STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Transportation Planner 2 - Intergovernmental Affairs (40 Hour)

Recruitment #230308-8876FE-003

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

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, efficient and accessible 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. The recent passage of the Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act (IIJA) presents exciting funding opportunities for the State of Connecticut, and this position will be crucial in aligning the Department to be successful in obtaining approvals for discretionary program funds. 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

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
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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.

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

  • 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

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

  • 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

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.