Transportation System Engineer (HOV/HOT Lanes)

Basic Function

The Transportation System Engineer will provide engineering support for project management and assist with the design and operation of transit projects related to High Occupancy Vehicle/High Occupancy Toll (HOV/HOT) Express Lanes, Bus Operation Optimized System Treatment (BOOST), and/or other transit corridors.  Assists in the development of design documents, technical reports, cost estimates, and schedules.  Interacts with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), and other government entities and agencies within METRO’s region as well as other METRO departments.   Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides engineering support for project management and design of transit projects with engineering work performed with any combination of METRO in-house and/or external resources.
• Assists in day-to-day operation and maintenance of the HOV/HOT lanes.
• Conducts engineering investigations and evaluations.
• Provides technical assistance and basic engineering design during the development of conceptual designs.
• Performs basic engineering design and prepares drawings and other documents for minor detail design.
• Assists in the coordination of detail design work.  Provides minor technical direction to in-house staff, consultants, and sub consultants.
• Participates in the coordination between METRO departments/division through all project phases.
• Maintains relationships with municipalities and other government entities, including but not limited to TxDOT, HCTRA, and the City of Houston. Cooperates on joint projects and/or advance needs related to METRO projects.
• Assists with outside agency coordination and communication on all project activities.
• Prepares technical documentation and final reports covering various aspects of projects.
• Assists in the development of scope of work, schedules, budgets, bid documents, and contract negotiations for various engineering and construction projects.
• Assists with interdepartmental review of various milestones submitted for engineering projects.
• Assists in developing operating and capital budgets.  Monitors budget costs and schedules.
• Assist the Manager of HOV/HOT Lanes with additional tasks as assigned. 
• Participates in interdepartmental meetings and outside agency meetings.
• Participates in the identification, initiation, and representation of transit facilities, rail, and roadway projects.  Assists in the preparation of proposals regarding these projects.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
   

Education Requirement

Bachelors’ degree in Civil Engineering or related field required. Texas Professional Engineering (PE) License required. 

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of Seven (7) years’ progressive experience in engineering project management.  Comprehensive experience in multi-modal transit/transportation projects is desired.  Experience with HOV/HOT lanes operations and maintenance is preferred. 

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge of TxDOT, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and other transportation agencies and procurement methods.  Knowledge of and project management experience working directly with TxDot, HCTRA or other local transportation providers, Strong communications (verbal & written) skills.  Excellent skills working with multiple teams and people.  Knowledge of negotiating skills and contracts. Knowledgeable of Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)Systems. Experience with MicroStation software.  Working knowledge of Microsoft office programs (word, Excel PowerPoint, etc.)

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.