Transportation Planner 2 (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut • Newington, CT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is hiring a Transportation Planner 2 for the Office of Rail, Capital Planning Unit. The unit leads and supports statewide rail capital planning. This position performs advanced planning and analysis of Connecticut’s passenger and freight rail capital program, developing, evaluating, and prioritizing projects and coordinating across CTDOT bureaus, partner agencies, and federal programs. The work emphasizes multimodal integration, data-driven decisions, and alignment with CTDOT’s long-range strategic goals.

The Transportation Planner 2 serves as a working lead and subject matter expert in rail infrastructure planning, federal program coordination, and long-range investment strategy for Connecticut rail corridors. The role includes developing planning documentation and funding strategies, supporting federal funding applications, reviewing consultant work, coordinating the transition of projects from planning to design, and representing the Office of Rail in interagency and public settings.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, on the first shift, and is located in Newington. Employees must work on site during the working test period; after successfully completing it, the position is eligible to apply for telework in accordance with the Telework Policy. Incumbents may be required to travel and may be required to possess and retain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Requirements

• Seven years of professional experience in transportation engineering or transportation, urban, regional, or environmental planning.
• At least one year of the general experience must include individual responsibility for coordinating complex planning projects in a relevant planning area.
• Considerable knowledge of multimodal transportation planning theory, practices, and methodologies.
• Knowledge of environmental considerations involved in transportation planning.
• Interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and use computer software, including planning models and other programs related to the planning process.
• Ability to forecast trends based on empirical data and comprehend and interpret laws and regulations.
• Analytical ability and lead ability.
• The ability to coordinate multidisciplinary efforts across CTDOT bureaus, local agencies, consultants, and federal partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, and data visualization tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical and policy documents.
• Incumbents may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and may be required to travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in rail or transit capital project planning, including development of feasibility studies, master plans, and service plans.
• Project management experience, including scope development, invoicing, scheduling, cost estimating, and interagency coordination.
• Experience coordinating with external stakeholders such as municipalities, state or federal agencies, and MPOs.
• Experience maintaining datasets, analyzing data, presenting insights, and synthesizing technical information for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating rail or transit projects with other transportation modes and with construction.
• Supervisory ability and experience mentoring junior planners or interns.

Responsibilities

• Lead or coordinate capital planning studies, including identifying, scoping, and justifying new or upgraded rail projects such as stations, bridges, track, rolling stock, and yard facilities.
• Develop and manage planning documentation for the Rail Capital Program, including reports, cost estimates, schedules, phasing, and funding strategies.
• Assist with federal funding applications, including FRA Corridor ID, FSP-NEC, and BIL/IIJA grants, and coordinate with partners to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
• Support multimodal planning initiatives that integrate rail with highway, bus, and active transportation networks.
• Review consultant studies, service development plans, and feasibility analyses for alignment with CTDOT goals and federal requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Concepts and Design units to transition projects from planning to design.
• Coordinate with Amtrak, Metro-North Railroad, FRA, FTA, the NEC Commission, and regional MPOs on service planning, capital improvement priorities, and funding allocations.
• Develop maps, reports, presentations, and data analyses illustrating rail system performance, capacity constraints, and investment opportunities.
• Lead or assist in maintaining the CTDOT Rail Capital Planning Database and contribute to annual Transportation Capital Plan and Time for CT program updates.
• Represent the Office of Rail at interagency working groups, legislative hearings, and public information sessions.
• As assigned, distribute, prioritize, oversee, and review office unit work; provide staff training and assistance; and conduct or assist with performance evaluations.
• Prepare correspondence and coordinate with operating units, agencies, consultants, and outside officials regarding unit policies and standards.
• Develop, coordinate, and review transportation planning programs and participate in transportation demonstration projects.
• Participate in preparing and negotiating agreements and contracts and oversee or participate in corridor studies.
• Prepare and review reports, studies, and surveys in accordance with department standards and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Investigate and respond to public inquiries and complaints about transportation plans, programs, or projects.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance.
• Eligibility to apply for telework after successful completion of the working test period, in accordance with the Telework Policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed