Description: The Iowa DOT seeks a Transportation Planner 2 to function as one of two Transit Program Administrators (TPA) in the office, providing policy and regulatory interpretations on topics which govern public transit services statewide and the Department’s role in providing fiscal and technical oversight & support to transit systems and private carriers providing these services.

The mission of the Iowa DOT is to get you there safely, efficiently, and conveniently. The Public Transit Bureau is seeking a Transit Program Administrator to support the safe movement of people using Iowa’s public transit system. For more than a century, Iowa Department of Transportation has promoted the growth and betterment of Iowa’s transportation system. Headquartered in Ames, the agency continues to serve the transportation needs of Iowa and its citizens.

Iowa DOT’s employment opportunities are among the best with a competitive total rewards package. As a benefits-eligible State of Iowa employee, your bi-weekly paycheck is just a part of your total compensation package. Being part of the DOT team means you’re eligible for a wide range of benefits including:

• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package
• Work environment that promotes work/life balance
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and (9) holidays
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Group term life insurance
• Corporate partner discounts (cell phone services, gym memberships, event tickets, etc.)

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (PDF)

Duties and Responsibilities: Under general direction, this position functions as one of two Transit Program Administrators (TPA) in the office, providing policy and regulatory interpretations on topics which govern public transit services statewide and the Department’s role in providing fiscal and technical oversight & support to transit systems and private carriers providing these services. This person acts as administrative liaison with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding federal transit assistance funding programs and, more specifically, implementation of capital and operating projects. Even with nearly 3,000 employees, we’re all one team at the Iowa DOT. Our main goal is to keep people and goods moving on Iowa’s transportation system. As a member of our team, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining safe mobility for every traveler in our state.

Contract Administration:

• Prepares contracts and any necessary amendments between the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and designated public transit agencies for assistance authorized by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and/or Transportation Commission.
• Prepares and approves reimbursement vouchers. Compares requests for reimbursement to contract and verifies conformity with federal and state procurement requirements.
• Monitor project progression to ensure deadlines are being met and/or appropriate adjustments are being made to keep the project within the terms of the contract.

Administrative Oversight:

• Monitors compliance of transit systems with state and federal regulations pertaining to public transit operations and services. This entails providing follow-up communications and review of remediation measures by researching a variety of sources such as federal and state laws, rules, and regulations in an effort to develop solutions.
• Conduct periodic field visits to maintain familiarity of staff, facilities and operations.

Provide training and technical assistance to new transit managers and staff:

• Ensure transit managers and staffs are familiar with staying up to date on the “Transit Managers Handbook.” Provide assistance in understanding the policies and reporting requirements.
• Assist transit system managers, or assigned staff, in planning and implementing federally assisted procurement of vehicles, construction services, architectural and engineering services, transportation services, maintenance equipment, computerized vehicle location and dispatching software, and other items.
• This person must be able to work well with people, both team members and external customers. Organizational skills and attention to detail are a must.
• Some travel will be required to meet with the public and local, state, and federal agency staff.

Shift: Days, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with flextime available.

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to four years of full-time work in professional transportation planning*/engineering OR licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board OR employees with current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of fulltime work as a Transportation Planner 1.

* “Transportation planning” includes preparing planning contracts and grants; managing planning grant application submittals and project development; preparing functional classification appeals; developing travel demand models and traffic forecasts; creating cartographic representations and data collection applications; analyzing transportation data, project plans, and reports to identify problems; developing portions of statewide transportation plans; or conducting/coordinating transportation research projects.

Application Procedure: To apply, please visit Transportation Planner 2.