Transportation Supervising Engineer-Rail Design(Office of Rail Design)

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for a Transportation Supervising Engineer (Engineering) Rail Design within the Bureau of Public Transportation, Office of Rail Design in Newington, CT.  

WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Competitive starting salary *MOU page 21
• The opportunity 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.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• On-site low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging.
• Ample free parking with easy access from major highways or by public transportation.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
• Join 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

• Full time, 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday
• First shift
• Part of the P-4 (Engineering and Scientific) bargaining unit
• For all office based postings: This position is eligible to apply for telework after successful completion of the working test period, and thereafter, in accordance with the Telework Policy. The Policy can be found HERE.  Employees in their initial working test period must work on site.

THE ROLE

The Transportation Supervising Engineer will be responsible for leading the Office of Rail Signal and Communications section and the Office of Rail Traction Power section. This position requires a highly experienced and technically proficient engineer capable of managing and overseeing the design, development, and implementation of complex rail systems across multiple rail lines within the state. The role demands exceptional leadership, project management, and technical expertise to ensure the successful execution of critical infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Management and Leadership

• Lead and manage the Office of Rail Signal and Communications and the Office of Rail Traction Power, overseeing all activities within these sections to ensure alignment with department goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic direction and technical guidance to engineering teams, ensuring that all work adheres to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Foster a collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork, professional development, and continuous improvement among staff.

Capital Program Oversight

• Supervise and manage the entire rail Signal and Communications and Traction Power capital program, ensuring the successful design, planning, and execution of projects across key rail lines including the New Haven Mainline, New Canaan Branch Line, Danbury Branch Line, Waterbury Branch Line, Shore Line East, and the Hartford Line.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of capital projects, maintaining high standards of safety, reliability, and performance.
• Monitor and report on project progress, budgets, and schedules, making data-driven decisions to mitigate risks and resolve issues promptly.

Project Management

• Serve as the Project Manager for multiple, large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects, including those related to railroad electrification, signalization, security enhancements, traction power, and communications.
• Lead project teams in the development of project scopes, schedules, and budgets, ensuring that all deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Oversee contract management, procurement processes, and vendor negotiations to ensure that project objectives are met within the allocated resources.

Technical Expertise and Innovation

• Apply advanced engineering principles and practices to the design and implementation of sophisticated rail systems, including cutting-edge technology in electrification, signalization, security, and communications.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in the rail industry, leveraging this knowledge to drive innovation and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's operations.
• Conduct technical reviews and evaluations of engineering designs, ensuring that all projects comply with relevant standards and regulations.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Ensure that all projects within the Office of Rail Signal and Communications and the Office of Rail Traction Power comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry standards.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring that all engineering activities prioritize the safety of the public, employees, and contractors.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and other authorities to obtain necessary approvals and ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder and Public Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including other state agencies, federal partners, municipalities, contractors, and the public.
• Represent the department in meetings, presentations, and public forums, effectively communicating the objectives, progress, and benefits of the rail Signal and Communications and Traction Power programs.
• Address public inquiries and concerns related to rail projects, providing clear and accurate information to foster trust and transparency.

Resource and Budget Management

• Develop and manage the operating and capital budgets for the Office of Rail Signal and Communications and the Office of Rail Traction Power, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet project and departmental goals.
• Optimize resource utilization, including staffing, equipment, and materials, to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
• Prepare and present budget proposals, justifications, and financial reports to senior management and other stakeholders.

This position requires a proactive, results-oriented leader with a deep understanding of rail systems engineering and a commitment to excellence in public transportation infrastructure. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Connecticut's rail network.

WHO WE ARE

As one of Connecticut's largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five distict bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to provide a safe and efficient intermodal 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 environmental and cultural 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.

Learn more about our mission, vison, and values by clicking here!

Selection Plan

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. 

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU LIST ANY JOB-RELEVANT LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS IN THE “LICENSES AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS” SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION.

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.
• For Bridge positions, a respirator test may be required for certain locations.
• 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.
• 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.
  
  
• 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:

• Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!

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.
• Read through this helpful link to prepare for your interview.

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 Jasmyn.Raymond@ct.gov. 
• Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Transportation and Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for supervising engineers and other staff engaged in engineering and/or related tasks in one or more aspects of transportation engineering projects or studies in the areas of administration, bridge design, design, drainage, electrical, foundations, hydraulics, maintenance, operations, pavement management, regulation compliance, rehabilitation, research, traffic or utilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

 Supervision and Leadership:

• Supervise the work of engineers, technicians, and other technical and/or clerical personnel in specialized engineering operations related to railroad sections.
• Schedule, assign, oversee, and review the work of staff.
• Provide staff training and assistance, conduct performance evaluations.
• Determine priorities, plan section work, and establish and maintain section procedures.
• Supervise research on economic, financial, and administrative aspects of transportation projects.

Project Management and Coordination:

• Act as Project Manager for multiple, multi-million-dollar rail projects including railroad electrification, signalization, security enhancements, traction power, and communications.
• Coordinate design-related elements of construction projects to ensure successful and timely completion.
• Prepare special reports, cost estimates, standards, specifications, and fee schedules for consultants, engineers, surveyors, or contractors.

Technical Review and Analysis:

• Review detailed plans, specifications, or studies of complex engineering problems related to railroad engineering, electrical engineering, and other specialized areas.
• Analyze and review engineering reports, plans, and specifications.
• Supervise field and office research projects on engineering and technical problems.
• Conduct analytical studies of engineering costs incurred to determine amounts reimbursable under federal aid and amounts due to public utilities under state and federal policies.

Policy and Standards Development:

• Develop or make recommendations on policies, standards, and procedures within the section.
• Act as a liaison with other operating sections, agencies, and outside officials to ensure alignment of policies and practices.
• Serve as a member of departmental committees assisting in the preparation and/or revision of standard specifications.

Consultant and Contractor Oversight:

• Review the work of consultants, including engineers and designers, to ensure compliance with project requirements and standards.
• Oversee the Department's Consultant Selection Panel process.

Special Projects and Reporting:

• Act as the Primary Assistant to the Assistant Rail Administrator in performing special projects and overseeing Bureau activities.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on fiscal matters relating to departmental engineering operations.
• Supervise or provide highly technical assistance in conducting studies or establishing policy, procedures, or methods.

Public Engagement and Communication:

• Make oral presentations at public hearings or meetings to convey project details and address public concerns.
• Prepare and present comprehensive technical reports and related correspondence.

Research and Innovation:

• Supervise research into the development of improved materials, products, and testing methods.
• Oversee research on new methodologies in transportation engineering, including pavement work correction, resurfacing, and winter maintenance techniques.

Administrative and Financial Management:

• Direct concurrent billing programs for the department.
• Oversee the preparation of progress reports and manage administrative controls over transportation engineering plans, contracts, projects, and reports.

Field and Office Functions:

• Supervise field or office functions related to location, boundary, construction surveying, and design projects.
• Provide oversight and technical guidance in the application of engineering principles in both field and office environments.

Liaison and Collaboration:

• Act as a liaison with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and the alignment of projects with broader transportation goals.

Other Duties:

• Perform related duties as required to support the overall goals and objectives of the Office of Rail Signal and Communications & Office of Rail Traction Power.
• More information can be found here.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
  • principles and practices involved in transportation engineering such as bridge design, foundations, highway design, transportation facilities design, transportation planning, drainage or hydraulics, research, pavement design, pavement management, traffic and utilities; 
  • administrative and financial controls with respect to transportation engineering plans, contracts, projects and reports; 
  • relevant agency policies and procedures; 
  • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; 
  • departmental operational methodologies; 
  • latest engineering principles, techniques and procedures employed in engineering field; 
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills; 
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability to
  • analyze and review engineering reports, plans and specifications; 
  • interpret and apply principles of information systems and technologies; 
• Supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of experience in transportation engineering.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been as an engineer with lead responsibility for complex transportation engineering projects in bridge design, drainage, electrical, foundations, traffic, facilities design, highway design, research, utilities or hydraulics. 

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Transportation Engineer 3 (Engineering).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or Civil Engineering.
• Experience in railroad planning, design, construction, or railroad-related activities.
• Experience managing or supervising staff working in multiple areas.
• Experience enforcing policies and directives.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple teams to accomplish initiatives and meet deadlines.
• Experience with capital planning, the contract development process, and administrative and financial controls with respect to railroad plans, contracts, projects, and reports.
• Experience with Bluebeam, Compass, and Microsoft Office 365 including scheduling meetings, managing data, composing correspondence, report writing, and tracking work.
• Experience in developing relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in identifying problems, researching solutions, making decisions, and verifying the accuracy of the decision.
• Experience coordinating and interacting with staff throughout the Department at all levels and familiarity with Department organization.
• Experience with Department and Bureau policies, procedures, and design practices.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents must possess Professional Engineer (PE) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S.§20-302.
• 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.