The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) seeks qualified and ambitious human factors professionals with a strong background in psychology and engineering to assess the system-wide impact of innovative transportation technologies. The ideal candidate is an experienced researcher capable of independently running transportation projects and working in multidisciplinary teams to improve transportation safety through cutting-edge research.

Research projects range from test-track experiments using a single vehicle to large-scale naturalistic driving studies that involve collecting data from hundreds of vehicles on public roadways. Research projects often use VTTI’s internally-developed data acquisition system (DAS). The DAS enables unobtrusive measurement of driver behavior, vehicle operation, and the environment. The collected data are analyzed to address specific research questions that typically focus on existing transportation problems (e.g. crash causation) and/or the performance/development of advanced vehicle systems (e.g. crash warning and autonomous vehicle technologies). Questionnaire, focus group, and survey data collection methods may also be used in these experiments. This position is expected to predominantly focus on research and development relating to driver interaction with automated vehicle systems, such as automated driving systems and automated collision warning/avoidance systems.

The successful applicant will perform work involving conventional human factors research practices, however the work includes a variety of complex features such as working with fluctuating requirements, cycles of field and/or office work, and developing and implementing novel approaches to evaluating transformative transportation technologies. The employee will contribute to the conceptualization of research and proposal development with principal investigators. With assistance, the successful applicant will manage the day-to-day operations of research projects including: literature reviews, research design, research execution, data analysis, report writing, presentations, and publications.

Experience with human factors research in transportation or related fields and expertise in statistical analyses is preferred. Proficiency with data collection and working knowledge of analysis software packages is desired. The applicant must be interested in improving transportation safety and be willing to work on multiple projects in a fast paced research environment. VTTI provides opportunities for professional advancement and a pay for performance structure.

Assignments include:

• Aid in the development of proposals
• Research and assist in the composition of literature reviews
• Assist with the conceptualization and creation of work plans, protocols, and procedures
• Review and critique research plans and reports
• Coordinate and collaborate with subcontractors and interface with stakeholders
• Manipulate and analyze data
• Interpret results and develop robust conclusions
• Write research reports
• Present research findings
• Travel to research sites (requirement fluctuates but will generally be <15%)

Directions given and received:

Receive instructions on project objectives, feedback on proposed research plans, and project logistics from principal investigators and project managers. May supervise or coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, students, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments. Must be able to work effectively independently as well as within multidisciplinary project teams as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a Human Factors specialization or equivalent. Candidates with a lesser degree and significant experience in lieu of master’s degree will also be considered.
• Experience in transportation or related field is desired
• Thorough understanding of experimental design and methods
• Proficiency with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced flexible research environment
• Proficiency with programming languages including Matlab and SQL is desired.

Click here to learn more and to apply

via WUSA9

The latest transportation bill from Virginia legislature (HB2313), signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell has got a lot of Hybrid vehicle owners miffed. Under the new regulations, drivers of hybrid vehicles would have to pay a $100 annual fee.  So, the irate hybrid owners and other opponents of this measure have have started an online petition urging the governor to veto the fee now has more than 4,000 signatures (hoping to get to 10,000 by end of March) .  WUSA9’s Monika Samtani has done a nice report covering this issue. Check it out.

Critics are pointing out that :

Description:

The Department of Transportation is seeking a talented and exemplary professional to join a dynamic work group. The selected individual will need to have exceptional communication skills, be able to provide excellent customer service, and have solid technical and analytical skills. This position will review complex development applications for compliance with County policies and regulations; formulate and communicate transportation recommendations to the staff, appointed and elected officials; scope and review Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA); attend and represent the Department at Planning Commission, Board of County Supervisors, and other transportation related meetings; provide planning and technical solutions to complex problems or situations; work with other County agencies and community groups to achieve County and Departmental vision and goals. The successful candidate will need to be enthusiastic, organized, creative, team-oriented, and have a positive can-do attitude. This position will perform under the direct supervision of the Transportation Planning Manager.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is looking for a dedicated, self-motivated lover of bicycling to assist in planning and executing major components of our East of the River 2013 Bicycle Outreach Initiative. This is an expansion of our successful 2012 program and includes distribution of community engagement and outreach materials and organization of educational offerings, bicycle repair clinics, bike rides, and community events. The project area is the District of Columbia east of the Anacostia River, with specific emphasis on the Congress Heights, Anacostia, and St. Elizabeths areas.

The East of the River Program Associate will have primary day-to-day responsibility for delivery of bicycling outreach through one-on-one, grassroots community engagement, and will be responsible for coordinating logistics of numerous outreach events to communicate to community members the value of bicycling as a viable form of affordable, healthy, sustainable transportation.

Image Courtesy: Anacostia Yogi – http://www.anacostiayoga.com

This position is grant-funded and is anticipated to run through mid-August 2013. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, committed to getting more people on bikes, a strong communicator, knowledgeable about the community to be served, and organized. Hours are flexible, but weekend work will be required. The majority of work will be outdoors likely involving bicycling, interacting with the public, or at outdoor community events, but the associate will also be responsible for planning and preparing reports for supervisors and funders.

The associate will report directly to the WABA outreach coordinator and will be directed by WABA program staff. This will afford the associate the opportunity to learn from professionals in the fields of event planning, community planning, grassroots organizing, online activism, and outreach.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong commitment to WABA’s mission, growing bicycling as transportation
• Excellent writing, presentation, and public-speaking skills
• A flexible schedule and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
• The ability to organize time wisely and multi-task in a relaxed and fun, but demanding, environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Benefits include a flexible schedule, vacation, and sick and personal leave. Compensation is $15 an hour. This position is part-time, about 20 to 25 hours per week.

Apply

Send a cover letter describing why you are the best candidate for this job, along with a resume, to jobs@waba.org. No phone calls, please. The position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

WABA 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.

About the Washington Area Bicyclist Association
Making bicycling better through advocacy and education, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association promotes biking as a healthy, low-cost, and environmentally friendly form of transportation and recreation. With 4,000 members region-wide, WABA serves bicyclists throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland and Virginia.

English: District of Columbia Department of Transportation (d-dot) logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m a big fan of transportation agencies using social media to reach their customers & stakeholders.  But often you will find many of these agencies send out tweets and Facebook posts that are plain boring and borderline irritating.  Fortunately, some agencies do understand the importance of adding humor and fun to keep their messages appealing yet entertaining without looking too mundane.  Among a handful of agencies that do this so well is @DDOTDC (aka DC Department of Transportation). They always know how to mix up the seriousness of a bland transportation message with a little bit of humor to make it easy for the end-user to consume, esp. at the end of a long day.  The communications team at @DDOTDC has done a commendable job on many occasions and today is not an exception.

Like every time it happens, today DC metropolitan area got into panic-mode when snow flurries started hitting the ground. As folks left offices/workplaces early, the vehicle traffic started building up on the streets. So, to lighten up the mood and poke a bit of fun of the traditional behavior of DC metro residents, the @DDOTDC team pushed out a series of fun tweets titled Top 5 signs it’s snowing in DC”:

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294905698196811776

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906098425679873

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906463334301696

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906684915208194

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906972103393280

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294905698196811776

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906098425679873

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906463334301696

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906684915208194

https://twitter.com/DDOTDC/status/294906972103393280

And you see my point? How refreshing is it to see a public agency do something like this instead of just sending out plain boring traffic congestion updates during an already crazy time on the streets?  If you happen to serve as a communications in-charge at any transportation agency, you will be thrilled to see such great levels of audience engagement from the community for each one of these messages (i.e., retweets, Favs, etc). So, if you get a chance, say “Thank You” to the @DDOTDC team for their fun yet sincere community service and all the hard work they put in to keeps us safe on the roads.

Description
Director of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure
Salary: Negotiable up to $155,642 based on qualifications.
Position is open until filled. First review of applicants: 12/14/12

Map of Virginia highlighting Loudoun County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The newly created Department of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure is currently accepting applications for the position of Department Director. This is a senior level management position. The Director provides oversight of transit and road development, the implementation of traffic improvement measures, the review of transportation-related land development applications, the development and administration of the County’s Capital Facility Standards, and the design, planning and construction of General Government public-use facilities. Position duties include, but are not limited to: overseeing and directing all work related to County transportation and capital projects such as strategic planning, budgeting, funding, design, construction, administration, and cost analysis; advising on policy matters; ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations; and planning, directing, and managing the annual capital and departmental budget process including providing recommendations and resolving budget issues. This position regularly presents to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and other public forums on a wide variety of transportation and capital construction issues. The Director is also responsible for leading and managing a high performing staff and maintaining a professional work environment in accordance with County policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
The successful candidate will hold a Master’s degree and a minimum of ten years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in transportation planning, engineering, architecture, public administration, or construction management is strongly preferred. Senior management level experience in a local government organization managing transportation initiatives, capital projects, facilities design and/or construction projects and experience supervising exempt level staff is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  

Loudoun County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a criminal history/credit/driver’s license check.
Interested applicants must complete and submit an application via our electronic application system. To apply, please go to our website: www.loudoun.gov

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a guest post by Michael Rodriguez, a friend and business colleague, on one of the most pressing questions facing Virginia’s voters tomorrow in the 2012 elections.  A quick bio of  the author: Mike is a Transportation planning/economics consultant. Identifies himself as a Tech junkie.  Apple enthusiast. Marlins fan. Badger fan. Nintendo fanboy. Overall transportation geek. Mike is also actively engaged in Twitter (@TranspoPlanner) and you can learn more about him here. 

On Election Day, Virginians will encounter a statewide ballot measure,Question 1, that would amend the Virginia Constitution by limiting the government’s ability to exercise eminent domain – limitations that would hinder critical projects such as Metro Rail expansion, the new 495 Express Lanes, and many worthy economic development projects. The true implications of this amendment are an unnecessary restriction on public projects, a narrow definition of eminent domain powers leading to greater costs, and other negative unintended consequences.Virginia Question 1: Bad for Infrastructure and Bad for Communities

Eminent domain, the government’s power to acquire private property for public use, is central to state and local government’s ability to build infrastructure and facilities – things like roads, water lines, parks, schools, and police precincts. In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court in Kelo v. City of New London also upheld a practice that local governments had been engaged in for quite some time, namely, acquiring land and transferring it to a private developer when undergoing economic redevelopment. However, the Court also left states with the power to restrict this practice.

Since Kelo, a concerted, partisan response in many states has sought to severely limit the government’s power to conduct its business through eminent domain and undermine urban and regional planning in general. Question 1 is Virginia’s version of this partisan effort. While framed as a “property rights” issue, make no mistake that this amendment goes too far and tries to slip in significant roadblocks to all public projects that use eminent domain.

Question 1 is unnecessary to prevent the type of eminent domain use in Kelo because Virginia has already enacted laws to address this. Despite these statutes, the proponents behind Question 1 seek to go beyond what is already on the books. In the process, they are willing to open up Pandora’s Box of problems that they have failed to address. These problems are why the Virginia Municipal League, Virginia Association of Counties, and mayors across Virginia strongly believe Question 1 is a setback for building needed infrastructure and the ability to create strong and vibrant communities.

One problem is that Question 1 would hinder innovative projects in transportation, among other areas, by limiting eminent domain in any setting that would be “for profit.” Immediately, this language would obstruct and likely stop any toll road, port redevelopment, or other project that uses “public-private partnerships” – where the government and private sector collaborate. These types of projects have traditionally had bi-partisan support in Virginia and nationwide, including support from Governor McDonnell. Nonetheless, Question 1 would prevent such projects.

What this means for Virginians is that projects like the 495 Express Lanes would be challenged, since these projects involve the government and private sector collaborating over toll revenues. Projects like Metro Rail’s Silver Line expansion to Dulles Airport would be thwarted, since they are partly financed through those tolls. In short, Question 1 unnecessarily interferes in government’s ability to collaborate with the private sector to innovate and improve our transportation and public facilities.

Another concern is that Question 1 also requires the government to compensate property owners not only for their property’s value, but also for “lost profits.” For example, farmers would not only be compensated for their land at market value, but also for profits they may (or may not) experience in the future from sales of their produce. While a noble goal,there is a fundamental math problem with this logic. The future profits of a piece of real estate, like a farm or factory, are already incorporated into its market value – economists call it “capitalized value.” This is why a high yielding farm sells for more than a low yielding farm, all other things being equal.

The existing norm of compensating at market value already addresses these potential profits; so requiring additional compensation is economic double counting. Furthermore, profits are speculative, and the overall effect is to limit public projects by increasing costs, encouraging frivolous litigation, enriching trial attorneys, and enabling an unelected board to guess at compensation levels. In the end, we all pay for this when the cost of building public infrastructure increases drastically.

There are a host of other unintended consequences, but the bottom line is that Question 1 goes beyond simply protecting private property rights. It would nearly kill, or at least severely inhibit, public-private partnerships to build infrastructure, thus requiring more government bonds and debt to build. It would also increase the cost that we Virginians pay for our roads and other infrastructure. Do not be fooled. A vote in favor of Question 1 might be a great deal for trial lawyers, but it’s a bad deal for Virginia’s infrastructure and the future of our communities.

Note:  All opinion expressed are the author’s.  This blog serves as a platform to echo the voices of the community.  Feel free to share and register your thoughts below.  Also, you are welcome to submit articles on transportation issues for publishing on this site.

Related articles

• Vote to limit eminent domain acts
• An Explanation of Virginia’s Two Ballot Initiatives
• How will you vote on property rights amendment on November ballot?
• Mark Warner; Eminent domain; Severe weather; Who wins the Senate?
• Why Do Virginia Democrats Oppose Property Rights?
• Eminent Domain Casts its Long Shadow Over the Texas Legislature

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has an exceptional opportunity for a proven professional as the Division Administrator for Operations and Security. This position offers the challenges and rewards of building, directing and overseeing the statewide operations and Security Division within VDOT. 

The selected individual will manage policy, process, program direction and support to regions and other VDOT Divisions such as Statewide Incident Management, Regional Smart Traffic Operations, Emergency Operations, Operations Management Systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and real-time Traveler Information & Services. You will evaluate division functional program areas and staffing needs, recommend and implement desired changes. Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the activities of the Operations and Security Division and ensure alignment with overall agency goals and performance measures. Responsible for overall leadership in the program areas of Intelligent Transportation Systems, operability of Smart Traffic Centers, and various file operations and services in conjunction with the regions and critical infrastructure and Homeland Security implementation and data integration for traveler information, Incident Management, and Safety Service Patrol.

For complete details to apply, click on this link .

Related articles

• Job Alert: Program Director, Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office @ USDOT – Washington, DC(transportgooru.com)

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Some may argue this as fun,  but this is nothing but stupidity and hands down dangerous (not just for him but also for any driver trying to navigate his vehicle through these flooded roads).