STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Transportation Planner 2 - Travel Demand and Air Quality Modeling

Transportation Planner 2 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #220803-8876FE-003

Introduction



The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is now accepting applications for two (2) Transportation Planner 2 - Travel Demand and Air Quality Modeling positions in Newington, CT, to assist in employing the state’s air quality model, as well as preparing and analyzing demographic and socioeconomic data to better forecast the impact of vehicle miles of travel and ridership on the state’s air quality.

The work completed within this unit includes conducting project and regional level transportation air quality conformity analysis and detailed analysis of air quality emission reductions. The Travel Demand/Air Quality Modeling unit participates in the development of motor vehicle emission budgets for various nonattainment areas within the State of Connecticut per pollutant and reviews project plans to determine air quality conformity status. If you are a team player who wishes to analyze and prepare support data for executive decision makers in developing the best programs and plans for the future of our state transportation system, this position may be for you.

ABOUT US

As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,000 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.

THE ROLE

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for this opportunity to advance the forecasting capabilities and analytical utilities of the air quality model and demographic statistics to support the Department’s programs and plans, as well as meet the new requirements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The positions are located at the Department of Transportation Headquarters in Newington and report directly to a Supervising Transportation Planner or other employee of higher grade.

The Travel Demand and Air Quality Modeling Unit is responsible for implementing the Statewide Travel Demand Model, utilizing a suite of Cube software programs to estimate future travel, utilizing US Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) MOVES software to simulate and forecast pollutant emissions, and for preparing, forecasting, and maintaining demographic and socioeconomic data for use within the models. There is an extensive amount of preparation, maintenance, and manipulation of data files required to produce travel estimates and air quality impacts, such as vehicle miles of travel, rail and transit ridership, rail station boarding, and pollutant emissions. This unit also conducts scenario planning for analysis of proposed Department projects and participates in and coordinates census-related programs and information releases with Councils of Government.

This unit is responsible for performing and overseeing project and regional level transportation conformity analysis affected by transportation improvement projects, as well as aiding with the National Environmental Policy Act and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (NEPA and CEPA) processes in regards to travel demand and air quality conformity. This position will be responsible for preparing and analyzing air quality emission reduction benefits for regional projects submitted for the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program and will aid in performing additional air quality assessments for pollutants such as Greenhouse Gases.

The candidates selected for these positions will be responsible for ensuring clear and effective communication and creating and maintaining working relationships both internally with planning and design teams as well as with other regional, state and federal agencies.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

  • Monday - Friday
  • Full-time (40 hours per week)
  • First shift
  • Hybrid work environment (some remote work possible)
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

The State of Connecticut offers a competitive starting salary, excellent state benefits package including health/dental insurance, generous paid time off, retirement plan options, alternate work schedules, and a culture that encourages work-life balance.

View the video below to learn what it's like to be a state employee.

           

Selection Plan

To Apply:

  • 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.
  • 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 ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Frank DeCusati at frank.decusati@ct.gov or 860-713-5176.

#INDLP

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

The duties of this position include:

  • Performing complex tasks and assignments related to coordinating and reviewing transportation planning programs
  • Conducting detailed analysis of air quality emission reductions utilizing EPA required MOVES software
  • Participating in the development of motor vehicle emission budgets for various nonattainment areas within the state of Connecticut per pollutant
  • Reviewing project plans and designs to determine air quality conformity determination status
  • Preparing demographic and socioeconomic data at multiple geographic levels for use in analyses necessary for planning and project development
  • Preparing base and forecast data for use in the statewide travel demand model
  • Preparing and stewarding the maintenance of state specific Geographic Information System (GIS)-related boundaries
  • Preparing travel demand modeling scenarios for assessing demographic or project impacts on current and future travel patterns and needs
  • Participating in preparation and negotiation of agreements and contracts
  • Preparing person hour estimates
  • Participating in corridor studies
  • Preparing and reviewing reports, studies and surveys for compliance with department standards and needs and state and federal laws and regulations
  • Coordinating activities with regional, state and federal agencies, and managing consultants
  • Conducting data analysis using mathematical, statistical, and other quantitative methods
  • Analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data
  • Reviewing data analysis prepared by others
  • Performing 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; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to develop and use computer software including planning models and other programs related to planning process; analytical ability; ability to forecast trends based upon empirical data; ability to comprehend and interpret laws and regulations; some 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 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

  • Possession of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Planning, Statistics, or Transportation, Regional, or Urban Planning Studies, or closely related degree
  • Experience in the Transportation Conformity process and needs
  • Experience utilizing software such as ESRI, Cube, and MOVES
  • Experience utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite of applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
  • Experience manipulating large, complex datasets
  • Experience with principles and concepts of travel demand modeling
  • Experience reading and interpreting design plans and other technical media
  • Analytical experience
  • Experience utilizing Census, American Community Survey (ACS), or other related data sources

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
2. 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.