Highway Programs Specialist
State of Nebraska

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Transportation - Agency 27

Location:
Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:
$28.135

Job Posting:
JR2024-00012036 Highway Programs Specialist (Open)

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

Job Description:
Are you interested in making a difference by helping develop programs, assisting with project delivery, and building yourself a foundation of quality team experience? If yes, then you should consider this empowering position that provides a balance of critical reviews and requirement knowledge while regularly coordinating with contractors and other Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Divisions/Districts. Candidates with excellent communication skills and an eye for detail will find a satisfying experience as a Highway Programs Specialist in NDOT's Program Management Division!

We reward our employee's hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates

Pay range is $28.135 - $41.475 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

JOB DUTIES:

- Review, write, and edit documents according to the Revised Code of Federal Regulations, Nebraska State Statutes, NDOT Rules and Regulations, NDOT's Public Involvement Procedure, Programmatic agreements, NEPA documents, Roadway Design Manual, Local Public Assistance Manual, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and Construction Project Manager Best Practices Guidelines as applicable to NDOT highway construction projects and programs and civil rights implementation.
- Review, write, and edit documents according to the NDOT's Title VI Implementation Plan, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Plan, Environmental Justice Process, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Contractor Compliance program, Contractor On-The-Job Training (OJT) programs, and contract special provisions.
- Create program and project reports, maintain project records, and compile/ distribute project updates for administration/management/sponsor, team members, and stakeholders.
- Oversee and review NDOT projects to ensure projects are in compliance with State and Federal requirements, review NDOT forms/project information to determine the level of public involvement, lead and guide other staff in regard to Civil Rights requirements, coordinate with all other NDOT Divisions, Districts, and Local Public Agencies in regard to communication, information,
responsibilities/duties/tasks.
- Management of federal DBE Supportive Services and OJT Supportive Services contracts.
- Assess, identify, and mitigate risks in project delivery and construction schedules. Coordinate risks with team members and develop strategies to resolve identified issues. Record project completion status in the statewide management system.
- Lead and evaluate projects and programs adhering to Civil Rights program requirements and regulations and Program Management methodologies.
- Initiate civil rights assessments for transportation, transit, and aeronautics programs, coordinate with project stakeholders, and assess public input to determine appropriate mitigation strategies. Develop/implement public involvement/communication plans and explain methodology to project stakeholders and team members. Serve as a primary point of contact for staff, consultants, vendors, and contractors with questions relating to the project.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements/ Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Two year post high school degree or equivalent coursework/training in public administration, business administration, communications, regional or community planning, social sciences, education, or human rights, and one year of experience in project management, public policy, marketing and/or planning. Additional years of experience in comparable fields of work listed may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in the above is preferred.
• Experience in collecting and interpreting statistical, financial, program or administrative data; or in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, and processes; or in reviewing and evaluating administrative records or reports.
• Experience in transportation-related project delivery or program management and/or construction management, inspection, contract language, and oversight.
• Experience using Microsoft Office products, OnBase Document Management System, AASHTOware Project construction management software, and/or Clarity project and program management software.
• Experience or training in the development or oversight of professional performance measures.

Other:

• Must have a valid driver's license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Must be available for occasional overnight travel for fieldwork.
• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge in project management theories and practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Skills in negotiating/facilitation, report preparation, and communication with agency staff, public officials, the general public, and any other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Professional judgment that meets the agency's standard of excellence when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to explain complex processes and interpret state and federal regulations, present information to individuals and groups
• Ability to address changes in scopes or budgets.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Desire to learn quickly, embrace responsibility, and accept accountability

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.

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