas Transportation Institute @ College Station, TX

October 22, 2014 at 10:10 am

Position Description

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Center for Transportation Safety is seeking an individual to lead and serve as Program Manager for the Traffic Crash Analysis Program.  The incumbent will lead efforts to identify new sources of funding, ensure timely submittal and quality of work products, oversee proposal development, and develop and mentor staff.  Responsibilities include managing traffic safety projects which may include literature review, data collection, analysis, and technical report development in areas such as crash analysis, impaired driving, and other traffic related topics.

Continued employment in this position is dependent upon availability of funding and satisfactory level of performance.

Essential Duties:

Serve as principal investigator of research studies involving transportation safety, performance evaluations and program evaluation 25%
Conduct literature review 15%
Prepare technical reports 15%
Collect data and conduct analysis 10%
Outreach – Community & Stakeholder 10%
Report/presentation preparation and delivery 10%
Proposal and project development 10%

Required Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in engineering, planning, public health, health education or related field
  • 8 years of experience in traffic safety analysis using crash data and statistical methods
  • Strong project management experience
  • Proposal and project development experience
  • Strong oral and written communication skills specifically related to technical reports in related field
  • Proficient with MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS)
  • Ability to travel overnight
  • Ability to work effectively with others to identify and accomplish project tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prefer Ph.D. in related discipline
  • Record of successful proposal submittals in traffic safety.
  • Prior experience in managing a program of traffic safety analysis.
  • Record of successful relationships with local, state or Federal transportation or safety agency officials and project managers.
  • Extensive experience with traffic records and/or crash analysis and data-linking techniques
  • Experience in developing traffic safety related training and educational materials.
  • Experience with MS Project and/or MS Access as well as SPSS or SAS statistical software.
  • Experience with crash analysis software related to problem identification in geographical areas or according to demographics.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://cw.halogensoftware.com/texas_transport/loadJobPostingDetails.do?jobPostingID=101384&source=jobList

[VIDEO] Los Angeles Is Building an e-Highway Demonstration Project to Curb Truck Emissions on Corridor that Connects Ports of LosAngeles and Long Beach to Downtown

October 3, 2014 at 12:30 pm

via CityLab & synapticdigital.com

Los Angeles is preparing to trial a two-way, one-mile e-highway road design project along the diesel truck-dominated Alameda Corridor in an effort to reduce pollution and health-related costs. Officials say the system relies on emission-free electric power delivered through overhead wires to fuel the trucks. The city is partnering with Siemens and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to run the $13 million project set to begin operations in July. The one-mile test of the e-highway system may just be the start. Apparently the various funders are hoping to expand the system along the remaining three miles from the ports to the major railhead, and there are discussions underway about a 20-mile northwest corridor that could connect the ports with inland warehouse complexes. If this first mile test works out, it could help provide a healthier future for high-traffic corridors around the world.

More about the project here.

This is how it works: The catenary infrastructure will be installed on the North and South-bound sections of Alameda Street where it intersects with Sepulveda Boulevard in Carson,California. Up to four trucks will be running in the demonstration, making multiple drives per day. Thanks to an innovative current collector the trucks can connect and disconnect from the catenary system at any speed for dynamic power supply directly to the electric engine and for on-board storage. To further ensure the same flexibility as conventional trucks, the eHighway vehicles use an electric drive system, which can be powered either by diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), battery or other on-board energy source, when driving outside of the catenary lines.  One big question that bogs me is this: assuming the demonstration is successful, who will pay for the cost of turning over the existing fleet to this hybrid-mode?

Infograph: How can you bring Vision Zero to life?

August 20, 2014 at 5:01 pm

via PTV

Did you know that for every 1km/h reduction in average speed, there is a 2% reduction in the number of crashes? With the growing population of humans and vehicles globally, the safety of road users is becoming more and more important.  The 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) report indicates that worldwide the total number of road traffic deaths is ~1.24 million per year. Only 28 countries, covering 7% of the world’s population, have comprehensive road safety laws on five key risk factors: drinking and driving, speeding, and failing to use motorcycle helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints.  What’s more scary is the fact that this number is going to rise sharply – 1.9 million fatalities /year by 2020 if we don’t take any action.

So,  how do we achieve a better safety record for the rest of the 93% global population?  How do we build communities where every one can access the transportation infrastructure safely? One of the easiest ways to reduce the number of crashes is by reducing the speed of vehicles, which can have immediate and direct impact on the number of crashes according to this infograph from PTV.  If you want to learn more about road safety, download PTV’s free white paper and register to participate in webinars on this topic in early September. 

Image Courtesy: PTV Group Traffic Inside

 

Infograph: Amazing Ways the Self-Driving Technology will Change the World

August 12, 2014 at 5:05 pm

via Visual.ly

Infographs are always a nice way to tell a story visually and this one below gets adopts that visual story telling to explain the complex societal impacts that are in the offing as the auto & tech heavy-weights like Google are vying to bring their self-driving technology to the mass market.. Imagine a world with no crashes, no traffic lights and no parking?  Mind boggling stuff for today’s drivers but that future doesn’t seem too distant anymore.. Though I think  Level 4 automation (i.e.,  completely autonomous) is at least a decade away, anyone would get excited about the prospect of not waiting for a light to turn green (or for that matter to not drivearound in circles looking for parking)…

The Amazing Ways The Google Car Will Change the World

The Amazing Ways The Google Car Will Change the World

Horse before the carriage? Auto Makers Seek Approval for Driverless Cars in States as Regulators, Insurers Weigh Liability (video)

August 7, 2014 at 5:01 pm

via WSJ

Today’s Wall Street Journal has an interesting piece that covers the various efforts underway in the world of autonomous vehicles (aka driverless cars i lay people speak) and how manufacturers are working with legislators to introduce their products to the tech-hungry driving public at least in a few states across the  country.. here is a video that accompanies that article.

What caught me by surprise is the sheer volume of activity and how certain people are that they will see autonomous vehicles on the roads in just a few short years.. As much as I would like to believe, full automation (Level 4) is still a decade away and we still have a lot of hurdles on the technology, policy and infrastructure side.  As one of the interviewed researchers points out, there are many concerns that dog this challenge incl. the high cost of laser vision, the risk that radar and camera sensors won’t see properly in bad weather, and complex legal issues raised by giving control to a robot. Let’s hope we overcome these hurdles soon because we, as a society, are paying a heavy price in terms of human lives and hard earned treasure as we continue to drive with manual control (~33K people killed on American roads during 2012).

Click here to read the entire article.

Job Alert: Transportation Specialist (GS-2101-13/14) – USDOT’s Federal Highway Administration @ Washington, DC

July 12, 2014 at 1:01 pm
Image courtesy. www.DOT.gov

Image courtesy. www.DOT.gov

SALARY RANGE: $89,924.00 to $138,136.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Friday, July 11, 2014 to Sunday, July 20, 2014

This position is located in the Office of Innovative Program Delivery (HIN), Project Delivery Team, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in Washington, D.C. The Office of Innovative Program Delivery, an organizational element within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), provides national leadership, direction, and consulting services in new approaches for project finance, procurement (e.g., public-private partnerships (P3s)), and revenue generation (e.g., congestion pricing).  The office also provides for the oversight and stewardship of projects with a total cost in excess of $500 million.  HIN brings together experts on transportation credit assistance; project cost estimating and financial plan development; innovative finance; policy development; P3s; and tolling. 

This position is for the implementation of stewardship and oversight activities to monitor the cost, schedule, and performance of Federal-aid transportation infrastructure projects, especially major projects (those costing over $500 million) to identify problems and initiate action to mitigate implementation risks.  This position provides technical assistance and authoritative consultant services to FHWA field offices, State agencies, and other Federal agencies to assure that Federal regulations and policies are met in the development and delivery of major highway projects.

The ideal candidate will be a mid-career transportation specialist with a specialty in the stewardship and oversight of the major highway project delivery process.

Click here to learn more and to apply

Job Alert: Supervisory Civil Engineer (Lead Civil Eng -Structural), GS-0810-15 – USDOT’s Federal Highway Administration @ Washington, DC

July 7, 2014 at 5:33 pm
This position is located in the Office of Bridges and Structures, Office of Infrastructure. The incumbent serves as a Principal Bridge Engineer in the structures discipline and the Team Leader of the Structural Engineering Team. The incumbent assists the Director, Office of Bridges and Structures, in the performance of all administrative and technical activities related to the functions performed by the Office.

  • SALARY RANGE: $124,995.00 to $157,100.00 / Per Year
  • OPEN PERIOD:Monday, July 7, 2014 to Sunday, July 20, 2014

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for this position will be a civil engineer with a graduate degree and professional engineering license, and significant knowledge and experience in the design, load rating and construction of major and unusual highway bridges and/or tunnels.

DUTIES:

Serving as a Supervisory Civil Engineer, you will:

  • Exercise national leadership in structural engineering aspects of all the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) programs and be responsible for providing technical guidance, and for coordinating FHWA’s activities in these areas with FHWA field offices, Federal agencies, State departments of transportation and local agencies, academia and with various other partners and customers on a national and international basis.
  • Be accountable for the team’s outcomes and results, e.g., timely development and updates of policy and guidance, timely review of major and unusual structures, delivery of quality work products and services and implements a quality improvement program in assigned program areas. Provide coaching and leadership to team members in their consultant services to management of Headquarters and field organizations.
  • Plan, evaluate, and execute short- and long-range programs which impact national issues. Lead and manage the activities of a staff of engineers in the Headquarters Office and provide technical leadership and guidance to other FHWA offices in Headquarters, Research, Development and Technology, Resource Center, Federal Lands Highway Divisions, and Division Offices.
  • Serve as an authoritative expert and be responsible for planning and managing a program on a national level with the objective of improving the state of practice of structural engineering as applied to planning, selection of type, size and location, design, construction, and evaluation (load rating) of highway bridges and structures.
  • Lead and coordinate the evaluation of the structural, hydraulic and geotechnical aspects of tunnels, major and unusual bridges, and drainage structures submitted for comments and/or for approval by the Office of Bridges and Structures.

Click here to learn more and to apply

Job Alert: Associate Program Officer – Transportation Research Board (TRB) @ Washington, DC

June 2, 2014 at 10:16 pm

Job Req #: 140113-6

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge with 3 years of related professional experience. Proficiency in computer applications, especially Microsoft Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel, and Access. Ability to solve varied and complex problems using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Description

The mission of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) is to promote innovation and progress in transportation through research. In an objective and interdisciplinary setting, TRB facilitates the sharing of information on transportation practice and policy by researchers and practitioners; stimulates research and offers research management services that promote technical excellence; provides expert advice on transportation policy and programs; and disseminates research results broadly and encouraged their implementation.

TRB is one of six major divisions of the National Research Council— a private, nonprofit institution that is the principal operating agency of the National Academies in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The National Research Council is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. TRB’s varied activities—described below—annually engage more than 7,000 engineers, scientists, and other transportation researchers and practitioners from the public and private sectors and academia, all of whom contribute their expertise in the public interest by participating on TRB committees, panels, and task forces. The program is supported by state transportation departments, federal agencies including the component administrations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.

The Associate Program Officer manages programs/projects for multiple TRB Groups and Sections consisting of 35 to 60 standing committees Provides support in ensuring programs/projects meet their stated objectives. Serves as liaison between TRB and related external customers and organizations, including committee members, TRB sponsors and affiliates. Assists with the daily supervision of support staff. Assists three Senior Program Officers in the development of programs/projects. Coordinates program/project activities, handling inquiries, organizing sessions and meetings, and developing materials. Tracks relevant issues and compiles reports. Manages NRC and FACA required processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

  • Administers and manages program/project activities. Communicates with chairs of Groups, Sections, standing committees; other committee members and external program/project contacts. Facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, TRB sponsors and affiliates, and staff. Prepares reports on activities. Represents the program/project areas within and outside of TRB.
  • Identifies and gathers materials in support of programs/projects sponsored by Groups/Sections/committees. Synthesizes and edits findings and data. Prepares background papers and summaries of program/project activities.
  • Organizes conferences, sessions, and meetings. Creates agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics, and prepares written summaries. Manages the development and delivery of over 100 sessions for the TRB Annual Meeting, one to two meetings per year for each of the Groups/Sections/committees, and several conferences per year (100 to 600 attendees each). Accomplishes sophisticated and customized computer sorts, selections, formatting, report generation and other tasks in support of sessions, meetings, conferences, and other projects.
  • Coordinates publication of materials, including peer reviewed papers, proceedings of conferences, and circulars. Manages the peer review of approximately 500 papers each year, leading to publication of approximately 150 papers annually.
  • Performs financial and administrative tasks related to programs/projects of the assigned Groups/Sections/committees. Creates, maintains, and updates records, databases, and files. Oversees the rotation of member appointments for 15-20 committees per year. Authorizes expenditures, tracks spending, monitors budget, and projects future spending plans. Reviews contractual obligations and ensures that obligations are met. Serves as travel coordinator.
  • Ensures consistent application of organizational policies and procedures. Manages compliance with National Academies’ procedures, format, and processes, including NRC and FACA, as they relate to assigned activities.
  • May update and maintain web pages and prepare newsletters and other promotional materials.
  • Assists with supervising staff. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. Ensures required training is accomplished and participates in performance reviews. Serves as a mentor and resource to support staff.

Click here to learn more and to apply

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Job Alert: Financial Analyst (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) at TIFIA @ Washington, DC

May 13, 2014 at 5:01 pm

The TIFIA Office is recruiting financial analysts to work on the Credit and Budget Team.   The individual(s) will review credit requests submitted to the TIFIA Office and analyze cashflows for the purposes of quantifying the assessed risk of the loan and calculating the subsidy cost to the Government as well as support budgetary, contracting, and audit related work performed by the Credit and Budget Team.

The ideal candidate is experienced in analyzing cash flows and revenue projections, and understands how to apply the principles and practices from transportation planning, economics, and finance to estimate and quantify risk.  The individual has experience with or can learn how to implement this skill set to work on Federal credit programs operating under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.

Links to USA jobs are:

Merit Promotion: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/369503100

All U.S. Citizens: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/369506500

More info about the TIFIA program: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/tifia/

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Jobs Alert: Two SHRP 2 Data Support Positions (Operations Research Analyst/General Engineer, GS-12/13 & GS 13/14) – Federal Highway Administration @ Washington, DC

May 13, 2014 at 5:00 pm

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has announced the availability of two positions to help support the use of second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) data. Duties for the Interdisciplinary: Operations Research Analyst/General Engineer include planning, initiating, promoting, coordinating, and monitoring SHRP 2 safety data dissemination and research activities including training, technical assistance, and tool development. Duties for the Interdisciplinary: Operations Research Analyst/General Engineer include creating data extraction specifications; and extracting and exporting datasets from larger databases such as SHRP 2 data. Both position announcements are open until May 27. Additional information on each announcement is available online at www.usajobs.gov or by using the links below. 

Position #1 – Interdisciplinary: Operations Research Analyst/General Engineer, GS-1515/801-13/14 
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/368928500 (Merit Promotion) 
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/368928200 (Public Notice) 

Position #2 – Interdisciplinary: Operations Research Analyst/General Engineer, GS-1515/801-12/13 
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/369270700 (Merit Promotion) 
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/369271700 (Public Notice)

via TRB E-Newsletter

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