Job Alert: Traffic Signal Systems Analyst – Maricopa County DOT – Phoenix, Arizona

February 27, 2015 at 6:12 pm

JOB TITLE: Traffic Signal Systems Analyst
CLOSING DATE/TIME: Wed. 03/11/15 11:59 PM Arizona Time
SALARY: $50,398.40 – $70,220.80 Annually
JOB TYPE: Classified/Full-Time
LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona
DEPARTMENT: Transportation

POSITION OVERVIEW
Proactively monitor, manage and evaluate the traffic flows on MCDOT and Regional roadways through the development, implementation and management of signal timing and application of Traffic Signal System.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum education and/or experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience in Intelligent Transportation Systems, Transportation or Engineering. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.

Specialized training, certifications, or other special requirements:
A valid Arizona Driver’s License is required at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must have good understanding of traffic signal systems, traffic signal controller/cabinet and how it operates. Must be able to develop traffic signal timing plans, traffic signal construction plans, and have a basic understanding of communication systems, and operation of traffic signal system. Requires a basic understanding of Traffic Engineering practices and procedures, software’s such as HCS, Passer, Syncro, NetSim.Ability to interpret and analyze data; ability to write technical reports; ability to present material in a clear, concise and logical manner, orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with those contacted in the course of work; and the ability to work independently. Knowledge of Federal and State transportation laws and regulations governing traffic markings, traffic signals, and roadway lighting. Familiar with the manual of uniform traffic control devices and its application to Traffic Engineering functions. The ability to make complex traffic engineering decisions that affect the safety of the public, both vehicular and non-vehicular. The ability to use traffic engineering computer software packages. Ability to perform computer-assisted drafting and prepare designs and specifications for traffic signals projects and department presentations. The ability to negotiate solutions with citizens, utilities, and other outside contacts. This position requires a post-offer physical examination.

Preferred training, certifications and/or other special requirements:
Registration as a Professional Engineer.

Working conditions:
Must be able to work in indoor TMC environment and frequently outdoors primarily at the signalized intersections and other ITS communication installations along the roadway; must be able to respond to system failures or duty assignments during any time of the 24 hour day; must have manual dexterity of hands and body to install ITS equipment, both in the field and as well as in the TMC; must be able to hear, see, climb, crouch, bend and lift/carry 50 pounds with or without assistance of a cart or device. must be able to manage frequent interruptions, time pressures, high work volumes, multiple and complicated tasks, unscheduled tasks, team-oriented activities, prompt decision-making and interaction with regional and local ITS, IT and traffic management stakeholders and the public; must constantly maintain concentration, accuracy, ethical behavior and a professional demeanor.

ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS:
Monitor the operation of MCDOT’s traffic signals on the day-to-day basis. Prepare/update intersection timing plans and implement them to maintain the intersection and cooridor operations at optimum level of service. Operate, maintain and use the Traffic Signal System software to integrate signals, monitor traffic flow and implement signal timing plans. Ensure smooth operation of network, communication systems, and workstations as it relates to Traffic Signal System. Support the planning, design and implementation of other MCDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) such as Traffic Management Center (TMC), Regional Data Archive system (RADS), Advanced Traveler Information system (ATIS) etc. Monitor the operation of ITS elements such as CCTV cameras and DMS on day to day basis for signal timing applications. Maintain inventory, timing plan records, signal controller status records, communication status reports for all signals systems and ITS equipment deployed by MCDOT. Provide technical input to solve signal timing issues as they relate to other divisions, County Departments and Regional partners. Review signal construction plans, construction permits, oversize and overweight vehicle permits. Perform signal timing studies including before and after studies and analysis. Develop periodical signal timing and travel time performance reports. Represent MCDOT in public forums, before high-level public officials, technical groups and committees. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Click here to learn more and to apply

Job Alert: Senior Traffic Operations Project Manager – Pennsylvania Turnpike @ Harrisburg, PA

February 9, 2015 at 7:11 pm

This position is responsible for performing tasks that are aimed at the efficient movement of traffic and goods throughout the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) highway system, such as: work zone management, incident and emergency response, winter operations and operational planning. Work involves participating in the evaluation of mobility needs relating to recurring and non-recurring congestion. Work tasks will include the application of engineering principles and practices related to intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The work involves reviewing plans, preliminary engineering studies and preparing plans and specifications. Completed work assignments are reviewed by the department manager or designee for accuracy, completeness and conformance with stated goals, objectives and policies. An employee in this position will participate in the coordination with other departments and units of the Commission to attain input for projects.

Click here to learn more and to apply

Job Alert: Community Transportation Planner 1 – Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) @ Chattanooga, TN

February 6, 2015 at 4:35 pm

via YPTransportation.org

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Long Range Planning Division is accepting applications for a Community Transportation Planner 1 position in the Long Range Planning Division’s Office of Community Transportation, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Application for the Community Transportation Planner 1 position requires completion and submission of the following three items:

  • Letter explaining applicant interest in the position
  • Resume that is a maximum of two pages
  • Written responses to the four application questions below

The three items should be emailed to Ms. Suzie Howard, Suzie.Howard@tn.gov, by 4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Thursday, February 12, 2015.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of planning experience

Or

Master’s Degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Long Range Planning Division Community Transportation Planner 1 will assist in the Division’s development and implementation of strategies that coordinate the State’s land management and transportation infrastructure needs.

  • Assists in the development of guidelines for coordination of land use and transportation decisions between state and local entities.
  • Assists in the development of rural regional transportation plans, major thoroughfare plans, corridor management agreements, and statewide access management plans.
  • Provides technical assistance to local community partners, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Rural Planning and Consultation Organizations.
  • Participates in regular collaborative opportunities with metropolitan transportation planning organizations, rural transportation consultation organizations, cities, and counties.
  • Reviews new and established federal, state, and local plans and policies and makes recommendations for implementation.

This position will require occasional statewide travel.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

(Please use a separate sheet for each question.)

When answering the application questions, you should use examples of work related experiences. If you do not have appropriate work related examples, non‐work related examples are acceptable.

  1. Describe two or three major trends in transportation and land use planning.
    • Do you see any of these trends in Tennessee?
    • What are some of the biggest challenges coordinating land use and transportation?
  2. Give an example of a transportation planning idea or improvement that you had and how did it make a difference in the community that you were serving?
  3. Give a specific example of a situation in which you had to deal with conflict when working with the public.
    • Describe in detail how you handled both the person(s) and the situation.
    • How did this affect the overall outcome of the situation or issue?
    • How did you document and communicate the outcome?
  4. Provide a few detailed examples of professional and/or self‐improvement skills that you developed or enhanced over the past two years.
    • Were these skills prerequisites of your current position?
    • How have these skills assisted you in the performance of your current job responsibilities?

Please contact Ms. Tanisha Hall, Director, Long Range Planning Division, at Tanisha.Hall@tn.gov with questions about the position openings. 

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.

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.

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

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.

Job Alert: Communications Manager – Alliance for Biking & Walking @ Washington, DC (preferred)

December 22, 2014 at 6:23 pm

Image Courtesy: Bikewalkalliance.org

The Alliance for Biking & Walking seeks a talented Communications Manager responsible for raising the profile of the grassroots state and local biking and walking advocacy movement.

  • Location: Preferably Washington D.C., but can be remote with periodic travel to D.C.
  • Deadline: Open until filled – candidates are strongly recommended to apply before Jan. 16, 2015
  • Compensation: Commensurate with experience and includes generous vacation time, health and retirement benefits.

About the Alliance for Biking & Walking
The mission of the Alliance for Biking & Walking is to create, strengthen and unite state/province and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations. The Alliance is the only national organization that trains, assists, empowers and strengthens community leaders and their organizations to transform communities through better bicycling and walking. With more than 200 state and local bicycle and pedestrian organizations employing hundreds of professionals in nearly every city and state, our people powered movement is transforming communities and the country.

Position Description
The Alliance for Biking & Walking seeks a talented Communications Manager responsible for raising the profile of the grassroots state and local biking and walking advocacy movement. The Communications Manager will help to meet the organization’s overall mission-driven direction with regards to messaging and communications strategy. The selected candidate will manage and implement the Alliance’s organizational communications, including website, email, print, social media, and press relations work. This person will be a storyteller for the active transportation movement, for our member organizations, and for people who walk and bike in North America. The Communications Manager will also oversee the Benchmarking Project, a biennial data collection project and report that the Alliance undertakes in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Duties and Responsibilities
Communications and Design:

  • Set and manage the organization’s overall media, digital, press, and branding approaches.
  • Write, edit, design, and manage print materials, including an annual report, brochures, sponsorship guides, and other materials.
  • Direct and implement email communications, including a monthly newsletter and non-newsletter mass emails.
  • Oversee the organization’s website, blog, and digital presence.
  • Promote the Alliance’s work and the work of our member organizations through traditional media, social media, mass email, and organizational partnerships.
  • Serve as the organization’s representative in the media; shape the organization’s media strategy and conduct proactive press outreach when appropriate.
  • Help write and edit fundraising materials, including grant proposals and appeal letters.
  • Oversee and add to the Alliance for Biking & Walking photo library; organize occasional photo contests to make more photos of walking and bicycling available for advocates.
  • Conduct trainings, facilitate group calls, share resources, and give advice for state and local biking and walking advocacy organizations members on media relations, communications strategy, and digital strategy.
  • Supervise interns and independent contractors as needed.

Benchmarking Project:

  • Supervise the Benchmarking Project Manager, who oversees project planning, vision, research, writing, and data collection for the Benchmarking Report, the Alliance’s biennial report on biking and walking data in the United States.
  • Design and implement release strategy, marketing, distribution, and presentations.
  • Assist with fundraising for an online version of the 2016 Benchmarking Report. If funding is secured, select vendors and manage process for building digital components of the Benchmarking Report.

Qualifications
Essential:

  • A strong commitment to the mission of the Alliance for Biking & Walking.
  • Two or more years’ experience in communications, digital strategy, or a related field.
  • One or more years’ experience in project and staff management.
  • Experience managing an organization’s brand and social media for a brand.
  • Experience with media relations; comfortable speaking on the record.
  • Strong editorial, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Proven success with managing and operating CMS and CRM software.
  • Working knowledge of HTML; some knowledge of CSS preferred.
  • Familiarity with InDesign and the Adobe Suite.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce.
  • Ability to work on self-directed projects in a flexible work environment with limited supervision, as well as a track record of working well on team projects.
  • Comfort working in a learning organization that values meaningful contribution, collective feedback, and process evaluation.
  • Cheerful, friendly and upbeat outlook; strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Helpful:

  • Specific experience working with national non-profit organizations.
  • Familiarity with the state and local walking and biking advocacy movement.
  • Experience producing newsletter content and curating stories representing a diversity of perspectives and lived experiences.
  • Experience writing grants and fundraising letters.
  • Experience with marketing, publications, and copyediting.
  • Experience with Joomla and/or Nonprofit Soapbox.
  • Experience working on advocacy campaigns and an understanding of basics of the political process.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Applications@BikeWalkAlliance.org. In addition, please submit a design sample (e.g. an annual report, poster, report, pamphlet, or website), as well as a 500-1000-word writing sample written for a general audience that conveys your writing skills and communication style. No academic papers please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis – candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by January 16, 2015. Finalists will be contacted for interviews.

The Alliance for Biking & Walking 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.

Job Alert: Research Analyst – Mobility Lab @ Arlington, VA

December 22, 2014 at 2:13 pm

Position Title: Research Analyst

Number of Open Positions: One, full-time.

Hiring Organization: Mobility Lab, a program managed by the Destination Sales & Marketing Group, Limited on behalf of Arlington County Commuter Services.

About the Mobility Lab Program

Mobility Lab is a program of Arlington County, Virginia’s transportation demand management bureau, Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS). The program has four main functions. One is hosting and co-sponsoring events related to transportation demand management (TDM) and transit-oriented development (TOD). The second is sharing news and information about TDM and TOD via the mobilitylab.org web site. The third is educating policy-makers about TDM.

The Research Analyst will help fulfill Mobility Lab’s fourth function, conducting research. At present, Mobility Lab’s primary research efforts focus on the following four categories:

  1. Evaluation and measurement of other ACCS programs.
  2. Public-opinion and other market research related to transportation.
  3. Fulfilling data and information requests from ACCS programs, as well as groups outside of ACCS and Arlington County government.
  4. Special projects.

Prior Mobility Lab research studies may be viewed at http://mobilitylab.org/research/mobility-lab-research-catalog/

Since TDM is an inherently public-facing transportation specialty and the companion elements of the Mobility Lab program are oriented towards outreach and communication, the research program must continuously strike a balance between serving the fast-paced, ever-changing needs for information from colleagues, and maintaining high standards of quality for projects that span many months or years. The program must also provide information to ACCS staff that is, technically sound, easy-to-understand, and actionable.

The research program is highly visible and receives considerable scrutiny from within ACCS.

Why are We Hiring for this Position?

The Mobility Lab Research Director and colleagues have identified a need to integrate program-evaluation-and-measurement research functions further into the day-to-day work of ACCS programs.

As one example, Mobility Lab will work with Arlington Transportation Partners (the business-outreach program of ACCS), to measure the impact of new transportation benefits or outreach on mode shift by analyzing small-scale pre- and post-intervention datasets in partnership with ATP staff as they engage employers regarding offering or expanding TDM benefits to their employees.

The research program will also enhance its integration with other ACCS programs by supporting information gathering for those programs. This will include providing regular written and oral synopses of relevant academic and public research to program staff, with key takeaways that the programs can use to enhance their work. The research program will also provide streams of regularly updated market information, such as demographic and transportation-related Census data, news of business relocations, and new residential construction.

In order to fulfill these new functions, Mobility Lab needs to expand its in-house capacity for collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data and making informed, evidence-based, data-driven recommendations. The Research Analyst will add knowledge of quantitative-research data collection, statistics, and data management.

Adding in-house capacity will complement existing and future research work managed by Mobility Lab but conducted by consulting firms.

The Research Analyst will report directly to the Research Director. The Research Analyst will also interact with other Mobility Lab and ACCS staff.

Responsibilities

  • Draft survey questionnaires for approval by Research Director and other stakeholders.
  • Assist with programming and monitoring of internet-based surveys.
  • Analyze survey data using descriptive statistics and significance tests, and compare that data with other spatial and non-spatial data.
  • Summarize and present analysis findings through written, visual, and oral communication.
  • Assist the Research Director and ACCS-program staff with analysis of contact databases, including query and report writing.
  • Track and report on outside research relevant to ACCS programs, as well as employer, labor-market, transportation, and demographic data.
  • Assist in the creation of a database for the collection of performance metrics for ACCS programs. Lead maintenance and updating of the database for reporting to the Commonwealth of Virginia and other stakeholders.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Strong critical-thinking ability and capacity to build evidence-based arguments.
  • Excellent analytic and technical skills that support critical thinking and evidence-based arguments.
  • General knowledge of common primary and secondary sources of data, as well as a curiosity for exploring, discovering, and using new sources.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to be proactive in identifying and offering solutions to problems.
  • Proficiency with common statistics packages (such as SPSS, SAS, R, or similar), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access.
  • One to three years of professional experience in research analysis.
  • Proficiency with any geographic information systems (GIS) software is strongly preferred.
  • Experience designing and fielding internet-based surveys and analyzing collected data using common statistical tests preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in geography, business, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, computer science, statistics, or urban planning. Candidates with degrees in economics, business, sociology, psychology, computer science, and statistics, must demonstrate an interest in cities, transportation, and/or marketing. 

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with experience, but in the range of $50,000 to $65,000 per year.

Participation in DS&MG’s 401(k) plan, health insurance (including dental and vision), short- and long-term disability, as well as direct payment of transit/vanpool costs up to $130 per month (up to $1,560 per year) OR bike-commuting costs at $20 per month ($240 per year), and payment of annual Capital Bikeshare membership fees ($75 per year). A “compressed” work schedule that allows employees to take every-other Friday as a day off after six months of employment per supervisor approval. Total paid time off for vacation and illness of 128 hours (16 days) per year. An additional 10 paid holidays per year.

Note that this is not a position with Arlington County Government.

To Apply

Please send a letter of introduction, resume, three professional or academic references, and one writing sample that demonstrates your ability to communicate quantitative information. One sample of any work that demonstrates your ability to communicate quantitative information through visuals is also welcome, though not required.

Send materials in PDF format to stephen.crim@mobilitylab.org. Please include the phrase “Mobility Lab Research Analyst” in the Subject line. No phone calls please.

Job Alert: Special Projects Officer – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) @ Washington, DC

December 21, 2014 at 5:11 pm

The Special Projects Officer will assist with the implementation of Metro’s approved Public Participation Plan (PPP) to improve two way communication to boost inclusiveness of the public for all major initiatives.   This position will develop communications plans as well as plan and host opportunities for riders, the public, community organizations, advocacy groups, and special interest groups to provide feedback on major service, capital projects, and policy initiatives under consideration at Metro.

This position will schedule, coordinate and track public activities and ensure outreach is conducted in the appropriate service areas.  Traditionally hard-to-reach populations must be engaged.  This position will also serve as a brand ambassador for Metro at a wide variety of events and meetings, which includes setting up events, giving presentations, taking surveys and other communication strategies.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter and well organized. Has experience working with community groups and non-profits; understands minority, ethnic and religious populations and possesses a high level of cultural sensitivity.  Candidate also has excellent presentation skills, is comfortable in front of large and small crowds and has the ability to simplify complex information based on the audience.  Additional preferences include bilingual, flexible work schedule (evenings, weekends, and early mornings), valid driver’s license and ability to lift 25lbs.

www.wmata.com/careers  JOB ID: 141282