STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Bureau Chief of Public Transportation

Recruitment #220505-5940MP-001

Introduction



Do you have a passion for public transportation? Do you daydream about how to move people and goods in a safer, faster, and more equitable way? Are you a hands-on team leader who is keenly aware of the importance of staff development? If so, we are looking for you to join our team!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is seeking qualified candidates for Bureau Chief of Public Transportation to develop, manage, and grow Connecticut’s bus, rail, taxi and livery, and river ferry systems. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to remove transportation barriers for the traveling public, enhance the environmental sustainability of the state's transportation systems, and help shape CTDOT policies and plans that will chart the future of transportation in Connecticut and along the Northeast Corridor. 

Who We Are

As one of the state’s largest agencies, the CTDOT employs over 3,300 employees statewide in five distinct Bureaus. The mission of CTDOT is to provide a safe 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, including major bus and rail systems, that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development.

The Role

CTDOT is seeking an experienced transportation professional to lead its Public Transportation Bureau. The Bureau Chief of Public Transportation will play a critical role in taking CTDOT’s rail and transit infrastructure and service to new levels of quality and volume that will complement the State’s ambitious transportation program. This position is part of the Department’s senior management team and reports directly to executive leadership.  The ideal candidate will be an accomplished leader with a demonstrated record of achievement in the public transportation sector.  Superior skills in organizational development, oral and written communications, policy formulation, legal and regulatory compliance, and knowledge/ experience with bus and rail operations are required.

The Bureau Chief will lead a large team of 140+ talented and dedicated professionals with a wide range of experiences and skills in transportation, all dedicated to managing and planning a safe, efficient, and extensive statewide public transportation planning system.

The Bureau is organized into four offices, each with distinct functions: Office of Rail, Office of Transit and Ridesharing, Office of Regulatory Compliance, and Customer Experience unit. 

Office of Rail. The Office of Rail employs 76 state employee staff at two locations (New Haven and Newington) and indirectly more than 6,700 contractor employees with an annual budget (excluding capital) of about $155 million.  CTDOT’s railroad operations include the ownership and oversight of the New Haven Line (NHL) and its branch lines, the nation's busiest commuter rail line operated under contract with Metro-North Railroad.  The State owns 104 route miles of passenger lines and 291 freight route miles.  The Office of Rail manages the services on the Amtrak–operated Shore Line East commuter rail service, as well as the TransitAmerica Services (TASI) operated Hartford Line intercity passenger rail service.  Responsibilities also include oversight of the DOT-owned freight operations and working with the state’s eight private freight operators.  The Rail Office manages PRIIA 209 service, coordinates PRIIA 212 service and works closely with the Northeast Corridor Commission, AASHTO and APTA on Corridor and PRIIA issues.

The State owns or operates 49 passenger rail stations and 518 coaches, locomotive and EMU’s.  The passenger rail system managed by this office carries about 40 million passengers annually.

The Office of Rail includes a unit that performs engineering and construction services for certain of the Department's rail-related projects.  The balance of these services is provided by the DOT's Bureau of Engineering and Construction.

Office of Transit and Ridesharing.  The Office is composed of 54 professional staff who manage capital programs, transit operations, planning and marketing, and river ferry operations. The team is responsible for both the management and development of the CTtransit, CTtransit express and CTfastrak services as well as coordination with locally-operated transit districts. The office is also charged with testing new on-demand microtransit service and the nation’s first automated large transit bus service.

Office of Regulatory Compliance.  The Office is composed of eight individuals responsible for the statutorily required regulation of taxi, livery, household goods companies and transportation network companies. The unit includes two field inspectors that ensure taxi and livery vehicles meet requirements for service.

Customer Experience Unit. This newly-formed unit is charged with public outreach to develop and enhance the customer experience statewide. The team of four conducts surveys, public outreach and develops the agency’s roadmap for improvements to the customer experience including but not limited to online services, station amenities, onboard experience and fare systems.

In this key role you will:

  • Oversee and manage the four offices that constitute the Bureau of Public Transportation.
  • Help CTDOT adapt to evolving state and federal priorities relative to future public transportation needs, issues, and best practices.  
  • Play an integral role in reducing transportation emissions by increasing utilization of public transportation.
  • Work with your team to prepare the state’s long-term strategic vision for public transportation.
  • Fulfill all planning, data collection, and reporting requirements as called for in state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Help shape the Department’s long-term vision, strategy, and programs for serving the mobility needs of Connecticut’s residents and businesses while supporting economic growth, strong communities, and a healthy sustainable environment.
  • Focus on innovation to improve the customer experience and evolve transit services to be more responsive to the changing needs and expectations of riders.
  • Build the capacity of the Bureau of Public Transportation team through staff development, coaching, mentoring and team building opportunities.
Benefits

We participate in a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive healthcare policies including medical and dental coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and more! We also encourage a healthy work-life balance for all employees and provide professional growth and development opportunities!

Watch the video below to learn more about this incredible opportunity!

  

Selection Plan

Application Information:

  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on this 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 comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. 
  • Please ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system. Applicants who submit and subsequently withdraw their application will not be able to resubmit for the same posting.
  • Relevant information such as possession of any licensure, any specialization in college, or relevant internships must be included in the application package.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, available to travel for training, conferences, meetings, field reviews, etc. both within and outside of normal working hours, when necessary.
Throughout 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.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most clearly meet the requirements of the position.
Please Note:

  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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 Faith MacDonald at faith.macdonald@ct.gov or (860) 937-6362.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Transportation this class is accountable for administering the programs and operations of the Bureau of Public Transportation including the Department's commuter rail services, fixed route bus services, express bus services, para-transit services, ridesharing programs, and any other public transportation services as necessary.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

This position is responsible for overseeing the agency’s public transportation initiatives, and coordinating, planning and managing the operation and growth of the state’s bus and rail systems. This entails overseeing operations and maintaining functions in the Bureau of Public Transportation, which include administering staff and operations of the bureau; developing, implementing and evaluating bureau policies, goals, and objectives to meet public transportation needs; designing and developing bureau programs and activities; implementing new procedures and procedural revisions pertaining to policies, personnel regulations, expenditures and administrative methods; preparing bureau budget; and maintaining contacts with department, state, federal and local individuals regarding policy or program activities.  This position also serves as policy advisor to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner; represents the Department at public meetings and legislative hearings; and may be asked to speak to the media.  In addition, this position is responsible for administering collective bargaining agreements and major personnel decisions including staffing, hiring, firing, evaluation, promotion and training of employees; and performing other duties as required. For more details, please review the full job class specification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques in all aspects of public transportation operations; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; knowledge of state and federal legislative, contractual and procurement processes; ability to administer a large scale public transportation program; ability to deal with public advocacy groups and public transportation users; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Twelve (12) years of professional experience in the planning, engineering or operations phase of a large scale transportation program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of General Experience must have been in a managerial capacity with responsibility for planning, implementing or coordinating public transit activities.
1. Managerial capacity is defined as full time managerial responsibility for major programs. Position will have supervisory responsibilities but the emphasis should be management activities: planning, organizing, directing and controlling resources of a major subdivision at an agency or organization.
2. For state employees managerial capacity is interpreted at the level of Transportation Transit Manager or Transportation Assistant Planning Director.

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 urban or transportation planning or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Leadership experience in the public transportation sector;  
  • Experience in bus and rail operations, transit industry best practices, emerging technology and transportation policy;
  • Senior management experience at a significant organization;
  • Experience leading a multi-disciplinary professional team to deliver large projects or programs;
  • Experience and collaboration in organizational and staff development;
  • Prior government experience and familiarity of legislative and government budgeting processes;
  • Experience interacting and coordinating among high-level stakeholders across various levels of government;
  • Experience working with stakeholders resulting in accomplishment of strategic goals;
  • Experience communicating in writing and verbally to diverse populations and skill levels; and,
  • Experience with complex negotiations.

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.