Who knew this happened at traffic lights.. a great way to inspire social interaction..

Please join us for Session 651, The Six-Minute Pitch: Transportation Start-up Challenge

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 3:45PM – 5:30PM, Marriott Salon 3

Sponsored by the TRB Young Members Counci

In this exciting session, young professionals pitch their ideas for the “next big thing” to a panel of successful transportation industry entrepreneurs and investors in just 6 min or less. Following each pitch, the panel will provide immediate feedback on the market potential, business model, and the incorporation of innovative technologies or techniques and the latest research in the pitch. An honorary winner will be declared at the end of this fast-paced, interactive session.

University of Michigan is building/billing itself as the “go-to” place for testing autonomous vehicles (i.e., driverless cars). .. Check it out.

via NY Times

Awesome story of a man who spent an awful long time roaming the streets of New York City, driving a cab.. More here

via Young Professionals in Transportation

At IBI Group, our transport professionals thrive on solving problems by combining logic and creativity. They are able to invent, explore, and question to enhance the areas around us. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work on unique and leading-edge projects with a local focus to make a global difference.

IBI Group’s New York office is searching for Junior Project Manager to join its growing team. This is a unique 12 to 24 month contract secondment position to work with our client to provide technical support on an as-needed basis to the Program Manager in charge of a $3 billion systems capital program.

The role will require the successful candidate to relocate to the New York City area for the duration of the project.

Connect with Phillip Farinha (phillip.farinha@ibigroup.com) to learn more about this opportunity or refer a professional colleague.

USDOT seeks to fill a number of fulltime permanent Community Planners at entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level (grades GS-07, GS-09, GS-11, and GS-12). Selectees would be assigned to one of the following divisions: Organizational Performance Division (RVT-22), Transportation Planning Division (RVT-23), or other divisions within the Volpe Center. This position is located in the Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The ideal candidates should have an interest in joining our consulting teams to develop, plan, and implement guidance, tools, strategies, policies, plans, 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 national, state, regional, and local 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. This is a great opportunity 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, communications, and problem-solving skills, and be able to excel in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment. Transcripts are required. You will be required to submit writing samples if you are invited to interview.

If you or someone you know is interested in this position with relevant experience and a demonstrable record of proven results, I encourage you or them to apply. We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The announcement is posted to Merit Promotion eligible applicants on http://www.usajobs.gov/. Please know that Merit Promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

The open period is: 12/17/2013 to 12/27/2013

Application deadline: Friday, December 27, 2013

Merit Promotion Announcement:  RITA.VOLPE-2014-0027 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/357546200

Public Announcement: RITA.VOLPE-2014-0026 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/357544200

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.

Image Courtesy: Safe Routes to School National Partnership

Position:  Federal Policy Manager

Program:  Safe Routes to School National Partnership

Institution:  Bikes Belong Foundation

Employment and Classification:  “At will” employment status; full-time salaried position

Location: Your home office within the Washington, DC metro area

Applications: Applications are due on January 6, 2014 and must be sent to hr@saferoutespartnership.org. Specific details on application requirements are provided below. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as there will be rolling interviews.

Start Date: Late January or early February

Summary: Join the Safe Routes to School National Partnership (National Partnership) and use your professional talents and personal passion to advocate for safe walking and bicycling to and from schools, and in daily life, to improve the health and well-being of America’s children and to foster the creation of livable, sustainable communities.

Image Courtesy: Safe Routes to School National Partnership

The federal policy manager plays a critical role in representing the Safe Routes to School National Partnership on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies. The federal policy manager will regularly meet with Congressional offices and key federal agencies to convey the needs and importance of having Safe Routes to School and to advocate for policies and funding levels that are supportive of Safe Routes to School, active transportation and multi-modal transportation options. This position is also responsible for tracking the implementation of the recent MAP-21 transportation bill, researching and writing policy reports and papers on Safe Routes to School and related topics and producing blog posts and web content. The federal policy manager will collaborate closely with national and state coalition partners to advance active transportation policy and funding. The federal policy manager reports to the deputy director. 

For more information about the federal policy manager position, please see the detailed job description.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of four to five years’ proven experience in legislative or government affairs, with a strong preference for experience with federal transportation policy.
• Track record of analyzing and developing federal legislation and legislative campaigns.
• Experience in building coalitions and working with allied organizations to achieve policy change goals.
• Knowledge of Safe Routes to School programs or active transportation a plus.
• Effective public speaker comfortable presenting in front of large groups or one-on-one.
• Strong writing skills, including writing for legislative and non-legislative grassroots audiences.
• Ability to travel to group meetings and conferences as required. Anticipated travel to be approximately two to four out of state trips a year and regular travel (without overnight stays) in the DC region. Occasional work in the evenings or weekends to attend receptions or events.
• Ability to work from home, to work independently (self-starter) and as a team member with minimal supervision.
• Self-motivated, organized, strong attention to detail, creative and energetic.
• Ability to follow-up in a timely manner and to work under tight deadlines/schedules.
• Proficient with PCs and with MS Office software.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

Background:  The Safe Routes to School National Partnership was founded in 2005 and is a network of more than 600 organizations. Its mission is to advance safe walking and bicycling to and from schools, and in daily life, to improve the health and well-being of America’s children and to foster the creation of livable, sustainable communities.  The National Partnership is hosted by the non-profit Bikes Belong Foundation.

Annual Salary:  This “at will” position offers a starting annual salary of $48,000 to $60,000/year, depending on experience, plus health insurance benefits, paid time off and optional participation in a deferred compensation plan. A PC computer, telephone and internet access will be provided. All Safe Routes to School National Partnership personnel are employees of the Bikes Belong Foundation and work from home offices.

To Apply: Interested applicants should submit (via email) a cover letter, resume and three writing samples in one PDF file to hr@saferoutespartnership.org. The PDF file shall be named as follows:  [LastName]_FederalPolicyManager.pdf.  Ensure that the subject line of your email includes the text “Federal Policy Manager.” We are not accepting email or telephone call inquiries.

Receipt of applications will be acknowledged with an email reply.  Applications will be accepted until January 6, 2014.  Applications must be submitted in the format indicated in order to be considered.  Applying soon is encouraged as the position will be open until filled, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Visit www.saferoutespartnership.org for more information about the Safe Routes to School National Partnership

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently launched the Divvy bikeshare program, which is operated by Alta Bicycle Share.  The program is contract-operated and requires dedicated staff to actively manage the program and administer the contract.  The Program Director (bike share manager) will supervise the contractor operating the bicycle sharing program and manage the day-to-day operations of Divvy for CDOT.

For consideration, all applications must be submitted electronically through the City’s Human Resources system (http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dhr.html).  Paper or other submissions will not be reviewed.  Please note that the deadline for applications is December 18^th so please share this ASAP. See full announcement below.

[gview file=”http://www.transportgooru.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Program-Director-posting.pdf” width=”590px”]

Brilliant… and everything about Tesla Model S sounds better when the narrator sounds like Jason Statham (or is it Jason himself  narrating it?).  A bit of research showed that it is a part of NatGeo (UK)’s Megafactories Show, which has a ton of more such awesome things.. Check out the program’s website.