Transportation Program Strategist - Professional Engineer III at State of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska

Job Description:

The work we do matters!




Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27



Location:

Lincoln, NE



Hiring Rate:

$45.314



Job Posting:

JR2025-00015751 Transportation Program Strategist - Professional Engineer III (Open)



Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):



Job Description:

The Strategic Planning Division at the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) leads long-range transportation planning, shapes policy development, and provides performance management support to guide investment decisions and ensure the state's transportation system meets future goals.


The Transportation Program Strategist within the Strategic Planning Division plays a critical role in shaping the Department's future by driving innovation and fostering collaboration across NDOT's divisions and districts. By design, this position has the opportunity to grow and develop while working closely with agency leadership to shape future endeavors. By providing strategic planning services and data-driven insights, the role ensures NDOT is well-positioned to anticipate emerging transportation trends, align initiatives with statewide priorities, and build strong partnerships that support long-term success. Key responsibilities include managing traffic counting, analyzing traffic data, and contributing to statewide transportation planning initiatives. The role also assists the Department in the pursuit of strategic initiatives which require regular interaction with Department leaders and knowledge of our business.


The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in transportation planning, data analytics, emerging technology, freight, alternative fuels, project delivery, highway construction, highway operations, and project management. Candidates should also possess a strong desire to learn, tackle new challenges, connect with people, and lead.


Pay range is $45.314 - $66.799 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.



Job Duties:




Strategic Leadership: Support and lead agency-wide strategic initiatives by collaborating with executive leadership, facilitating cross-divisional coordination, and providing policy analysis and recommendations that advance NDOT's long-term goals and priorities. This might include efforts to identify priority areas, develop actionable plans, facilitate workshops and other collaborative efforts, and ensure effective execution that aligns with NDOT's mission and future direction.



Traffic Data Collection and Analysis: Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of traffic data. This includes the work of the Traffic Counting Unit and the Traffic Analysis/Forecasting Unit. The position is responsible for processing and presenting short-term and future year traffic volume information. This includes things like Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes, Truck volumes, and Design Hourly Volumes (DHV). The role also involves analyzing raw data, including trend line analysis and travel demand modeling.



Emerging Technology: Monitor trends and advancements in transportation technology, lead cross-functional efforts to explore and pilot innovative solutions, and guide projects that position NDOT at the forefront of modern transportation systems. These could include things like inductive roadway charging, connected corridors, automated vehicles, advanced aviation, alternative fuels, digital twins, artificial intelligence, etc.



Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with various groups, including cities, communities, governmental agencies, and private sector on key strategic initiatives. Has the ability to communicate complex information to a diverse audience.



Requirements / Qualifications:




Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and two years of experience performing professional level engineering assignments. Must possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license at the time of application and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects at time of employment or be able to obtain such license within 90 days of employment.



Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with NDOT project delivery processes and organizational structure.


• Background in transportation planning.


• Past experience leading emerging technology projects.


• Past experience working directly with Executive Teams and leading cross-agency efforts.


• Post graduate degree in data analytics, engineering, business, or public administration.

Other:

• Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.


• Must be available for out-of-town and occasional overnight travel.


• This position does not offer remote work as an option, although flexible work hours are available.


• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of traffic data and traffic forecasting techniques.


• Familiarity with a variety of Federal Aid programs and their requirements with an emphasis on NEVI, CRP, Freight, CMAQ, SPR.


• Experience managing teams including their workload, utilization, development, etc.


• Strong organizational skills.


• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Benefits



We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.


Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits



Equal Opportunity Statement



The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.



Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. Apply Now