Check out this awesome video from Streetfilms.. This compilation of changes in New York City’s transportation infrastructure documented over a period of time clearly shows that streets and public spaces designed for people, and not for cars, inspire folks to come out and enjoy the facilities, there by making the community as a whole more vibrant and lively..

I can only imagine the economic vitality this has added to the businesses in the neighborhoods as more people stepped away from their cars and instead walked/biked to the businesses. Thanks to the bold vision (and the subsequent execution) set forth by the outgoing City Transportation Commission, Janette Sadik-Khan and her boss, Mayor Bloomberg, the city has now become a model to emulate when it comes to implementing sustainable transportation solutions.

Image Courtesy: Victor Bezrukov @ http://www.victorbezrukov.com/

A beautiful capture of a busy intersection in TelAviv, Israel by photographer Victor Bezrukov that came to light when it got shared via National Geographic.  His commentary “one of the most loaded but the most beautiful junctions in TelAviv. Taken from the balcony located on the floor 45 of Electra building.”  A friend on Facebook had this much to say when he shared this: “Trying to solve traffic jams by widening roads is like trying to fight obesity adding holes to the belt”. There is so much truth to that profound statement.  Good thing is that in the middle of this monstrous interchange you can spot a dedicated transit infrastructure (my tired eyes tell me that it is a transit rail line; or a BRT?). And the next question that popped up in my mind is how many more cars would be there in that intersection if that transit infrastructure doesn’t exist?  Let’s not forget that this is just one intersection in one metropolitan city and there are many such cities with many mega intersections and now you can imagine the challenges we face from a mobility and environmental perspective.

JOB TITLE: Research Analyst II/Policy Associate
PROGRAM: Environment, Energy and Transportation Program (EET)
SALARY: $3,245-3,667 per month depending on qualifications
FUNDING: 100 percent grant funds

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

NCSL’s Transportation Program is seeking a Research Analyst II or a Policy Associate to perform legislative research, analysis, writing and program planning. This person will assist with providing quality, unbiased information to state legislators and legislative staff through publications, legislative tracking, meetings and other efforts. The Research Analyst II/ Policy Associate will answer information requests from state legislators, legislative staff and other policy stakeholders on transportation issues
such as revenues for infrastructure, public transportation, aviation, ports and waterways, driver’s licensing, commercial vehicles, traffic safety and other transportation topics.

The Research Analyst II/Policy Associate will also update online bill-tracking databases, draft publications, coordinate meetings, give presentations, compile and summarize legislation, and complete research for program projects including publications, NCSL meetings and off-site trainings and presentations . This professional position requires demonstrated competence in research, writing,
communication, public policy and analytical skills. This position is funded for one year from outside grants and contracts and continuation of the position is subject to the acquisition of additional grant and contract funding.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Typical duties may include some or most of the following:

1. Collects, monitors and analyzes data on legislative actions and state and federal programs using  a range of research skills including legal research, original surveys, in-depth interviews and specialized library resources.
2. Prepares prompt, concise and accurate written responses to legislative requests for information.
3. Under supervision, plans programs and organizes background materials in closely related subject areas for research projects, meetings, conferences and technical assistance workshops.
4. Plans, researches and writes for newsletters, issue briefs, short research reports or articles though most written products are subject to close review and editing by more senior staff.
5. Provides substantial content management and data entry support to the NCSL Transportation Funding and Finance Database, the NCSL Transportation Access and Mobility Database and/or other bill-tracking databases.
6. Develops and delivers presentations to a variety of audiences based on original research on transportation policy topics.
7. Undertakes research and writing for grant and contract proposals.
8. Under supervision, may interact directly with grant and contact project officers and undertake some project management responsibilities.
9. Assist as required with the staffing of relevant NCSL committees, task forces and meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree plus three years of relevant work experience, including at least one year of general policy research, legislative or state government experience. Relevant professional level work experience or graduate level can be substituted on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.
• Skill and competence in a range of research skills and tasks.
• Experience with state transportation policy research and analysis.
• Skill and competence in writing clearly and communicating orally.
• Skill and competence to work effectively with legislators and legislative staff.
• Skill and competence to work independently and to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. This includes the ability to balance and prioritize numerous projects at once, to meet deadlines and to effectively communicate how this is happening to supervisors of said projects.
• Able to maintain bi-partisanship, confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Skill and competence in working cooperatively and professionally with a variety of people, often under pressure.
• The willingness and desire to learn from multiple supervisors.
• Attention to detail and the ability to problem solve and think critically is essential.
• Is well-organized, efficient, flexible and a team player with a positive attitude.

Reply:

Send cover letter and resume by Friday, January 3, 2014, to:
National Conference of State Legislatures
Personnel/AT
7700 East First Place
Denver, CO 80230
Email: hr@ncsl.org

NCSL is an equal opportunity employer.

MTA New York City Transit is the largest public transportation agency in North America and one of the largest in the world. The subway has a daily ridership of 5.4 million and an annual r

English: The New York City Transit Authority (MTA New York City Transit, a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of NY) provides local bus, express bus, subway, bus rapid transit, and paratransit service in the City of New York. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

idership in 2012 of roughly 1.7 billion. If you wish to learn more about the inner working of the largest agency, and have fun while doing it, then you should apply for an opening for a full time Associate Staff Analyst position with the Capital Planning and Budget group at MTA New York City Transit. Check out the job description for more information on Qualifications and Selection Methodology.

The responsibilities include assisting in the preparation, planning, analysis and milestone review of NYC Transit’s multi-billion dollar, five-year capital program and evaluation of capital project proposals. The Analyst will support the economic cost-benefit analyses of selected capital projects and will participate in the preparation of the Twenty Year Needs Assessment as well as funding considerations within the five year capital program.

Interested candidates must apply by December 23, 2013 by going here and selecting Job ID # 77783.

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• NYC Job Alert: MTA New York City Transit – Associate Staff Analyst

TransitCenter seeks a dynamic Program Analyst to join its staff of two in its New York 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 public transit, as well as building organizational capacity. Learn more about the organization, its mission and staff at http://www.transitcenter.org.

Responsibilities

As part of a small core team, the Program Analyst will research issues, develop opportunities, and execute projects for TransitCenter initiatives 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.

The initial primary area of focus will be the field of transportation demand management, and in particular workplace-based programs that assist employers in shifting their employees to non-auto commuting practices. Though the workplace-based program is an initial focus, a successful candidate will have avid interest and versatility to work on other transit-related subjects as assigned and his/her portfolio will likely expand in the near future.

The Program Analyst will initially be responsible for developing options for TransitCenter in transportation demand management including the evaluation and promotion of workplace-based, employer-sponsored programs and the government programs that fund some of them. Once a useful summary of the existing state of the field is compiled, the Program Analyst will put forward options for potential roles TransitCenter could play, present them for consideration by senior management and the Board of Directors, and ultimately oversee implementation of programs.

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

TransitCenter is in effect a start-up 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 duties as assigned.

The position is based in New York City, out of the Center for Social Innovation in Chelsea. 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 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.
• 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; if his or her bachelor’s degree is in some other field, a master’s degree in one of these fields is required. Related work experience will also be considered to balance out the education profile.
• At least 2-4 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.org by 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, December 25, 2013.

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.

The Coalition for Smarter Growth seeks an Outreach and Development Associate to join our dynamic and talented team. The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Our mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies needed to make those communities flourish.

We’re looking for an energetic, positive, creative team member who is organized, detail-oriented, and possesses outstanding interpersonal skills. We offer a fun and flexible office environment, conveniently located near Union Station. As a small organization (there are five other full-time staff members), this position fills a critical need in our office. It’s also a great opportunity for the right candidate to not only help build and win victories for our smart growth movement, but develop a varied portfolio that can significantly enhance your professional development.

Our ideal candidate is a multitasking individual who can switch easily between playing a key support role on our fundraising team, coordinating our annual educational series of events, leading targeted outreach campaigns (in coordination with our policy team), and managing office operations. An intuitive feel for tech troubleshooting, successful grant writing experience, a campaign fundraising or organizing background, or a demonstrated passion for smart growth policy are all things that can move a candidate up the priority list.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising

Outreach: Manage donor relationship process, execute direct mailings, research donors and foundations, draft correspondence and other documents, and take the lead in event planning and logistics.

Data: Process donations, maintain donor database and run queries and reports (using the Salsa CRM).

Educational Outreach and Advocacy

Coordinate Walking Tours & Forum program: Play the lead coordinating role for planning our annual series of walking tours of transforming neighborhoods and educational forums on smart growth topics. Work with our policy team to determine appropriate guest speakers, plan itinerary, and work with our communications team to plan and execute promotional publicity.

Coordinate Events: Plan and manage CSG outreach events including social hours that cultivate our supporters, donors, volunteers and partners.

Coordinate targeted advocacy campaigns: In conjunction with policy team, coordinate DC and Arlington advocacy projects on issues like transit investment, land use policy, and affordable housing.

Press Outreach: Play a support role to our communications team’s outreach efforts on earned media throughout the D.C. region, supervising regular updates to our media database, sending out press releases, and making prepared press calls.

Running Office Operations

General Administration: Accounting tasks including tracking and reconciling bills and invoices, troubleshooting office equipment including the copier, answering the phone, updating our databases, ordering office supplies

Staff Support: Meeting coordination and scheduling, proofreading, maintaining our office calendar, sending and forwarding emails, and other tasks as needed.

The Other Stuff

As a small organization, there are times we all pitch in on problem solving, major events, and special projects. Everyone wears a lot of hats here, so we want any new team member to be ready to do the same!

Qualifications

• Positive, self-starter attitude
• At least 1-2 years professional experience (this can include impressive intern/fellowship credentials)
• Proactive, “yes I can” approach to spotting and solving problems, while keeping an eye out for opportunities to improve our office systems
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Flexibility to adjust to a busy, dynamic office
• Ability to prioritize and balance many tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to our mission outlined at www.smartergrowth.net
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with a good sense of humor
• Ability to make at least a one year commitment (ideally a two year commitment)

Equal Opportunity Employment

Equal opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Coalition for Smarter Growth. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in smart growth and what strengths you would bring to the job to jobs@smartergrowth.net, and include the job title “Outreach and Development Associate” in the subject line. Starting salary will be in the 30s, with the exact level dependent on experience, and opportunities for advancement available. We’ll begin holding interviews in early December, but applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls or letters please.

The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance seeks qualified applicants for the position of Director of Policy and Programs.  This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits.

Desired Start Date:  week of Jan. 6, 2014 or a.s.a.p.

The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance is a non-profit coalition of business, philanthropic, non-profit and institutional organizations.   Our commitment is to create a forward-thinking, innovative, realistic, usable transportation system.   We advocate for better transportation that will provide access and opportunity for housing, jobs, education, services, goods and recreation to all residents throughout the region.  The Transportation Alliance is an initiative of the Baltimore Community Foundation.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research to support the Transportation Alliance’s initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, our ‘Let’s Get to Work’ initiative to enhance service on MARC commuter rail, improving access to regional jobs via alternatives to driving alone, transit-oriented development, transportation funding, and benchmarking the region against national peers;
• Design and execute a comprehensive organizing plan that brings together hundreds of stakeholders to call for advancing the Transportation Alliance’s objectives;
• Assist with development activities including creating and executing a fundraising strategy and grantwriting;
• Develop and maintain knowledge and expertise in diverse areas of transportation including transportation planning, alternative funding methods, transit-oriented development, and related topics to inform conversations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders;
• Cultivate meaningful collaborations with businesses, institutions, non-government organizations, and government agencies to advance the Transportation Alliance’s mission and vision;
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of presentations for audiences comprised of elected officials, economic development professionals, business leaders, other non-profit advocacy organizations, etc.;
• Assist with drafting various documents and materials such as the organization’s newsletter, social media content, letters to the editor, letters to elected officials, etc.;
• Represent the organization at meetings;
• Other duties as assigned.  In an office environment with a small staff, all personnel, including the Director of Policy and Programs, are asked to be flexible about covering various duties as they arise.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree or commensurate experience in public policy, environmental science,  geography, urban planning, or related fields;
• Familiarity with transportation and its connection with economic development, urban planning, and environmental issues;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly with word processing and spreadsheets;
• Experience with advocacy campaigns, organizing, and coalition building is preferred;
• Experience with data and quantitative analysis, particularly reviewing and analyzing budgets, is a plus;
• Proficiency with social media such as Twitter and Facebook and web outreach is a plus.

To Apply:

The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance offers a competitive salary and benefits package.  To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Brian O’Malley, bomalley@cmtalliance.org.  The first review of letters and resumes will take place after Monday, December 9, 2013.

The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

We all know our “developed” societies have way too many cars and often choke up our streets and take up valuable space, resulting in terrible congestion and chronic bottle necks.. If a lot of people chose to leave behind their cars and instead opt for public transportation, it will be a perfect anti-dote for the chronic congestion that plagues our streets. So, how do you tell this story effectively? Here is one way to do it.. I call this the mother of all sustainable transportation images (courtesy of The Atlantic)

Let me tell ya.. The amount of road space saved when a few dozen people switch from driving cars to riding the public transport is ENORMOUS.

Additional information about Parsons Brinckerhoff’s strategic consulting group may be found athttp://www.pbworld.com/capabilities_projects/strategic_consulting/.

Here is a link to the job posting. Candidates can also go to PB’s website (www.pbworld.com) and search job #19267.

Recruitment ID: 0939-TSOEBU-10/13

SALARY: $61,496 – $98,745

CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Executive Service – Serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking to fill a (Administrator VII) Project Manager position to promote Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in Maryland in the Office of Real Estate with the Maryland Department of Transportation. This position will manage MDOT Real Estate Projects. This will include working with development teams and stakeholders in the creation of a site development plan; negotiating agreements and financial plans; leading project teams; participating in meetings and briefings; providing recommendations on policy; providing written briefing materials and reports. This vacancy is located at The Secretary’s Office (MDOT Headquarters) in Hanover, MD located in Anne Arundel County.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: Six years of experience in administrative or professional work, three years of which must have been in the area of real estate development in the private or public sector to include one or more of the following: project management, business negotiations, legal work, land use planning, site development/design and planning (preferably in the transit or rail industry). In addition, two years of experience involving the supervision of other employees, overseeing and coordinating the general operations of a unit, applying rules and regulations, or exercising responsibility for the development of policies and procedures or an aspect of real estate projects.

NOTES:

1. Additional experience in administrative or professional work may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
2. Additional graduate level education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at the rate of 30 semester credit hours on a year to year basis for the required general experience.

TO APPLY: You must complete an application (DTS-1) to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for the employment application. Please include all relevant experience on your application. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity or any other experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for. Qualified applicants may be subject to background and reference checks. If you do not wish to apply online, you may call 410-865-1073 for an application.

Applications can be mailed to: RECRUITMENT AND EXAMINATION UNIT, OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES, MAILSTOP 140, 7201 CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE, HANOVER, MD 21076, or you may apply online at https://jobs.mdot.state.md.us. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications sent without sufficient postage will not be accepted and will be returned. Applications sent through interoffice mail that are not received by the closing date will not be accepted. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request. Please notify in advance. MD Relay Service Number (711). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request.

Click here to learn more and to apply