STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Transportation Planner 2

Air Quality

Recruitment #230512-8876FE-001

Introduction


The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for an exciting Transportation Planner 2 position, with the Travel Demand and Air Quality Modeling Unit, to assist in employing the state's air quality model, to better forecast the impact of vehicle miles of travel and ridership, on the state's air quality. 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.   

The Travel Demand and Air Quality Modeling Unit is responsible for implementing the DOT’s Statewide Travel Demand Model, utilizing a suite of Cube software programs to estimate future travel, utilizing US Environmental Protection 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. 

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

  • To work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023- State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
  • Comprehensive Benefits which include industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage 
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings 
  • Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees 

THE ROLE: 

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for this opportunity, to advance the forecasting capabilities and analytical utilities of the air quality model to support the DOT’s existing programs and plans, as well as new requirements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This position reports directly to a Supervising Transportation Planner or other employee of higher grade.  


There is an extensive amount of preparation, maintenance, and manipulation of data files needed to produce travel estimates and air quality impacts, such as vehicle miles of travel, rail and transit ridership, rail station boarding, and pollutant emissions. The Travel Demand and Air Quality Modeling Unit also conducts scenario planning for analysis of proposed Department projects.  

 

The Transportation Planner 2 position will be responsible for: 

  • Performing and overseeing project and regional level transportation conformity analysis affected by transportation improvement projects
  • Aiding with the National Environmental Policy Act and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (NEPA and CEPA) processes regarding travel demand and air quality conformity
  • Preparing and analyzing air quality emission reduction benefits for regional projects submitted for the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program
  • Performing additional Air Quality assessments for new pollutants, such as Greenhouse Gases, that are required for emission analysis and federal EPA transportation conformity regulations
  • Guiding projects through the procedures necessary to comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA) as they apply to FHWA and FTA funded projects
  • Ensuring clear and effective communication and working relationships both internally with planning and design teams as well as with other regional, state, and federal agencies
  • 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, for criteria pollutants
  • Reviewing project plans and designs to determine air quality conformity determination status
  • Preparing person hour estimates
  • Conducting data analysis using mathematical, statistical, and other qualitative methods
  • Analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data
  • Reviewing data analysis prepared by others 
  • Performs related duties as required 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Full-time, (40 hours per week), First shift
  • Location: Department of Transportation Headquarters: Newington, CT (centrally located with easy access from major highways and by public transportation)
  • P-4 (Engineering, Scientific and Technical) bargaining unit
  • Convenience of an on-site, low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria, ample free parking

This position is eligible to apply for telework after successful completion of the working test period, and thereafter, in accordance with the Telework Policy. Employees in their initial working test period must work on site in the office.

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.

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.
  • In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, 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 recruiter listed on this job posting. 
  • 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 Sharon McIntosh, at 
Sharon.McIntosh@ct.gov.

Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn

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; 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

  • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Geography, Environmental Planning, Transportation/Regional/Urban Planning/Studies, or closely related degree
  • Experience with relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations, particularly regarding the Clean Air Act and the Transportation Conformity process 
  • Experience in Transportation Planning methods and needs
  • Experience utilizing air quality related software such as MOVES or other computer-based software.
  • Experience utilizing Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
  • Experience reading and interpreting design plans and other technical documents
  • Experience analyzing and manipulating data

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.