Transportation Planner 2 (40 Hour) (Office of Rail, Capital Planning Unit)
State of ConnecticutThe State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is accepting applications for Transportation Planner 2 to join the Office of Rail, Capital Planning Unit. The Capital Planning Unit is responsible for leading and supporting statewide rail capital planning activities within the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This position develops, evaluates, and prioritizes passenger and freight rail projects, ensuring coordination across CTDOT bureaus, partner agencies, and federal programs such as FRA Corridor ID and NEC Commission initiatives. The role emphasizes multimodal integration, data-driven decision making, and alignment with the Department’s long-range strategic goals. WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU Our State Employee Benefits Overview page! Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance to all employees. Working for an award winning agency! CTDOT was recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024! POSITION HIGHLIGHTS Monday - Friday Full Time, 40 hours per week First Shift Location: Newington P-4 (Engineering and Scientific) bargaining unit This position is eligible to apply for telework after successful completion of the working test period, and thereafter, in accordance with the Telework Policy. Employees in their working test period must work on site in the office. Learn more about the Telework Policy. THE ROLE The Transportation Planner 2 is responsible for advanced planning and analysis of Connecticut’s passenger and freight rail capital program, supporting the development, evaluation, and prioritization of projects within CTDOT’s Office of Rail. The Transportation Planner 2 (Capital Planning) serves as a working lead and subject matter expert on rail infrastructure planning, federal program coordination, and long-range investment strategy development for rail corridors in Connecticut. Key Responsibilities include: Lead or coordinate capital planning studies, including identification, scoping, and justification of new or upgraded rail projects (stations, bridges, track, rolling stock, and yard facilities). Develop and manage planning documentation supporting the Rail Capital Program, including reports, cost estimates, schedules, phasing, and funding strategy. Assist with preparation of federal funding applications (FRA Corridor ID, FSP-NEC, BIL/IIJA grants, etc.) and coordinate with internal and external partners to ensure compliance with federal guidelines. Support multimodal planning initiatives integrating rail with highway, bus, and active transportation networks. Review consultant studies, service development plans, and feasibility analyses to align with CTDOT goals and federal requirements. Collaborate with the Project Concepts and Design units to transition projects from planning to design. Participate in coordination with Amtrak, Metro-North Railroad, FRA, FTA, NEC Commission, and regional MPOs regarding service planning, capital improvement prioritization, 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 the 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. Our ideal candidate will possess the following: Considerable knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and federal funding programs related to rail infrastructure. Skill in project prioritization, economic and ridership analysis, and cost-benefit evaluation. Ability to interpret and apply federal guidance (e.g., FRA, FTA, NEC Commission). Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, and data visualizatio…