Transportation Planner 2(Strategic Planning & Projects)

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for a challenging and exciting Transportation Planner 2position to assist in leading community project planning and development.  If you're a team player who values accessibility, equity, and safety, this could be the role for you!  This opportunity is located in the Project Planning Unit within the Office of Strategic Planning and Projects at our headquarters in Newington.   

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our newState Employee Benefits Overview page!
• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a dynamic motivated candidate for this opportunity to advance planning and concept development of Active Transportation and Complete Streets Projects in the Department. The Project Planning Unit specializes in multi-modal transportation planning and championing complete streets principles within the Department, which is a focus of much of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. This Unit currently oversees the $62 million Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP), the $20 million Transportation Rural Improvement Grant Program, and various project planning efforts. The Project Planning Unit also administers and participates in multi-modal transportation studies, both in-house and in coordination with Regional Councils of Governments, develops planning level project proposals to improve safety, accessibility and mobility for all modes and is responsible for performing project design reviews as required by the Department’s Complete Streets policy. 

This Transportation Planner 2 position requires knowledge of the principles and practices involved in transportation planning and/or engineering with a focus on complete streets. Candidates should possess the ability to read and interpret roadway construction plans and cost estimates and have knowledge of established transportation policies and operational methodologies including but not limited to Complete Streets.

The selected candidatewill be responsible for developing effective, efficient communication and working relationships, internally, as well as with other State and Federal agencies and other external stakeholders and is expected to be able to work independently and lead various assignments. This position will aid in the management and oversight of various unit led initiatives including the Department’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, Transportation Rural Improvement Grant Program, Regional Corridor Studies, and the development of planning level project proposals for Complete Streets and Active Transportation type projects. 

Examples of Duties:

• Provide project management support including preparation, analysis and review of project materials and planning documents or studies, prepared by consultants and other staff
• Assist in administering municipal grant funded construction projects, including review and analysis of supporting materials
• Perform technical reviews of engineering project plans, and provide effective recommendations related to complete streets policies and best practices
• Create and maintain GIS datasets related to grant projects and active transportation assets
• Lead coordination of activities or projects with local, regional, state, and federal agencies, consultants and stakeholders as required
• Investigate and respond to public inquiries and complaints regarding transportation issues related to unit programs and/or projects
• May make presentations
• Perform related duties as required 

Additional duties include but are not limited to:

• Developing project proposals for active transportation type projects, utilizing GIS and CAD Software, aimed at increasing safety, connectivity and accessibility for all users of the state’s transportation system 
• Managing grant-funded municipal construction projects awarded via the Department’s $62 million Community Connectivity Grant Program 
• Managing grant funded municipal construction projects awarded via the Department’s $20 million Transportation Rural Improvement Grant Program 
• Acting as a technical liaison to the Bureau of Engineering and Construction on complete streets projects
• Reviewing and providing recommendations for projects to ensure project designs are compliant with the Department’s Complete Streets Policies by providing safe and accessible accommodations for all users 
• Developing and maintaining authoritative asset data sets within the Department’s Enterprise GIS Data Portal 
• Utilizing ArcGIS software to perform statewide roadway network screenings to identify gaps and deficiencies in infrastructure, and to prioritize locations to programmatically address safety for the state’s most vulnerable roadway users  
• Providing technical support for the Department’s Active Transportation Unit and Complete Streets Standing Committee as it relates to infrastructure and Active Transportation Design and Construction

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Monday - Friday
• Full-time (40 hours per week)
• First shift
• Location:  Newington, CT
• P-4 (Engineering, Scientific and Technical) bargaining unit
• This position is eligible to apply for telework after successful completion of the working test period, and thereafter, in accordance with the Telework Policy. The Policy can be found here. Employees in their initial working test period must work on site in the office

Incumbents in this class are required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, and may be required to travel, primarily within the state, and perform duties in the field.  This position will report to a Transportation Supervising Planner, or an employee of a higher grade. 

ABOUT US

As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five distinct bureaus. It is our mission to provide a safe, accessible and efficient multimodal transportation network that improves the quality of life and promotes economic vitality for the State and the region. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving the State’s resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged.

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Selection Plan

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

To Apply:

• In order to be considered for this job opening you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.
• The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited.  If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the individual listed on this job posting. 
• Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
• Please select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.  

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

• Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!

Important Information After You Apply:

• This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the questionnaire's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
• Read through this helpful link to prepare for your interview. 
• Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
• Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
• Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class in the next twelve (12) months.
• Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

Connect With Us:
Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sharon McIntosh, at Sharon.McIntosh@ct.gov.

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PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for acting as a working lead and/or for performing the most complex tasks in transportation planning studies, programs and related activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

WORKING LEAD LEVEL: 

• As assigned by a supervisor, distributes, prioritizes, oversees and reviews office unit work; 
• Provides staff training and assistance; 
• Conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; 
• Acts as liaison with operating units, agencies, consultant staffs and other outside officials regarding unit office policies and standards; 
• Prepares correspondence; 
• Performs related duties as required.

ADVANCED LEVEL: 

• Performs complex tasks and assignments in developing, coordinating and reviewing transportation planning programs; 
• Recommends, coordinates or participates in transportation demonstration projects; 
• Participates in preparation and negotiation of agreements and contracts; 
• Oversees and participates in corridor studies; 
• Prepares and reviews reports, studies and surveys in compliance with department standards and needs and state and federal laws and regulations; 
• Coordinates activities or projects with local, regional, state and federal agencies, consultants and stakeholders as required; 
• Reviews consultants’ work; 
• Investigates and responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding transportation plans, programs and/or projects; 
• May make presentations at legislative or public hearings; 
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of multi-modal transportation planning theory, practices and methodologies; 
• Knowledge of environmental considerations involved in transportation planning; 
• Skills
  • interpersonal skills; 
  • oral and written communication skills; 
• Ability to
  • develop and use computer software including planning models and other programs related to planning process; 
  • forecast trends based upon empirical data; 
  • comprehend and interpret laws and regulations; 
• Analytical ability; 
• Lead ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Seven (7) years of professional experience in transportation civil engineering or transportation, urban, regional or environmental planning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must include individual responsibility for the coordination of complex planning projects in a relevant planning area.

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Transportation Planner 1 or Transportation Engineer 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Transportation / Regional / Urban Planning or Studies, Civil Engineering, Geography, Construction Management, or closely related degree 
• Working experience in transportation infrastructure planning or civil engineering 
• Experience with state and national Complete Streets and Active Transportation policies, guidance and best practices
• Experience in developing, reading and interpreting roadway design plans, transportation study documents and mapping
• Experience with cost estimating principles for transportation projects  
• Experience with reading and interpreting state and federal statutes, regulations and guidance
• Computer skills including experience with software such as Microsoft Office 365 including Excel and SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, ArcGIS, and MicroStation or AutoCAD
• Experience presenting information to diverse groups including State and local officials, peers and members of the public
• Experience in project management

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.