TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST SENIOR 51052

11/01/91 B

This is the second level in the Transportation Research Scientist series of classes which conduct professional transportation research 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 conduct multiple complex laboratory, field or experimental projects in engineering, physical, chemical, or social sciences as applied to the technology of transportation. The positions conduct a wide variety of research projects of broad scope and technical complexity. Projects may cross many transportation research fields within a program area. Positions have considerable influence on the context of the overall research program and technological, technical or engineering innovations within the Department and other state agencies with transportation interests. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Research Scientist Principal by the latter's responsibility for conducting research encompassing multiple technical specialties which cross program lines and by serving as the Department's technical expert in one or more research program areas. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Research Scientist by the conduct of multiple research projects within a program area; responsibility for day-to-day planning and development of long-term comprehensive and more complex research projects with related administrative matters; independence of action; development of research topics; initiation of research; implementation of findings; and the independence exhibited in providing extensive technical assistance and consultative activities for Transportation Division Administrators, District Administrators, agency executives and managers, and other agencies.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty in developing, managing and conducting specialized technical transportation research programs. Conducts complex research plans and directs multiple research projects; plans and develops study methodology and procedures for multiple projects; and leads teams to carry out research. Develops survey/testing instruments; performs statistical analyses; applies qualitative and quantitative research techniques; designs and performs experimentation. Evaluates and analyzes data to reach study conclusions. Develops work schedules, determine resources needed to make budgetary projections regarding project's needs. Plans, manages and coordinates project's activities so that aims, goals and objectives are met. Authors research reports and publications to present scientifically detailed and complete projects with recommendations. Presents findings and recommendations at advisory committee meetings. Provides technical assistance and consultation to Transportation Division Administrators, District Administrators, agency executives and managers; and managers of other state agencies with transportation interests. Serves as liaison with research professionals from federal agencies and national professional research organizations and committees to keep abreast of latest developments in transportation and to relay research findings.

Supervision Given: Positions in this class may supervise technical staff. Provides technical direction for staff conducting a variety of research projects.

Supervision Received: Positions receive general direction from a Transportation Research Manager.

Scope: Positions in this class develop, plan and implement comprehensive research for multiple projects within a defined technical area of research to support highway/transportation engineering and/or related operations for a state agency or national efforts. Research results may be shared nationally or internationally in the transportation community or academic fields.

Impact of Actions: Work has serious impact on coordination and implementation of comprehensive scientifically-based research projects which impact long-term, agency-wide programs of engineering, materials, maintenance, economic development, related operational programs and safety of the traveling public. Research results may impact national and international programs of research as shared through professional organizations and groups to exchange state-of-the-art information.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with agency managers, department heads, state and federal professional researchers and faculty members to conduct research, provide expert technical advice and consultation in fields of specialized research, to present new and innovative research results and to resolve problems.

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

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to create, plan and manage comprehensive research projects from inception to implementation; apply advanced scholastic theory and practical experimentation in research; organize and lead professionals and supporting staff in a number of research projects; analyze a large variety of data to make scientific conclusions and recommendations; provide technical assistance in technology transfer activities for the Department and other agencies; write concise comprehensive scientific research reports; make oral presentations of research findings at agency, state and national levels; and ability to direct work flow of research projects.

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: Considerable experience in developing a variety of highway/transportation research projects in the specialty area; conducting applied and conceptual transportation research studies; coordinating efforts of professional and technical personnel; developing research findings, publishing findings and recommendations and implementing research results.

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 C as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective November 1991.