TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH DIRECTOR 51062

11/01/91 A

This is the second level class in the Transportation Research Management series which oversee the conduct of professional transportation research activities leading to innovative and improved technology and practices in transportation engineering and operational systems through applied and conceptual research, technology transfer and technical assistance activities. This class serves as director, chief administrator, and technical advisor for a scientific research center responsible for multifaceted transportation research programs in agencies under the direction of the State's Secretary of Transportation and other agencies statewide having transportation interests. These programs include research and development of new concepts of innovative scientific and service applications, consultant activities; and technology transfer of highway and/or transportation design, construction, maintenance, materials, planning, traffic, safety and other related fields. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Research Manager by its responsibility for direction and management of all functional research and support units within the Virginia Transportation Research Council.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty by directing a research center responsible for multifaceted programs of advanced highway/transportation research, technology transfer and consultant services. Serves as a member of the executive staff for the Commissioner of Transportation to provide input on strategic planning, research results, and policy development for the Department. Serves as a member of the Secretary of Transportation's Secretariat Committee, which strategically advises the Secretary on major transportation trends and issues. Directs professional research staff, administrative staff and technical staff to effect goals and objectives of the Transportation Research Council; directs multiple professional research activities. Serves as liaison between various state and federal agencies and related national programs and on various scientific and university bodies to foster developments and changes in the transportation research activities that will benefit Virginia. Serves as liaison with national and state advisory groups to identify and prioritize research efforts and disseminate results. Recommends actions relating to the impact of research efforts to agency executives and the Secretary of Transportation. Plans and develops long-range goals and objectives; plans and administers the budget; defines Council needs and position requirements; directs activities to accomplish goals and objectives.

Supervision Given: Position directs a staff of professional transportation research scientists, administrative and technical personnel, faculty, and graduate students responsible for implementing goals and objectives of a comprehensive transportation research center. Provides guidance and direction in the conduct of complex research programs which impact transportation agencies and other agencies having transportation service interests.

Supervision Received: Position receives administrative direction from the Commissioner, Virginia Department of Transportation.

Scope: Position directs a comprehensive research center that provides technical and technological leadership in engineering, applied physical and social sciences, and related operational activities for the Virginia Department of Transportation, other agencies under the direction of the State's Secretary of Transportation, and other state agencies having transportation interests. Directs research efforts which may be shared statewide, nationally, and universally with research groups, agencies, businesses and associations relating to transportation.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on management activities of a comprehensive transportation research center. Research efforts which are focused on new and improved technological engineering and service applications resulting in improved operational activities, economic development, materials used, significant cost savings for the Department, and safety of the traveling public. Research conducted for these agencies has serious impact on service delivery, management and operational activities of multiple state agencies.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with executives and managers of local, state and federal agencies to develop and implement research agreements, develop long-term research plans and implement results; state and national research organizations and committees to serve in exchange of professional research information; faculty and representatives of academic institutions relating to research planning and coordi-nation; and private sector employees and businesses to further open exchange of research information.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of advanced research processes; considerable knowledge of principles and practices of management, administration and supervision; and of highway/transportation engineering and operational research programs; working knowledge of federal and state transportation policies and regulations.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a large research unit; develop strategic research direction; develop and implement long-term, multi-source budgets; advise and direct employees in their work; develop operational policies and procedures, communicate effectively orally and in writing; advise and direct employees in their work. Integrate research findings at the executive level at multiple agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from a college or university with advanced course work in transportation engineering, sciences, or related fields.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience administering a program of highway/transportation research; supervising research projects and professional staff conducting research; administrative and managerial experience.

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