TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST 51051

11/01/91 B

This is the first level in the Transportation Research Scientist series of classes which conduct professional transportation research activities leading to innovative and improved technology and practices in transportation engineering and management systems through applied and conceptual research, technology transfer and technical assistance activities. Positions in this class perform research, analysis, critical investigation, inquiry and experimentation into technical highway and/or transportation issues pertaining to specific research projects in engineering, physical, chemical or social sciences. Positions conduct research and develop recommendations which will lead to cost-effective and innovative and improved technology, technical operations and services for consideration by state transportation agencies. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Research Scientist Senior by the latter's total responsibility and accountability for day-to-day planning, development of long-term comprehensive and more complex research projects, the conduct of multiple research projects within a program area, related administrative matters for assigned projects, independence of action, development of research topics; implementation of findings and the independent provision of more extensive technical assistance and consultative activities.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty by planning and conducting research projects within a well-defined research emphasis area (technically focused bodies of study for research that are basically comprised of multiple complementary projects) with limited technical supervision. Drafts work plans; collects and analyzes laboratory or other technical data; conducts field experiments; develops conclusions and recommendations for beneficial technical or technological innovations. Prepares and presents oral and written reports on research results. Develops knowledge of the research program, the sponsoring agency, and the sponsor's needs. Establishes contacts within the Transportation Research Council to facilitate completion of assignments.

Supervision Given: Positions may provide technical guidance and direction to research assistants, technicians and other staff in executing research projects.

Supervision Received: Positions receive administrative supervision and limited technical guidance from a Transportation Research Manager of higher-level professional research staff which review work plans for completeness and compliance with procedures/funding availabilities. Assigned projects are handled independently with limited technical guidance received from a professional research staff member in a particular specialty area.

Scope: Positions in this class conduct comprehensive research projects which support highway/transportation research programs within a transportation agency.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on the development and implementation of research-based projects which involve engineering, materials, maintenance, economic development and related operational programs of the agency and safety of the traveling public. Research results may impact national and international programs of research in specified areas.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with all levels of employees at local, state and federal agencies and committees; faculty and representatives of academic institutions; private sector employees and businesses; and agency managers. The purpose of the contact is to exchange research information and findings, share in research efforts, provide consultation and assistance, and exchange information on research opportunities and programs.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of research methods and procedures and experimental design; principles and practices of specifically defined disciplines within highway/transportation research to include but not limited to engineering, construction, maintenance, materials, safety, traffic and other fields related to transportation issues; some knowledge of transportation issues at a national, state and local level.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan and manage comprehensive research projects related to specialty areas within agency-wide research programs; organize and carry out research projects; ability to lead supporting staff and research groups in conducting research; analyze a large variety of data and make scientific conclusions and recommendations; effectively communicate research findings through oral and written presentations; and provide consultation, technical assistance in area of specialized research.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with advanced course work in an assigned transportation specialty area to include, but not limited to, civil engineering, transportation planning, structural engineering, chemistry, environmental or other fields related to transportation issues.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in developing a research project in a specialty program area; considerable experience conducting segments of a research project to include the development and publication of research findings.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class replaces the class Highway Research Scientist B as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective November 1991.