Job Posting: Research Manager, Transportation Systems and Technology

Department of Transportation

JC-471412
-
Research Manager, Transportation Systems and Technology
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS

$11,104.00 - $13,898.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 4/18/2025

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Chief, Office of Planning, Policy, and Program Development, a Supervising Transportation Planner, the Senior Transportation Engineer will play a leading role in the delivery of transportation research and innovation through the lens of new technologies and systems thinking at Caltrans. Serving in a non-supervisory specialist role, the incumbent will be responsible for performing transportation engineering research evaluation, developing and applying decision support methodologies, and providing technical and strategic consultation to Division leadership. The incumbent will represent the Division on technical committees and other research-related meetings. The incumbent will perform complex work on specialized research studies and develop special reports, investigations, and internal process tools. The incumbent will perform in-house research in the areas of emerging transportation technology, transportation systems and operations, and transportation infrastructure. The scope for this work may include proposal development, work plan development, project performance and management, technology development and evaluation, report preparation and review, and training, technology transfer, and implementation. The incumbent may be assigned special projects, as needed, for Division and Executive management. The incumbent will have proven skills that demonstrate expertise in conducting independent transportation research.

The work to be performed is complex and requires a carefully orchestrated effort to ensure the efficient use of both the intellectual and financial resources provided by Caltrans and partner organizations. The primary objective of research conducted and/or funded by Caltrans is to improve transportation within California, but results will be shared with and contribute to a body of research and implementation activities worldwide.

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Transportation Engineer, Caltrans 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 here and search by typing in the classification title

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.

https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G

https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI

Apply today to join our team!  We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool!  The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

PARF# 65-5-026 / JC- 471412

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Position located at 1727 30th Street, Sacramento 95816.

While at the base of operation, the employee will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting. Employee may also be required to travel to meetings in other office buildings.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

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.



Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-471412
Position #(s):
913-155-3161-XXX
Working Title:
Research Manager, Transportation Systems and Technology
Classification:
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS
$11,104.00 - $13,898.00 A
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Caltrans Mission: Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment.

Caltrans Vision: A brighter future for all through a world-class transportation network.

The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success. Caltrans is about celebrating diversity, valuing one another, and recognizing that Caltrans is strong not in spite of the diverse attributes of our workforce, but because of our diversity. 

Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov 

Frequently Asked Questions for an Applicant: http://dot.ca.gov/jobs/docs/faq-ct-applicants-081617.pdf   

Director’s EEO Policy: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity


Special Requirements

  • A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to be considered for this position.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a discussion of how an applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the criteria in the duty statement and qualify the applicant for the position.  Please include a 1-2 pages, 12-point font, SOQ that describes your experience as it relates to this position/duty statement. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview. 

Applications submitted without a Statement of Qualifications will not be considered. 

1. Describe your experience conducting independent research related to transportation, planning, engineering, policy, or a similar discipline in a government setting. Detail a minimum of two verifiable examples.
2. Detail your experience working with new and emerging technologies, such as machine learning and automation.
3. Describe an instance where you evaluated a technical process and identified ways to improve it in the future. What methods did you use, and how did you arrive at your results?
4. Describe how your experience will be beneficial for Caltrans to achieve a safe, equitable, and integrated transportation network.

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.  Here is a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

The incumbent must possess registration as a professional Civil Engineer in California. Graduate work in Engineering is highly desirable but not required.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 4/18/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Transportation
California Department of Transportation
Caltrans DHR Contact
1750 E. 4th Street, 1st Floor
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Closed on weekends and State holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:

-Strong knowledge and experience in planning, designing, and configuring systems architecture and process engineering.
-Advanced knowledge, training, and/or experience are required in the areas of civil and systems engineering, statistics, computer science, modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, systems theory, operations research, and engineering management.
-Knowledge of advanced research methodologies and experience involving complex research projects.
-The ability to understand Caltran's policies and federal and state regulations which apply to the Division.
-The ability to develop and facilitate complex processes, involving a diverse and interdisciplinary technical staff, serving in a consulting capacity to Division management and leading 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.
-The 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.
-The ability to effectively use personal computers and standard software to accelerate the production and quality of work products.

Benefits

Click HERE to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

 

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Human Resources Contact:
Hyewon Pak
(916) 591-6133
hyewon.pak@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Michaela Bayless
(916) 907-2136
Michaela.Bayless@dot.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Important Application Instructions:

The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-471412), PARF# 65-5-026 and title of the position (Senior Transportation Engineer, Caltrans) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

 

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job