Transportation Planner 2 (40 Hour) Transit Technology Program Lead #260901-8876FE-001

Introduction
The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) , is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Transit Technology Program Lead ( Transportation Planner 2) to join the Office of Transit & Ridesharing, Transit Technology and Infrastructure Unit, located at CTDOT Headquarters in Newington, CT. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of public transportation by advancing innovative transit technologies, modernizing statewide transit systems, and supporting major transit initiatives that improve lives through transportation.


What We Can Offer You

• Our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
• Working for an award winning agency! CTDOT was recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!
  
  
  

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Monday - Friday
• Full Time, 40 hours per week
• First Shift, 7:30 am to 4 pm
• Location: Newington
• P-4 (Engineering and Scientific) bargaining unit
• 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 working test period must work on site in the office. Learn more about the Telework Policy .
  
  
  

Position Overview
The Transit Technology Program Lead will lead CTDOT’s statewide transit technology programs and projects from strategic planning through implementation and ongoing operation. Working under a Transportation Supervising Planner, the position will collaborate with internal teams, transit service providers, municipalities, state and federal agencies, consultants, technology vendors, and other stakeholders.

The position will identify needs, evaluate emerging technologies, develop implementation strategies, and deliver solutions that improve transit safety, reliability, efficiency, accessibility, and customer experience. This is a broad, multidisciplinary position that spans strategic planning, technology evaluation, project and program management, systems engineering, procurement, contract and vendor management, stakeholder coordination, and implementation leadership.


THE ROLE
The Transit Technology Program Lead serves as a program and project leader, technology planner, and technical advisor supporting CTDOT's statewide transit technology initiatives. The role requires the ability to translate strategic priorities and operational needs into actionable programs and projects and guide them through planning, technology evaluation, procurement, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement.

The Transit Technology Program Lead works independently across disciplines and organizational levels, serving as a connector between CTDOT leadership, transit operators, technical staff, consultants, technology vendors, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating dynamic environments, taking ownership of initiatives, managing multiple priorities, translating complex or ambiguous challenges into practical strategies and actionable solutions, resolving issues, and exercising sound judgment to move projects and programs forward.

If you’re a curious problem-solver who enjoys understanding how technology works, exploring new ideas, and finding innovative and efficient ways to enhance the transit experience, this could be the role for you!


Key Responsibilities Include

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of CTDOT's statewide transit technology strategies, plans, programs, and initiatives, translating agency priorities and transit needs into actionable technology initiatives, implementation roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and subject-matter resource to CTDOT leadership on transit technology trends, opportunities, risks, and implementation strategies, while identifying opportunities to improve transit safety, reliability, efficiency, accessibility, operational performance, and customer experience.
• Coordinate technology initiatives across transit operations, service planning, maintenance, communications, information technology, and other CTDOT and transit functions to ensure solutions are operationally feasible, scalable, interoperable, and sustainable.
  
  
  

Project & Program Management

• Lead transit technology projects, programs, and initiatives, including implementation of the CTDOT Transit Technology Plan and Program, statewide transit ITS modernization, lifecycle management of transit ITS equipment and systems, transit signal priority, fare collection modernization, CTtransit and CTfastrak technology improvements, MOVE New Haven Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and other major transit technology initiatives.
• Lead projects from concept through planning, requirements development, procurement, design, implementation, testing, acceptance, deployment, and ongoing operational support, while managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, milestones, deliverables, risks, and outcomes.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, proactively identify and resolve technical, operational, financial, procurement, and implementation issues, and monitor project and program performance to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  
  
  

Technology Planning, Evaluation & Innovation

• Plan, evaluate, and support the deployment of emerging transit technologies and innovative mobility solutions, including battery electric buses, driving automation systems, connected vehicle systems, better bus initiatives, and other technologies that improve safety, transit operations, and customer experience.
• Conduct technology needs assessments; research emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices; and identify and evaluate alternatives based on functionality, operational suitability, interoperability, scalability, cybersecurity, lifecycle costs, maintainability, sustainability, and implementation risk.
• Develop strategic technology plans, implementation roadmaps, business cases, technical recommendations, and other materials to support investment and implementation decisions, including assessment of impacts on transit operations, workforce practices, infrastructure, data, maintenance, and customer experience.
  
  
  

Systems Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Apply systems engineering principles and practices to the planning, design, procurement, integration, testing, and deployment, and lifecycle management of transit technology systems, including development and review of system requirements, functional and technical specifications, architecture concepts, interface requirements, test plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Evaluate system interoperability and integration requirements across existing and planned transit technology platforms, equipment, communications networks, data systems, and operational environments.
• Review consultant, contractor, and technology vendor designs, technical documentation, proposals, test procedures, and other deliverables; coordinate system integration, testing, acceptance, and deployment activities; and provide technical guidance and recommendations.
  
  
  

Grant, Contract, Procurement & Vendor Management

• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and manage federal discretionary and competitive grants, contracts, agreements, procurements, and other funding mechanisms supporting transit technology programs and projects, including scopes of work, technical requirements, procurement documents, and evaluation criteria.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, technology vendors, transit operators, funding agencies, and other partners throughout the procurement and project lifecycle, managing scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, milestones, risks, performance, and contractual requirements.
• Evaluate vendor and consultant proposals and ensure projects and procurements comply with applicable state and federal requirements and funding conditions.
  
  
  

Stakeholder Coordination & Implementation

• Work closely with CTtransit service providers, transit districts, municipalities, state and federal agencies, consultants, technology vendors, and other stakeholders to coordinate project development, implementation, and ongoing program activities.
• Serve as a connector between CTDOT leadership, technical staff, transit operators, frontline personnel, external partners, and technology providers; facilitate stakeholder engagement, working groups, project meetings, technical discussions, and decision-making processes.
• Coordinate implementation activities, identify and address organizational, operational, technical, and institutional barriers, and support training, communications, operational procedures, transition plans, technology adoption, and post-implementation improvements.
  
  
  

Data, Performance & Technical Guidance

• Analyze transit technology and operational data to assess system performance, identify trends and deficiencies, establish and evaluate performance measures, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Prepare and review technical studies, plans, reports, presentations, briefing materials, procurement documents, dashboards, performance assessments, and other project and program deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations to CTDOT leadership and stakeholders; research and synthesize industry trends and best practices; and support development of policies, standards, procedures, and program frameworks governing transit technology.
  
  
  

YOUR CAREER WITH US


Learn more about our Transportation Planners

About Us
As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five bureaus. CTDOT is guided by its mission to improve lives through transportation. Our infrastructure and transit systems are essential to the safety and mobility of Connecticut residents, and our work strengthens both economic and community development. CTDOT is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and individuals with broad-ranging backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about our mission, vision, and values!


Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

Before You Apply

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, 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 contact listed below by the closing date on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: 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.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov .
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
  
  
  

After You Apply

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 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, available at www.ct.gov/ethics .
• This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm work authorization.
  
  
  

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jasmyn Raymond at Jasmyn.Raymond @ct.gov .

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!


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 staff 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;
• Skills
• interpersonal skills;
• oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
• develop and use computer software including planning models and other programs related to planning process;
• forecast trends based upon empirical data;
• comprehend and interpret laws and regulations;
• Analytical ability;
• Lead ability.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience
Seven (7) years of professional experience in transportation 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 experience is interpreted at the level of a Transportation Planner 1 or Transportation Engineer 2.


Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Project & Program Management Experience - Experience leading or managing transportation, transit technology, intelligent transportation system (ITS), or other complex technology projects and programs, including development or implementation of technology plans, strategies, roadmaps, or programs.
• Technology & Systems Experience - Experience with transit technology hardware, software, communications, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), systems integration, or other technology systems, including familiarity with or application of systems engineering principles to technology planning, design, implementation, testing, or lifecycle management.
• Procurement Experience – Experience managing consultants, contractors, technology vendors, multidisciplinary project teams, contracts, agreements, procurements, and/or federal or state grants, with knowledge of applicable state and federal procurement and funding requirements.
• Transit Operational Experience - Experience with transit operations, service planning, maintenance, or other bus or rail operational concepts, and an understanding of the practical considerations associated with implementing technology in an operating transit environment.
• Technology Evaluation Experience - Experience conducting technology needs assessments, alternatives analyses, technology evaluations, business cases, or data analysis, including the ability to interpret complex datasets and develop actionable recommendations.
• Stakeholder Engagement Experience - Experience building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating across diverse groups, and communicating complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leadership & Problem-Solving Experience - Experience with managing multiple priorities, working independently, navigating dynamic environments, translating complex or ambiguous challenges into practical strategies and actionable solutions, and exercising sound judgment.
  
  
  

Special Requirements

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


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.