Research Implementation Manager

Department of Transportation; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Transportation seeks a Division Secretary Engineer III to lead the Research and Development Unit. The role oversees implementation and technology transfer, planning, programming and policy research, and collaboration with federal/state programs. A PE license may be required.

Salary range NC20, with strong emphasis on project management, communication, and engineering expertise. Eligibility includes professional license and state employment benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with four years of progressive experience or an equivalent combination.
• Experience with managing research and development projects.
• Strong knowledge of planning, programming, and policy research.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate implementation projects with NCDOT staff and monitor benefits of research initiatives.
• Support planning, programming and policy research tied to the annual R&D work program and special investigations.

Skills

R&D processes

Engineering oversight

ROI analysis

Project management

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Agency Dept of Transportation Division Secretary Job Classification Title Engineer III (NS) Position Number 60029300 Grade NC20

About Us It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. The Research and Development Unit operates within the Office of Strategic Advancement and serves as a pivotal resource for the Department of Transportation. This unit is dedicated to coordinating and delivering research assistance that is unbiased, interdisciplinary, and multimodal in nature. By leveraging a broad range of expertise and methodologies, the unit ensures that the Department receives comprehensive research support tailored to various transportation challenges and strategic initiatives. The Research and Development Unit (R&D) is responsible for overseeing all staff research activities conducted within the Department of Transportation, as well as managing contract research projects funded by both federal and state sources. The unit provides essential Research Management services to other NCDOT business units, facilitating contracts with universities and research centers to advance transportation innovation. Additionally, the R&D Unit directs and coordinates the Department's participation in national programs sponsored by organizations such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). To support ongoing departmental activities, the unit maintains an extensive research library, catalogs state and national research efforts, and keeps detailed records of Board of Transportation meetings. Furthermore, the unit plays a critical role in integrating research findings into departmental practices through the preparation of technical reports, pilot demonstrations, operational test projects, specialized training initiatives, and various technology transfer opportunities. The primary objective of this position is to manage the Implementation and Technology Transfer Program as well as to manage Planning, Programming, and Policy research initiatives:

• Regarding the management of the Implementation and Technology Transfer Program the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating implementation projects alongside NCDOT employees, systematically monitoring and assessing the benefits derived from research initiatives, organizing and facilitating training sessions and workshops, and conducting evaluations of cooperative agreement studies and demonstration projects. Additional duties include promoting the successful adoption of research projects, quantifying and articulating the impact of research outcomes, managing ongoing research projects, and undertaking various staff studies. These responsibilities encompass both federally funded and state-funded work programs. Moreover, the individual in this position will collaborate closely with the R&D manager to ensure that policies and work manuals are regularly reviewed, updated, and maintained to reflect current best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Regarding the management of Planning, Programming, and Policy research initiatives this position will be to provide direct support for activities identified in the annual Research and Development work program and for special investigative assignments. The activities and special assignments may include contract research projects, coordination and outreach with field personnel, operational test projects, cooperative agreement evaluation studies, demonstration projects, research implementation projects and initiatives, evaluating and quantify the impacts of research results, and other staff studies. These responsibilities will cover both Federally funded and State-funded work programs. This position will also work closely with the R&D manager to maintain and update R&D policies and work manuals.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC20 $70,478 - $123,336

• Knowledge of the state and federal research and development processes, including new research as well as implementation of research projects / products and technology transfer (i.e., Training, Workshops, Pilots, Development, etc).
• Experience using sound engineering principles to effectively provide oversight of active research projects.
• Experience evaluating and communicating the value of research projects / products (i.e., Return on Investments, Benefit Cost Analysis, etc.).
• Experience in Project Management activities including project monitoring, invoice review, meeting coordination, coordinating with stakeholders, report review and deliverable monitoring.
• I Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement: May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter/Employer

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina.

We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.