TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST PRINCIPAL 51053

11/01/91 B

This is the third and advanced 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 in this class organize, coordinate and conduct the most advanced, extensive and technically complex research which encompasses multiple technical specialties and which cross program lines within the Council's overall research program. Typically research is related to new and/or untested engineering and scientific issues. The positions also serve as Departmental experts in one or more research program areas to provide high-level technical advice and assistance. The positions require the most advanced technical expertise. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Research Scientist Senior by the conduct of the most advanced and complex research projects in multiple scientific disciplines and typically in multiple scientific disciplines which cross program lines; the focus on research of extensive depth and scope; and the broad range of expert technical advice, consultation and technical assistance. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Research Manager by the latter's administrative, budgetary and managerial responsibility for an assigned technical research program area and the conduct of comprehensive research projects.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty in conducting complex transportation research which encompasses multiple scientific disciplines and specialty areas such as chemistry, physics, structural engineering or is inclusive of multiple subject specialty areas within a program. Research projects are long-term, ongoing and are the highest level and complexity. Typically research subject areas are initiated independently and are related to new and/or untested materials, engineering techniques, structural engineering, traffic, safety, environmental, or other transportation related issues. Projects may be part of a cooperative effort of national transportation organizations. Technical assistance activities include "expert" consultation and advice for many specialty areas. Serves as project leader for large cooperative research projects; develops work plans; determines assistance needed to complete projects, funding requirements, resources and time required for projects. Designs experiments and innovative ways of approaching transportation problems; applies broad theories or theoretical applications and develops conclusions and recommendations. Authors research reports and publications to present research results to transportation and academic committees. Serves as an expert to provide consultation to the total transportation community statewide and nationwide. Serves as liaison with research professionals from federal agencies and national professional research organizations and committees.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor. Positions provide project leadership and may supervise technical and research staff.

Supervision Received: Positions receive administrative direction from the Transportation Research Director. Research is initiated and conducted independently within Departmental procedures.

Scope: Positions in this class develop and conduct the most technically complex research which encompasses multiple technical specialty areas across program lines for multiple agency-wide and national research efforts in transportation engineering, technology and other advanced sciences, and related technical operations. Expertise may be sought throughout the transportation community statewide, nationwide or internationally.

Impact of Actions: Study results, conclusions and recommendations have serious impact on the development of new and revised engineering and scientific techniques, technical operations, materials and procedures; safety of the traveling public; economic development and operational management of agencies; and effect substantial cost savings in a transportation agency.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with agency managers, department heads, state and federal professional researchers, and faculty members. Contacts are made 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: Comprehensive knowledge of research methodology and techniques; principles and practices of transportation specialty areas which may include civil engineering, structural engineering, highway construction, maintenance, materials, chemistry, physics, environmental, traffic, safety, and other fields related to transportation issues. Considerable knowledge of transportation research and technology.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan and manage extensive, complex research programs; conduct research projects applying advanced theory and theoretical applications; communicate effectively through written reports; lead other research professionals in team efforts; transfer research knowledge through seminars, course work; and provide expert consultation and guidance.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive experience in conducting transportation research and developing research findings and recommendations. Experience in management of multiple research projects and leading teams of professional researchers. Experience in transportation operations sufficient to be knowledgeable of state and national transportation efforts and to identify research needs across agency programs.

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 some of the positions in the Highway Research Senior Scientist class as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective November 1991.