Research Manager, Transportation Systems and Technology

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Supervising Transportation Planner (Chief of Office of Planning, Policy and Program Development), the incumbent plays a leading role in the delivery of transportation research and innovation through the lens of new technologies and systems thinking at Caltrans. The incumbent is responsible for performing transportation planning and policy research evaluation, developing and applying decision support methodologies, and providing technical and strategic consultation to Division leadership. The incumbent represents the Division on technical committees and other research-related meetings. The incumbent performs complex work on specialized research studies and develop special reports, investigations, and internal process tools. The incumbent performs in-house research in the areas of emerging transportation technology and transportation planning and policy. The scope for this work includes proposal development, work plan development, project performance and management, report preparation and review, and training, technology transfer, and implementation.

PARF 65-26-0039 / JC 523343

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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Working Conditions

Position located at 1727 30th St Sacramentoro, Sacramento County.

This is a Limited Term position which may be extended to 24 months or become permanent. 

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Transportation Planner  exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click and search by typing in the classification title.

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.

1. Describe a research project in which you played a leading or essential role. In your response, address any components that contributed to the project’s success, such as: formulating the research question, selecting appropriate methodologies, conducting analyses, interpreting results, collaborating with project partners, managing the project budget, ensuring timely delivery, or any other actions that highlight your success as a researcher and project manager. These are examples and provided only as guidance; please focus on the elements most applicable to your specific role and experience on the project.

2. Respond to the following hypothetical scenario: A Caltrans executive requests that you conduct research on a new transportation technology and provide a summary within one week. The executive will use your findings to brief the State Legislature in support of potential funding. Describe how you would meet this request within the required timeframe, including the steps you would take and the information you would prioritize for this audience. (You are not required to identify a specific technology unless doing so aligns with your experience.)

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment.  If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: or . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

An in-depth understanding of advanced research methodologies and management experience involving complex research projects.

Familiar with the Department's policies, and federal and state regulation which apply to the Division.

Capability of: developing and facilitating complex processes, involving a diverse and interdisciplinary technical staff, serving in a consulting capacity to Division management and to lead staff in other Caltrans Divisions/Programs, representing the Department in State, regional, and national meetings and/or conferences related to transportation research, and establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with the public, individuals, and organizations engaged in the course of work.

Technical and process skills, ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; this includes the ability to translate complex and highly technical information into terms easily understood by a non-technical audience.

Ability to effectively use personal computer and standard software to accelerate the production and quality of work products.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Important Application Instructions

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.  Confidential information that should be  excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.