Innovators and Startups – Pitch Your Next Big Idea in Transportation at TRB’s Six Minute Pitch!

October 1, 2014 at 12:43 pm

Applications are now being accepted for the Six Minute Pitch: A Transportation Startup Challenge, a special Young Member Council (YMC) session at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 94th Annual Meeting during which selected presenters pitch their cutting-edge, research-based concept for a transportation product- or service-based business in just six minutes. Presentations are judged on the basis of the commercial viability of their concept, and the demonstration of how the proposed product or service meets today’s critical transportation challenges.

While no actual investment i awarded at the Six Minute Pitch (per TRB rules), the opportunity to present at one of the most well attended sessions at TRB and to receive feedback from a distinguished panel of investors and successful entrepreneurs attracts a number of high-quality proposals each year.

Confirmed judges for the 2015 Six Minute Pitch include:

  • Sean O’Sullivan, of SOSVentures and Co-founder and Managing Director of Carma
  • Chris Thomas, Founder and Partner, Fontinalis Partners
  • Gabe Klein, COO, Bridj

Now in its third year, the Six Minute Pitch has showcased many successful early stage transportation technology companies. The winner of the 2014 Six Minute Pitch, TransitScreen, a company which provide real-time availability and schedule information sustainable transportation modes, including transit and Bikeshare, has since brought on of the Six Minute Pitch judges, Gabe Klein, on as a strategic advisor, gained new clients, and even had the opportunity to pitch President Obama!

Job Alert: Financial Analyst (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) at TIFIA @ Washington, DC

May 13, 2014 at 5:01 pm

The TIFIA Office is recruiting financial analysts to work on the Credit and Budget Team.   The individual(s) will review credit requests submitted to the TIFIA Office and analyze cashflows for the purposes of quantifying the assessed risk of the loan and calculating the subsidy cost to the Government as well as support budgetary, contracting, and audit related work performed by the Credit and Budget Team.

The ideal candidate is experienced in analyzing cash flows and revenue projections, and understands how to apply the principles and practices from transportation planning, economics, and finance to estimate and quantify risk.  The individual has experience with or can learn how to implement this skill set to work on Federal credit programs operating under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.

Links to USA jobs are:

Merit Promotion: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/369503100

All U.S. Citizens: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/369506500

More info about the TIFIA program: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/tifia/

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Infograph: Bicycles bring business – How promoting and supporting cycling is good for the bottom line

February 7, 2014 at 5:00 pm

via MomentumMag

A simple infograph that explains the nexus between bicycles and their economic value to the communities.. While you are checking out the infograph below, you might also read up on this Momentum Mag piece from April 2013: How Bicycles Bring Business

Image courtesy: http://momentummag.com

Job Alert: Sustainability Analyst – WMATA @Washington, DC

March 18, 2013 at 4:44 pm

Reference 130316 or search for ‘Sustainability’ on WMATA’s career site

Note the 3/21/13 closing date.

Responsibilities:

This is a high level professional and technical position involving the development and analysis in support of Authority-wide sustainability planning, initiative development, and performance measurement. Incumbent uses innovative analysis, corporate/transit best practices, and in-depth evaluation. The incumbent analyzes current performance, identifies new business models and markets, develops implementation strategies and plans, and provides project management support.

Results provide refined critical information to enable effective organizational decision making, performance management, and leadership. Incumbent communicates regularly with executive staff and other Authority personnel. Incumbent conducts special studies to ensure efficient management of resources. Incumbent produces presentations that communicate Authority¿s stance and leadership in sustainability practice.

English: Washington, DC Metro logo

English: Washington, DC Metro logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MAJOR DUTIES:

  • Develops, evaluates, and supports sustainability initiatives, programs, policies, and procedures for the Authority.
  •  Independently conducts analytical studies.
  • Serves as a project analyst and provides project management support to resolve problems and to meet PLAN objectives and Authority strategic goals.
  • Conducts special studies focusing on life-cycle costing, cost benefit analysis, and return on investment calculations for potential investments.
  • Researches and summarizes selected policy areas related to sustainability.
  • Prepares reports on transit issues such as sustainability best practices, impacts of transit on regional sustainability, and summarizes selected policy and technical areas related to sustainability innovations in the transit industry.
  • Researches and drafts responses to inquiries from members of Congress; federal, state, regional, and local officials; the Board of Directors; and the public.
  • Prepares and presents reports and recommendations for a variety of internal and external customers.
  • Attends meetings, hearings, high-level planning sessions, and other activities essential to the execution of the functional responsibilities of PLAN.
  •  Maintains effective working relationships with individuals and organizations with whom interface and cooperation are required.

The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. It is not intended to limit in any way the right of supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of sustainable business practice and sustainable development.
  • Knowledge of and experience in leading interdisciplinary teams to facilitate effective policy and initiative planning, development, implementation, and support.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic business planning, performance metrics, and innovation management.
  • Knowledge of financial analysis including: life-cycle costing, cost benefit analysis, return on investment calculation.
  • Knowledge of the sustainability and environmental policy context in which transit systems operate. Familiarity with sustainable design, green building, and energy planning in a transit context.
  • Knowledge of public transit principles and practices and the application of new technology and other innovations to transit agencies.
  • Demonstrated success in completing difficult assignments, displaying innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • Ability to acquire and maintain current knowledge of major transit systems and changes in the public transportation field that may be of benefit to the attainment of the Authority’s goals and objectives.
  • Ability to effectively analyze and present findings on various assigned studies.
  • Ability to prepare concise technical reports and engaging presentations for a variety of internal and external customers.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management and organizations with who interface and cooperation are required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.

The employee performs moderately difficult administrative and office management work assignments for the head of an entity whose staff consists of one or more subordinate branch management level persons who are responsible for key functions and/or programs. Incumbents in this class perform a full range of administrative support duties which affects the efficacy of work processes performed by others. Contacts are maintained with members of other departments with whom the Director level maintains working relationships. Some situations require the use of persuasion and tact to maintain the Director¿s viewpoint. Written guidelines are generally available, but require interpretation.

 

English: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit ...

To be considered for the position, you must meet minimum qualifications. It is, therefore, very important for you to include on your application any education/experience you have had that is described in the minimum qualifications. Incomplete information may delay the assessment process.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, business administration, or related field. A Master¿s degree preferred. A minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in sustainable business practices, sustainable development, or related field.

MEDICAL GROUP:

Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of 5 years experience in office management activities that involved providing administrative/secretarial services within a diverse organizational entity. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in word processing on the standard software currently in use by the Authority based on a computerized word processing skills evaluation which measures efficiency at various levels; demonstrate proficiency in communication and clerical skills based on a computerized skills evaluation which measures proficiency in spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammar.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

  1. Education, training and experience
  2. Personal Interview
  3. Medical examination which may include alcohol and drug testing
  4. Performance attendance record
  5. Background check to include criminal, education, work and driver’s record

Closing Statement

Posted salary ranges and offers are subject to Union contract agreements and Metro salary administration guidelines. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from minorities, females and persons with disabilities.

Please apply before: 03/21/2013

Reference 130316 or search for ‘Sustainability’ on WMATA’s career site

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Job Alert: Rail Systems Engineering Project Manager – Capital Metro @ Austin, Texas

February 7, 2013 at 6:27 pm
logo

logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Capital Metro, Austin’s regional public transportation provider, is looking for an RAIL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER. This position is responsible for the management of the Rail Systems engineering design and construction activities under the supervision of the VP of Rail Operations. Join us in our vision to be a driving force for quality life in the Austin and surrounding communities.

MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY: http://ow.ly/hwnSK

 

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2013 Automotive Industry Outlook: Carsharing Expected to Cross 3 Million Members Globally

February 5, 2013 at 2:32 pm

(source: Frost and Sullivan)

The chart below came to me via twitter and I felt compelled to share.. As the pace of technology deployment accelerated in the automotive market , one of the directly impacted segments was the carsharing business. What used to be a small segment dominated by ZipCar has now burgeoned into a full blown industry and more new participants are entering the fray with bold new ideas. It is only going to get better in the days ahead as the technology matures and more people decide to ditch their personal vehicles and opt for “renting” by the hour (i.e., sharing).

2013 Automotive Industry Outlook - Global Car Sharing 2013

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So, this is how Justin Bieber’s dancers kill time at airports after a flight cancellation

December 14, 2012 at 6:56 pm

Though it looks like a set-up, it doesn’t hurt to have something fun shared on a Friday.  Spotted this video posted by Nicholas deMoura, show how the dancers who perform with teen heartthrob Justin Bieber killing time at the Atlanta airport after their flight got cancelled .. Why don’t these things happen when I’m at an airport? I only get to see those tight lipped TSA staff staring at me all the time..

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Job Alert: Capital Project Manager – Montgomery County (Maryland) BikeShare Program

December 9, 2012 at 7:51 pm

Closing Date: December 16, 2012

This position will serve as the Capital Project Manager for the Montgomery County Annual Bikeways Program, in the Department of Transportation’s Division of Transportation Engineering Planning & Design Section. This position will oversee the budgeting and directing the construction of bicycle facilities, including bike lanes, multi-use trails, parking/end-of-trip facilities, pavement marking and signage plans for both safety and way finding.

Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress and cost tracking reports, manage, coordinate, and supervise the construction process from the conceptual development stage through final construction on time and within budget. Directs and/or participates in the inspection of bicycle facilities or other road projects to assure that approved design is executed and that construction meets established standards. Develops or directs the development of requests for proposals, scopes of services, bid packages, contracts, amendments and other documents for the selection and contracting of design and construction services. Position requires thorough knowledge of grading, drainage, paving (asphalt and concrete), pavement markings and signage, construction, retaining walls, and other construction scopes related to bicycle facilities. File for necessary permits for project or assists consultant or contractor to prepare documents to file. Compile and analyze bicycle planning, design, and program data with a focus on customer service, innovation, and continuous improvement. Coordinate new project development or major renovation with user agency to ensure that facility meets their requirements.

English: Green cycling lanes for making turns ...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Duties include, but are not limited to serving as the division’s central contact for public inquiries, initiating studies, constructing on-road and off-road bicycle facilities, participating in maintenance and operational matters, providing public information and updates on program events, construction projects/detours, and special projects/services, increasing social media/public outreach. Develop and maintain the bicycle program website and other forms of communications, including print and social media as well as video.

The job will also entail planning innovative bicycle infrastructure and safety improvements, including analyze staffing, implementation capabilities and bicycle facility needs for the County and prepare budget for the associated Capital Improvement Programs Annual Bikeways Program, Stand Alone CIP Bicycle related projects, and federal and state grants.

Position requires extensive engagement with the public, advocacy groups, various organizations consultants, citizen’s organizations, and public officials to resolve matters regarding the planning/design and construction of bicycle facilities. This position will also require attending meetings or performing work at locations outside the office if necessary.

For more information, visit: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ohr/staffing/careers.html(Hat Tip: Young Professionals in Transportation)

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Job Alert: Program Manager (Operations Department) – ITS America @ Washington, DC

November 30, 2012 at 3:03 pm

via ITS America

ITS America

The Program Manager is a mid -level position (to be located in Washington, DC) with day–to-day oversight of our contractual relationships with the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and other organizations as well as managing multiple task orders as project manager.  The Program Manager will also be responsible for engaging and acting on behalf of ITS America’s membership and the broader ITS community to help save lives, time, and money and sustain the environment through broad deployment of ITS technologies.

The position will report to the Chief Technology Officer / Vice President of Programs and will support the oversight of a staff of professionals who support the U.S. DOT and other contracts as well as ITS America’s Coordinating Councils and Forums.

Essential Responsibilities

  1. Manage ITS America’s contracts with the U.S. DOT and others (50% of the time): Perform duties as the Program Manager on task orders with the U.S. DOT and other projects, including project management, budget tracking, and budget forecasting.  Supervise technical staff that supports the various task orders of the contracts, ensuring all deliverables and milestones are met on time and on budget.  Translate all technical tasks into tangible member benefits, and channel member feedback into a benefit to clients.  Take on management of new contracts with ITS America clients, as appropriate.
  2. Provide substantive, technical input to task orders and offer guidance and support (20% of the time) on how best to promote awareness and knowledge transfer on the content and products of task orders to serve the ITS community.
  3. Support ITS America’s councils and associated technical, policy, and educational programs (15% of the time):Help carry out member-driven projects by identifying DOT or member funding resources, and supervise subject-matter experts on staff.  Supervise development of educational programs for major events, and work closely with Member Services team in support of membership recruitment and retention, helping grow the society.
  4. Support Business Development (15% of the time): Support business development including identifying new opportunities, proposal responses and grant application preparation, cost estimates, and other related activities.

Experience Requirements

  • Minimum of five years in Project and Program Management positions including budget tracking and budget forecasting in the transportation field, preferably in ITS.
  • Experience with managing government contracts, preferably with the U.S. DOT and/or State DOTs.
  • Bachelor’s ’s degree is required, preferably in engineering—in a technical area related to transportation, policy, and/or telecommunications.
  • Experience in managing 5-10 employees and/or consultants.

Skill Requirements

  • Relationship builder – able to work as a team member and provide courteous service to internal and external clients.
  • Superior written and oral communications.
  • Organized – able to manage multiple projects at the same time and demonstrates a real attention to detail.
  • Consistently demonstrate cooperative attitude—assumes responsibility and is flexible in working with others.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to follow through; results oriented.
  • Initiative – actively engaged in continuous improvement, provides suggestions for improvement, offers solutions to challenges/issues.
  • Ability to make dynamic personal presentations to key partners and stakeholders in the ITS community.
  • Knowledge of and demonstrated competencies in the Microsoft Office Suite of software products used by ITS America.

To be considered for this opening:

  • Include a cover letter with salary requirements.
  • Attach resume as either a MS Word document or PDF.
  • E-mail cover letter and resume to hr@itsa.org.
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Job Alert: Charlotte Area Transit System – Transit Data Planner I – Charlotte, NC

November 30, 2012 at 12:56 pm

Job Title:  Transit Data Planner I

Job ID:  118658

Date Closed: 12/04/2012

Business Unit: Charlotte Area Transit System

Full/Part Time:   Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:  Regular

Image Courtesy: Google Images – Click to apply

It is the mission of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to improve the quality of life for everyone in the greater Charlotte region by providing outstanding community-wide public transportation services while proactively contributing to focused growth and sustainable regional development. The Transportation Planner I accomplishes this by utilizing transit operation data to support the implementation of service enhancements to CATS’ existing and future transit services. The Transportation Planner I analyzes information received from transit technology systems, i.e. Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVL), digital cameras, Automatic Passenger Counters (APC), GIS information and other databases, to develop route and service change plans. Proficiency in GIS applications and knowledge of database applications is highly desirable. Knowledge of transit practices is preferred.

Responsibilities:

  • Conducts ongoing performance and cost analysis of existing transit services and make recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of bus services.
  • Assists in the preparation and development of detailed transit planning reports, programs, and documents.
  • Assist in the preparation of service change and service planning activities.
  • Participate in the monitoring and reporting on the performance of CATS bus routes and overall system performance.
  • Assist in the development and analysis of CATS Route Performance Program Reports.
  • Participates in the development and maintenance of comprehensive bus stop databases.
  • Collects statistical data and assist in report preparation.
  • Responds to citizen and customer inquiries by explaining policies and/or investigating service issues.
  • Conducts field evaluations and assessments, and participates in special projects as required.
  • Some transit scheduling work is required.
  • Coordinate and attends public and departmental meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a BA or BS degree in planning, geography or related field. Excellent verbal and written skills are required as the position coordinates aspects of database flow across functionary departments. Must be able to work flexible schedule. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, a criminal background check, DMV report and be eligible for a City Driving permit.

 Click here to apply

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