Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for a challenging and exciting Transportation Planner 2 position 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 State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
- Join an award winning agency! CTDOT was recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!
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 candidate will 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 environmental and cultural 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
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, 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 contact listed below.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: 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.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 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, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Sharon McIntosh, at Sharon.McIntosh@ct.gov.
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.