INTRODUCTION

The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Bureau of Policy and Planning is recruiting for a Transportation Planner 2 in our Intergovernmental Affairs Unit!

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A competitive starting salary
• Excellent state benefit package, including health and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plan options
• Alternate work schedules
• A culture that encourages work-life balance

THE ROLE

This position will be pivotal in meeting the requirements of both State and Federal laws and regulations as it relates to coordination and cooperation with the Council of Governments (COG), the Metropolitan Transportation Organizations (MPO), and local elected officials. All federally funded projects must be vetted with and approved by the COG, MPO, and local elected officials to be included into the State Transportation Improvement Plan. It is imperative that these relationships are created and maintained and that knowledge of the Department’s goals, vision, and mission be communicated effectively with these entities, and likewise, that this unit serve as a conduit of communication of local issues back to the Department.

The Transportation Planner 2 position facilitates and oversees the daily coordination with MPO, COG, and local officials on planning and program efforts to ensure that the planning process is conducted in accordance with the requirements of federal laws and regulations. This includes coordination with required federal agencies (Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration) along with internal Connecticut Department of Transportation staff in all five bureaus. This position will be an important part of a unit which will be responsible for leading both high level technical federal programs, as well as being responsible for a wide range of government affairs coordination. This position is unique as it blends technical planning and government affairs together to provide accurate and timely assistance to key agencies and stakeholders. Additional responsibilities will include review, approval, and oversight of planning studies and programs, invoices, and contract compliance.

The Intergovernmental Affairs unit coordinates the COG implementation of their Unified Planning Work Programs (UPWP) to ensure compliance with the federal transportation planning process, federal regulations, and relevant state laws, regulations, and policies. This includes the review and approval of UPWP invoices and ensuring compliance with audit, federal, and state requirements. This unit is responsible to develop program guidance, solicit for eligible projects, and disseminate information on projects under the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ), the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and for corridor study planning proposals. The unit acts as the liaison with the MPO, COG, and with other local, state, and federal agencies, and may also assist with liaison functions for other federal or state programs.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Monday - Friday
• Full-time (40 hours per week)
• First shift
• Location:  DOT Headquarters in Newington, CT

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Oversee the MPO/COG development of the following aspects of federal transportation planning process: UPWP, Metropolitan Transportation Plans (MTP), Public Involvement Plans (PIP)
• Function as CTDOT’s liaison to the COG/MPO and local municipalities
• Ensure compliance with federal planning requirements
• Review and approve MPO/COG invoices
• Ensure clear communication regarding transportation programs and projects
• Oversee the selection, screening, and ultimate completion of MPO/COG planning studies
• Manage planning studies included in the UPWPs
• Oversee the selection, screening, and ultimate completion of MPO/COG CMAQ projects
• Oversee the selection, screening, and ultimate completion of MPO/COG TAP projects
• Assist with the coordination of monthly and quarterly COG Coordination meetings
• Participate in various virtual conferences, webinars, and meetings
  • In-person meetings will be a large part of daily duties; these meetings would be with internal CTDOT staff, COG/MPO, elected officials, and municipal staff.
• Perform related duties as required

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 is interpreted at the level of Transportation Planner 1 or Transportation Engineer 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in civil engineering, transportation, urban, regional or environmental planning may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) planning regulations and funding mechanisms
• Experience with managing various funding sources and programs that pertain to the MPO and COG
• Experience in program solicitation, screening and selection
• Experience reviewing, analyzing and commenting on technical plans and reports
• Experience reviewing scopes and fees and working with consultants
• Experience with contemporary transportation issues, policies and practices
• Experience developing, maintaining, and enhancing communication and relationships with CTDOT as well as outside organizations, stakeholders, elected officials, and the general public
• Experience providing verbal and written communication to a diverse population
• Experience designing and participating in the development of public presentations and presenting materials in various forms
• Experience working with programs to include Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

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.