The Research and Innovative Technology Administration seeks several Community Planners to join the  Transportation Policy and Planning Technical Center (RVT-20) of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center).  Located in Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Volpe Center plays a unique role in looking across the transportation enterprise by applying its multi-disciplinary capabilities to anticipate future transportation issues and challenges across all modes of transportation. These positions are based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

We seek several talented Community Planners interested in joining our consulting teams to develop, plan, and implement guidance, tools, strategies, and programs related to transportation planning, environmental stewardship, realty, and transportation research. As part of our teams, you will help increase the level of expertise of transportation professionals within our clients’ organizations; support better-prepared transportation plans that serve state and local government needs; and advance professional capacity building initiatives across Federal and state agencies. You will work with several teams contributing to major projects, and lead other smaller projects.

These are great opportunities for professionals with varying levels of experience in transportation planning, professional capacity building, and strategic and community and stakeholder involvement. You must have superb analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, and be able to excel in an entrepreneurial, fast -paced environment.Transcripts are required (see details in “How to Apply” tab in the official announcement). You will be required to submit writing samples if you are invited to interview.

Given our ongoing needs, we will review applications and refer top candidates for interviews multiple times during the open period of the announcement. The first application review will be January 23, 2012. Thereafter, we will do monthly reviews with the final one occurring after the application deadline, Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

The Community Planner GS-0020-11-12 (Term Appointments) announcement is posted to the Public on www.usajobs.opm.gov: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/306978700.

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks a Strategic Advisor to join our team.  RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.

This position is located in the Office of Administration, Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) in Washington, DC, where you will serve as a confidential strategic advisor to RITA’s Administrator and assists on a wide range of national transportation strategic and institutional issues as well as carry out special assignments which cover a wide range of program issues.

If you know someone interested in this Washington, D.C. based position with relevant experience and proven results please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  RITA is looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The vacancy announcements can be found on:

Merit Promotion Announcement: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=102501799

Public Announcement: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=102501668

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks two Transit Safety and Security Specialist’s (Instructor) to join the Transit Safety and Security Division at the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI).  RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.  The Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) provides premier worldwide training, products and/or services for people in the public and private sectors through innovative, state-of-the-art methods and technologies that contribute to the protection of life, property, and the environment.  The Transportation Safety Institute training center is located in Oklahoma City, OK at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC), a Federal Aviation Administration training and materials facility.  Visit www.tsi.dot.gov to learn more.  The position is located in Oklahoma City, OK.

As a Transit Safety and Security Specialist (Instructor), you will develop training programs, instruct, manage and facilitate classes, perform evaluations, and conduct seminars and symposiums.  Programs include all facets of safety and security work with complex bus and light rail transit systems.

To succeed in this position you must have experience developing, implementing, and/or performing complex assignments in support of transit safety and security projects, programs, and plans, and ensuring compliance with safety oversight regulations.  You must have experience in developing, modifying, and instructing training course content and materials.  You must also have superb organizational, communication and presentation skills.  Payment of relocation expenses may be authorized.  Ability to obtain and retain a travel credit card is required.

This announcement is open to the general public and under merit promotion for current or former Federal employees and people eligible under special hiring authorities. Please note that merit promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

Click here for the Merit Promotion Announcement

Click here for the Public Announcement

When: February 9, 2011  @ 1:00–2:30 P.M. Eastern Time

Register for the Webinar

Description

This webinar will summarize findings from two state of the practice assessments conducted for the USDOT‘s AERIS program. The first assessment identified applications that have demonstrated environmental benefits through use of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies. The second assessment focused on techniques that could be used to evaluate the environmental impacts of ITS deployments. The webinar will address the following topics:

• AERIS State of the Practice Assessments: Chris Pangilinan of USDOT will lead the webinar with an overview of AERIS state-of-the-practice assessments.
• Findings from the AERIS Applications State-of-the-Practice Assessment: Katie Miller of Noblis will discuss demand and access management applications, eco-driving applications, logistics and fleet management applications, traffic management applications, as well as freight and transit applications. She will also discuss how ITS can potentially support use of alternative fuel vehicles.
• State of the Practice of Techniques for Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of ITS Deployment: Richard Glassco of Noblis will discuss evaluation techniques in three categories including direct measurements of vehicle emissions and fuel use, infrastructure-based air quality measurements, and modeling.

Background

The transport sector accounts for approximately 28 percent of greenhouse gas in the U.S. Vehicles represent almost 80 percent of transport sector greenhouse gas. ITS can play a vital role in reducing vehicle miles traveled, improving vehicle efficiency, and reducing petroleum consumption—all of which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The AERIS program was launched in 2010 and is currently sponsoring research and working with stakeholders to assess the ways in which real-time transportation system data could improve the operation of the surface transportation network. The AERIS program vision is to generate, capture, and analyze vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure data to create actionable information that allows surface transportation system users and operators to make “green” transportation choices. The program aims to leverage existing and future research, data sets, and technologies to develop, enhance, and model ITS applications that are proven to reduce the negative impacts of transportation on the environment. Another program goal is to explore how AERIS data sets may improve or validate assumptions of environmental and other models.

Learning Objectives

• Understand AERIS program foundational research activities.
• Learn more and stimulate creative thinking about potential applications of real-time data to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Learn about methods to evaluate the environmental benefits of ITS deployment.

Intended Audience:

State and local DOT staff, policy researchers, ITS software and system developers, environmental advocates, consultants, academics, and others with an interest in the potential to use real-time transportation system data to reduce environmental impacts.

Host:

Chris Pangilinan, Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator, USDOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration
Chris Pangilinan is the Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) at USDOT. Prior to joining the USDOT, Chris was a transportation engineer and planner at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), the city’s DOT and transit agency. Chris’s work in transit operations and planning while at the SFMTA provides the transit experience that he is able to bring to the AERIS team. He earned his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at Portland State University and his Master’s degree in Transportation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Chris is a registered Civil Engineer in the State of California.

Presenters:

Katie Miller, Lead Sustainability Analyst, Noblis Center for Sustainability
Katie is a Lead Sustainability Analyst within the Noblis Center for Sustainability where she manages projects relating to greenhouse gas emissions issues. Prior to joining Noblis, Katie was a Program Manager for the US General Services Administration (GSA). She led sustainable supply chain initiatives for the agency and served as the lead author for the Executive Order 13514 Section 13 Recommendations for Vendor and Contractor Emissions, including designing an interagency implementation strategy for the recommendations. Her prior experience includes serving as a Senior Program Manager at the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Office of the Federal Environmental Executive and managing the GSA Fleet National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program. Katie holds a Master of Arts in Environmental and Natural Resource Policy from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Millersville University.

Richard Glassco, Principal Systems Modeler, Noblis Transportation Systems Division
Richard Glassco is a Principal Systems Modeler at Noblis, Inc. He has 30 years experience in simulation, modeling, and data analysis, including 17 years in the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems. His other specialties are ITS standards, road weather management, and evaluation of safety systems. Before joining Noblis he consulted with the Federal Systems Integration and Management Center. He has a B.A. in Mathematics from Cornell University and an M.S. in Operations Research from George Washington University.

This webinar is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) ITS Joint Program Office, Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). Reference in this webinar to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by U.S. Department of Transportation.

Register for the Webinar

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks a Chief Information Officer to join our team.  RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.

RITA is looking for an experienced, motivated, self reliant individual who will lead program/project management, business process engineering, and other assessment activities with an overall objective to improve program performance, accountability, and achieve results.

This position is located in the Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s (RITA), Office of Administration.  The RITA Office of Administration’s mission is to develop administration-wide policies and plans and provides support and assistance to RITA offices.

If you know someone interested in this Washington, D.C. based position with relevant experience and proven results, please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The vacancy announcements can be found on:

• http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=94532786 (All Sources)
• http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=94532508 (Merit Promotion)

Please direct any questions to Human Resources

RITA strongly encourages comments on the Real-Time System Management Information Program Final Rule Request:

Rule: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2010_register&docid=fr08no10-4 Comments: http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480b84022 BACKGROUND The concept for establishing a Real-Time System Management Information Program was included in federal transportation legislation in 2005 (specifically known as Section 1201 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, or SAFETEA-LU). The Real-Time System Management Information Program would provide the capability to monitor in real-time the traffic and travel conditions of the major highways across the U.S. and provide a means of sharing these data with state and local governments and with the traveling public. The SAFETEA-LU legislation required the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to establish a formal rule in order to define minimum parameters and requirements for states to make available and share traffic and travel conditions information via real-time information programs. The Federal Highway Administration has released the proposed rule, and is seeking comments from stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The Research and Innovative Technology Administration, which oversees the U.S. Intelligent Transportation Systems Program, is actively encouraging innovation in data collection, management, and dissemination across a wide array of communications platforms, and also encourages stakeholders to provide detailed comments regarding this rule. RITA is particularly interested in responses to questions below from the Notice:

1. Given the research investment into wireless communications systems in the 5.9 GHz spectrum for Intelligent Transportation Systems applications, to what extent could systems in this spectrum also be used to fulfill the requirements of this rule and/or enable other applications?
2. Given that there are legacy technologies in place now, and that there are new technologies on the horizon that are being adopted, how can we ensure that investments made today to comply with this rule are sustainable over the long term?

DATES:

This rule will be effective December 23, 2010. Establishment of the real-time information program for traffic and travel conditions reporting along the Interstate highway system will be completed no later than November 8, 2014. Establishment of the real-time information program for traffic and travel conditions reporting along the State-designated metropolitan area routes of significance will be completed no later than November 8, 2016. We request that comments be submitted via the link above no later than December 23, 2010.

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks several Operations Research Analysts to join several of the Centers of Innovation (COI) at the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center). RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.

This is one of eight Centers of Innovation (COI) at the Volpe Center whose function is to undertake transportation policy analysis and research that contributes to a compelling vision of the 21st Century transportation enterprise and supports decision making in the development, management, operation, and financing of an integrated multimodal national transportation system that meets 21st Century mobility needs for goods and people. These positions are located at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA.

RITA has  exciting career opportunities across several of its COI’s for recent graduates and mid-level Operations Research Analysts interested in conducting analyses of policies, programs, operations and systems to support the development of its  clients’ decision-making, operations and strategic planning as well as the deployment of advanced technology at the local, regional, and national level.

In this role, you will formulate, plan, and conduct analyses as well as assist senior project managers in planning and coordinating projects and conducting the assigned project segments. You will gather and analyze data using a variety of analytical techniques (e.g. surveys, literature reviews, stakeholder outreach; trade-off analysis, economic and/or regulatory impact analysis, etc.); analyze data sources to determine data quality and develop summary statistics. You will assess the readiness of agencies and the readiness of technologies for adoption; document findings in technical reports and present results before a variety of audiences.

These are great opportunities for new and mid-level professionals with strong quantitative and qualitative analysis background who excel in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment. You must have superb problem-solving, communication and presentation skills. Experience or interest in transportation is a plus. Transcripts are required (instructions on how to submit them are listed in the How to Apply tab). Writing samples will be required of all applicants identified as best qualified for the job.

These Operations Research Analyst GS-1515-11/12 positions (RITA-VOLPE-2011-0007) opened Wednesday, November 3, and the application deadline is Monday, January 14, 2011. The official announcement may be found here: Operations Research Analysts 11/12 (RITA.VOLPE-2011-0007)

The first application review date will be close of business Monday, November 15, 2010.  Thereafter, we will do monthly reviews and referrals of applications with the final review occurring after January 14, 2011 (application deadline). Given the continuing need for professionals in this field, RITA will review applications and refer the top candidates for interviews multiple times during the open period of the announcement.

If you or someone you know has the experience and proven results, I encourage you or them to apply under the following vacancy announcement. We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

Good luck!

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for an Intermittent Electronics Engineer/Operations Research Analyst.

RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.  This position is located within the Center of Innovation for Advanced Vehicles and Information Network Systems, at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA.

The Research Engineer/ORA will define, manage, conduct, and direct evaluation research efforts relating to safety critical performance issues in surface transportation systems, in the context of related technology policy considerations. Studies are related to vehicle and wayside navigation guidance and control system technologies relative to performance characteristics, potential vulnerabilities, and malfunction  modes  and mitigation methods, protection against electronic security threats and attacks, and preservation of personal; information and identification privacy.

This is a permanent, intermittent position; work will be performed on an as-needed basis, as projects arise; the number of hours will depend on the breadth and scope of assignments. The position may be filled as either an Electronics Engineer or an Operations Research Analyst.

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

The vacancy announcement can be found on:

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/JobTitle=ElectronicsEngineer+OperationsResearchAnalyst

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seek an Electronics Engineer/Engineering Project Manager (GS-0855-14) to join the Communication, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS) and Traffic Management Center of Innovation (COI) at the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center). RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system. This is one of eight COI’s at the Volpe Center whose function is to maintain and apply internationally recognized capabilities in communication, navigation, surveillance, operations management, and associated information technology disciplines to enhance the capacity, safety, and security of next-generation transportation systems. It serves as a focal point on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems engineering for the civil community and fosters interagency coordination efforts. This position is located at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Electronics Engineer/Engineering Project Manager (GS-0855-14) interested in joining the Operations Risk Assessment and Terminal Systems Division to lead projects that directly contribute to the evaluation and implementation of complex work areas affecting the users and operators of the National Airspace System (NAS).  As the Engineering Project Manager, you will lead aviation modeling and simulation development with emphasis on airborne and surface aircraft and air traffic management systems, and direct technical teams in the conceptualization, design, and application of simulation software, prototype, debugging and testing. You will work with other Volpe Center and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) national technical experts and senior program managers in the areas of aircraft wake vortex modeling; surveillance systems; navigation systems; pilot and air traffic controller behavior; air-ground communication systems; aerodynamics; aircraft control systems; and airspace design.  In this role, you will represent the Volpe Center before the FAA and other DOT organizations; other government departments and agencies; pilots’ and controllers’ unions; aircraft owners and operators; standards development organizations; and international aviation organizations.

If you have the scientific, technical and project management expertise to lead these challenging engineering projects, then this job is for you!  You must able to work in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment, and have superb analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. (An Annual Financial Disclosure is required each year from the individual in this position. Some travel required.)

This announcement is posted under both Merit Promotion procedures and to the Public on www.usajobs.opm.gov. Applications will be accepted from current and former competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities.  Please know that Merit Promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

·  Merit Promotion (RITA.VOLPE-2010-00040): Status Candidates – http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90809565

·  Public (RITA.VOLPE-2010-0041): US Citizens – http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90810484

If you or someone you know has the experience and proven results, I encourage you or them to apply. We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.  Please contact Elizabeth León at elizabeth.leon@dot.gov or 617-494-2214 if you have any questions.