Job Alert: Transportation Research Analyst – World Resources Institute/EMBARQ @ Washington, DC

February 4, 2015 at 12:48 pm

EMBARQ seeks a full-time  to provide research, data analysis and other support to its Integrated Transport team which conducts global research on sustainable transport and urban development, and supports Cities Network projects in Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, India, and China. The research assistant will support several projects related to sustainable mobility. The projects will require working with transit planning and operations; economic, social and environmental impact analysis of transport projects; and sustainable transport best practices, policies, institutions, and finance.

The position is located in WRI’s Washington, D.C. office. It offers the opportunity to connect with sustainable mobility and urban development experts, and key stakeholders around the world. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Competitive WRI benefits package.

Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

  • Conduct desktop research, literature reviews and synthesize findings;
  • Assist with transport data collection, verification, visualization, and analysis, both qualitative and quantitative;
  • Research, document, evaluate, and analyze emerging trends, best practices, and policies in urban mobility and city planning.
  • Support the maintenance of shared databases;

Writing & Editing

  • Contribute written and graphic content to publications, reports, papers, and presentations
  • Support internal reviews of EMBARQ publications
  • Prepare project-related content for publication on EMBARQ.org and EMBARQ’s blog The City Fix.

Program Support

  • Interact with WRI/EMBARQ Network members (China, India, Turkey, Brazil and México) as well as partner institutions for data exchange, information requests and project coordination
  • Support contract and proposal development, reporting, and tracking
  • Support conferences/events planning
Qualifications
  • Masters degree in transport planning/engineering, or urban/regional planning with a focus on transportation
  • Previous coursework, work experience, internships or papers in urban transportation planning are desirable
  • Strong quantitative, analytical, and research skills
  • Enthusiasm to work on sustainability issues and in developing countries.
  • Detail-oriented and organized thinker.
  • Ability to work well in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, juggle multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines
  • Enjoys working in a fast-paced, results oriented non-profit environment
  • Experience with quantitative analysis of data with software such as Excel, STATA, and ability to learn new software and computer systems quickly
  • Competence to undertake high-profile research assignments with minimal supervision
  • Excellent written and spoken English.
  • Knowledge of Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Turkish, is desirable
  • Some experience using ArcGIS or similar mapping software, or familiarity with at least one transport modelling software such as VISUM or TransCAD would be a plus.

Final candidates will be required to take a writing test.

Duration: Regular full-time

Salary:  Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package.

Location: Washington, DC

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered. 

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org/wri) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.

About WRI

Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and corporate leaders.

WRI’s reputation is grounded in its excellent analysis, non-partisan approach, and high-impact results. We measure our success based on how our work helps to create real-world change on the ground—and approach we call “Managing for Results.”

WRI’s work is united by and driven by our values: Innovation, Integrity, Urgency, Independence, and Respect.

WRI fosters a culture of innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees are driven by the organization’s mission and have the satisfaction of helping to create a more prosperous and healthy planet.

Learn more about our organization at www.wri.org.

Chart of the day: Net change in Highway Trust Fund Balance Since 1957

January 28, 2015 at 11:46 am

This chart was included as part of a brilliant blog post by our friends at TransitLabs, which analyses the various issues surrounding the perennial shortfalls that dog the highway trust fund (aka Gas tax).  Highly recommend reading the entire blog titled “Why the Trust Fund Keeps Running Out” and explore the beautiful visualizations that accompany the story.

Image courtesy: Transitlabs

Chart of the Day: Trains, Buses and Taxis… A rough guide to estimate your travel time from city center to 40 busiest American airports

January 23, 2015 at 5:35 pm

Numbers guru Nate Silver & his team over at FiveThirtyEight have done an interesting travel time analysis that deserves a gold medal.. Below is the fruit of their labor and don’t forget to read the accompanying analysis here. One thing is clear from reading this analysis – our transportation network is really messed up and there is a lot to be desired in terms of improved multimodal connectivity (involving public transportation).

Image courtesy: FiveThirtyEight.com

NPR: How Driver’s License Suspensions Unfairly Target The Poor (audio)

January 5, 2015 at 3:49 pm

The dependence on a car for making a decent living in the United States is quite pronounced, particularly in the poor neighborhoods of the United States.

NPR’s recent “Guilty and Charged” investigation shows how rising court fines and fees — often reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars per person — often hurt poor people the most. “Two out of three African-American men in this neighborhood, of working age, don’t have a driver’s license,” he says while walking down Martin Luther King Avenue in Milwaukee. “And are consequently unable to access the jobs that are beyond the bus lines.”

Not sure where to begin.  Years of bad landuse and legal policies have created a system that is not equal to all.  In a nutshell, if you don’t have a driving license, you’ll be relegated to looking for jobs only accessible by a bus/transit system (or if you are lucky, you may find something within walkable distance from your neighborhood). Even these transit accessible jobs become more difficult to sustain for these residents when the transit funding runs into trouble, leading to service & route cuts. Until we fix this mess, we can’t expect social upward mobility for many of the poor citizens of the US. Listen to the audio below or you can click here to read the article.

Chart(s) of the day: Maybe we actually do have the money to fix all these potholes (at least in Minnesota)

January 5, 2015 at 1:48 pm

Strongtowns.org has a compelling piece that explains the funding crisis in transportation and why the U.S. transportation system is going broke. This Strongtowns article points to the set of graphics below, which are actually part of a lengthy write-up on Star Tribune that dissects the state of Minnesota’s transportation funding issues.  In all, you get a good understanding of the fundamental disparities when it comes to the state of our unsustainable transportation financing methods and how badly we need a dramatic shift in our approach (H/T Streetsblog for sharing this article via Facebook).

Image Courtesy: Star Tribune. Click on the graphic to be linked to the source story

Image Courtesy: Star Tribune via Strongtowns.org. Click on the graphic to be linked to the source story

Image Courtesy: Star Tribune. Click on the graphic to be linked to the source story

Chart of the Day – New Year’s Eve Edition – Uber’s Official Surge Pricing Chart

December 31, 2014 at 1:33 pm

via Yahoo Tech

Image courtesy: Yahoo.com “Calling for an ride after midnight? We hope you saved up for it.”

The chart comes to us via Dan Tynan’s “12 Ways to Avoid Uber and Still Get Home Safely on New Year’s Eve“.  If you are one of them brave souls venturing out tonight in the West Coast cities of Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego or Seattle , I highly recommend checking out FlyWheel, who is offering a $10 flat fee rides from 8PM until 3AM. Dan Tynan has done a great job identifying the various alternatives for you to get around safely after a fun night out. One additional smartphone app that I’d like to recommend in addition to Dan’s collection is @RideScout. This mobile app will help you get from point A to point B faster and smarter. RideScout shows you real-time information about transportation options that are available right now around you, including transit, bus, bike, taxi, car share, rideshare, parking and walking directions – all in one view. Now, how cool is that!

I’d like to also use this as an opportunity to wish all my reader a SAFE & Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued support and I promise to keep you even more informed in 2015.

Job Alert: Transportation Division Chief – Prince William County @ Woodbridge, VA

December 29, 2014 at 5:05 pm

The Department of Transportation is seeking qualified applicants to perform difficult professional and administrative work involving planning, organizing, administering, and providing technical guidance for major transportation Capital programs, including VDOT and NVTA financed road projects under agreement, utility relocation and right-of-way acquisition.

Work involves:

  • supervising and managing subordinate staff;
  • formulating the Division budget;
  • participate in the development of overall policy for the Transportation Department and in the development and maintenance of the CIP;
  • participating in the development and implementation of County-wide policies and procedures.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation. Supervision is exercised over subordinate professional and technical staff. Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity.

To apply click on this link http://agency.governmentjobs.com/pwcgov/default.cfm

Cars are the worst space hogs in our urban environments

December 29, 2014 at 12:45 pm

This graphic puts the use of space by each surface transportation mode in perspective.. and it is quite obvious that cars eat up a lot of space in our urban environments.

Job Alert: Program Analyst – TransitCenter @ New York City, NY

December 24, 2014 at 1:01 pm

 

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 25, 2015

TransitCenter, a civic foundation that supports and catalyzes innovation in sustainable urban mobility, seeks a Program Analyst to join its New York City office. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a growing organization and assist in conducting research, developing and implementing programs and projects related to improving transportation in cities, as well as building organizational capacity.

Responsibilities

As part of a small team, the Program Analyst will research issues, develop opportunities, and execute projects that promote sustainable urban mobility, with oversight from the Executive Director and Director of Research & Development. Some projects may be executed through the use of program consultants with specialized subject matter expertise, who the Program Analyst must be qualified to oversee. A sample of works we have previously commissioned can be inspected atwww.transitcenter.org/ourwork.

Initial primary area of focus may include initiatives related to a diversity of topics such as transit planning, technology, rider information, or capital project finance. While specific assignments will be shaped in part by the Program Analyst’s particular background, a successful candidate will have avid interest and versatility to work on a range of other transportation-related subjects as assigned.

The Program Analyst will also share responsibility for communicating TransitCenter’s initiatives through articles, blog posts, and social media.

TransitCenter’s philanthropic activities are effectively in start-up mode, so the Program Analyst will also be expected to play a hands-on role in operations and shoulder a portion of the organization’s administrative and clerical duties as assigned.

The position is based in New York City. The salary range is $55-70,000 commensurate with experience, with a competitive benefits package.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

  • Fundamental understanding of the principles underpinning sustainable urban mobility and an intuitive appreciation of the role that transportation plays in contributing to urban vitality. While technical knowledge of transportation can be a plus, it is not a requirement, and is secondary to natural curiosity and passion for the mission.
  • Keen ability to scan developments in research or case studies, make connections across disciplines, and draw hypotheses and/or rigorously-supported conclusions.
  • Research capacity to build a case through solid evidence. General knowledge of common primary and secondary sources for issues related to urbanization and transportation.
  • A background in the methods and practice of civic action and/or philanthropy will be considered a plus.
  • Excellent writing and presentation skills and a strategic communications mindset. Because our work intends to change or shift policy, design, practice, and culture, how something is communicated is nearly as important as what is being presented.
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills will be useful in project implementation.
  • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to urban planning, public policy, development, business, or economics; we strongly invite applicants with undergraduate degrees in the humanities, physical sciences or liberal arts to apply if they additionally possess a master’s degree or work experience related to urban transportation.
  • At least 3-5 years of professional experience in an organization related to urban planning and development, civic activism, transportation, the environment, and/or public policy.
  • Technical facility with at least one of the following will be favorable: Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, social media, or web publishing.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to form connections with people of diverse backgrounds, flexibility and a sense of humor to accommodate the organization as it evolves.

To apply: 

Send a letter explaining your interest, a C.V., and one writing sample to dbragdon@transitcenter.orgby 12:00 Noon (EST, GMT -5) on January 25, 2015.

TransitCenter is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law.

Job Alert: Projects and Policy Manager – Northern Virginia Transportation Commission @ Arlington, VA

December 23, 2014 at 5:58 pm

Image Courtesy: NVTC

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission seeks a resourceful, transportation professional skilled in bringing teams together across transportation agencies on technology projects and planning efforts. This position will work with NVTC’s jurisdictions which include Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church. Combine your skills in project management and knowledge of policy and planning to support regional efforts to expand capacity, improve connectivity and ensure high quality transit service in Northern Virginia. The Projects and Policy Manager will coordinate a regional working group on the New Electronic Payments Program, other contracts and state and federal grants as well as support regional planning activities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The position combines planning, coordination and project management of contracts and state and federal grants for six jurisdictions and the region as a whole. Existing projects include bus rapid transit (BRT), Metrorail station improvements, light rail and other multi-modal facilities. The position will develop funding strategies for ongoing and new initiatives as well as preparing all phases of funding applications. The Projects and Policy Manager will facilitate regional working groups, participate in planning activities of other regional working groups, and support the work of Commission. This position reports to the Director of Programs and Policy.
The ideal candidate will have experience with local or state government, project management, and transit and related fields including communications, research & analysis, regional transportation planning, and federal contracts and grants management. This position requires a college degree and at least five years of relevant experience supported with strong references. Excellent written and oral communication, experience in facilitation/meeting management, and skills in spreadsheets and graphics are mandatory.

DUTIES INCLUDE
 Manage New Electronic Payments Program (NEPP) project including:
o Facilitating regional partners working group o Serving as Project Manager for the regional Technical Assistance contract
o Staffing grant applications and procurements
o Serving as the liaison with WMATA and their contractor for NEPP

 Manage other projects, which may include the following:
o Vanpool Alliance Program
o National Transit Database (NTD)

 Represent NVTC on regional studies & with other regional organizations
 Develop partnerships on collaborative research and technology efforts
 Manage and/or provide oversight for approved NVTC contracts
 Identify new projects and develop applications for state/federal funding
 Draft requests for proposals and invitations for bids for new NVTC projects, direct selection and procurement, and manage contractor performance and payments
 Work with the Executive Director and board members on special projects
 Serve as DBE compliance officer
 Prepare informative materials for commissioners, local staff, and regional partners on new and existing NVTC projects including memoranda, web content, and e-newsletter text
 Participate in ongoing strategic planning efforts and organize outreach efforts on behalf of NVTC and regional projects

SELECTION CRITERIA
Mandatory:
 Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, planning, transportation, economics, business management, civil engineering, or related field, plus five years of professionally progressive experience with project management in transit, planning, or a related field.
 Demonstrated interest in transit or rail project development, policy, or finance.
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
 Experience in meeting management and facilitation.
 Skills in graphics and spreadsheets.

Desirable:
 Advanced degree in economics, public sector management/administration, public policy, planning, technology policy and law or related field;
 Additional work experience beyond the minimum five year requirement;
 Experience with FTA grant and contract requirements highly desirable;
 Experience in writing talking points, preparing presentations, meeting agendas, and drafting reports, analyses, and recommendations for board action and comments to legislative and regulatory agencies;
 Experience with local or state government;
 Experience with developing and making presentations to elected officials, business leaders and community groups;
 Experience in designing and/or conducting community outreach efforts; and
 Experience working closely in a small team environment.

How to Apply
The job will remain open until filled. NVTC is an equal opportunity employer. Please provide a complete resume including your salary history and requirements, as well as a letter describing your qualifications and interest in this specific position. Please describe examples of your relevant experience, include links to or attachments of relevant work product:

Email: opportunities@nvtdc.org
Director, Programs and Policy
NVTC
2300 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 620
Arlington, VA 22201

ABOUT NVTC
NVTC has a small staff located in offices in the Court House area of Arlington. NVTC is a leading expert on performance metrics and transit finance, coordinates regional planning studies and evaluations, partners with other regional entities including the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. NVTC encompasses six cities and counties, Virginia Railway Express (a commuter rail service), six bus systems including MetroBus, Metrorail and the Vanpool Alliance.

SALARY and BENEFITS
Outstanding benefits are provided (life, health, dental, disability insurance; pension; pre-tax child care and medical cafeteria plan; free parking or parking cash-out; tax-free transit benefit). The competitive salary depends on experience and qualifications.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, work hours may vary based on business needs and may include evening and occasional weekend hours as necessary.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. Interviews will be scheduled with those candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.