CTS Job Openings

LTAP Work-Zone Traffic Control and Safety Training Field Instructor

About the Job

This short-term temporary position is responsible for developing tailored lesson plans and instructional materials in work-zone traffic control and safety to instruct and facilitate learning for public employees who work in active work zones. The instructor will deliver up to 10 3–4-hour workshops (per fiscal year) for the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), housed at CTS. The position will be responsible for developing course materials that are in accordance with established best practices and procedures and providing well-rounded education to students regarding how to select, apply, evaluate, adjust, and maintain temporary traffic controls for short-term and intermediate-term work zone as contained in the Minnesota Temporary Traffic Control Field Manual 2018.

Pay is $75 per hour or $450 per workshop.

Responsibilities

30% Curriculum Development

  • Assist CTS in developing curriculum content and participate in professional development activities for effective education delivery.
  • Communicate with training requesters and CTS to understand different agency needs.
  • Tailor training curriculum to meet the needs of each of the agencies requesting training.
  • Utilize course evaluations and student feedback to make improvements and enhancements to training content and delivery.
  • Work with CTS to continue course curriculum and content updates and maintenance.
  • Stay informed of new MN MUTCD requirements and important updates and work with CTS to incorporate into work zone curriculum.

70% Instruction/Training

  • Work with CTS to strategize on class locations, schedule, timing, and materials.
  • Lead, present, and provide work-zone training instruction and establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities. 
  • Use PowerPoint and roadway models to support instruction. 
  • Provide appropriate feedback on student questions and coursework. 
  • Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.

Qualifications

Required 

  • Minimum of five years’ experience in active work zones including selection, installation, maintenance, and removal of temporary traffic control devices.
  • Previous experience instructing, teaching, knowledge transfer and providing technical assistance particularly in traffic control and safety.
  • Previous experience in administering, communicating, and enforcing agency safety procedures.
  • Familiarity with the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MN MUTCD) and the Minnesota Temporary Traffic Control Field Manual 2018.
  • Valid driver’s license.

Preferred 

  • MnDOT Traffic Control Supervisor
  • ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor

How to Apply

Learn more about the position and apply on the U of M jobs website (job ID 365206):

The posting will remain open until filled.

LTAP Training and Technical Instructor

About the Job

Reporting to CTS's Director of Training and Technical Assistance, this position manages, administers, and provides training and technical expertise to local agencies across Minnesota through the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (MnLTAP). MnLTAP is one of 51 centers that receive funding from the Federal Highway Administration to support local transportation agencies in managing and maintaining their roadway systems. Key sponsors and partners for the program are the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) State Aid Division.

Responsibilities for this position include conducting training and providing technical assistance, developing and updating curriculum and training materials for the program, managing part-time training staff and training schedules, and building and maintaining relationships with MnLTAP stakeholders.

The salary range for this position is $60,000–$70,000 annually.

Responsibilities

50% Conduct Training and Provide Technical Assistance

Conduct on-site training and webinars on existing and trending transportation topics. Provide technical assistance as requested by local agencies. Provide presentations at stakeholder events and attend local agency events to build brand recognition for MnLTAP.

  • Coordinate, schedule, and conduct statewide training classes and presentations to local agencies
  • Present information on new technology developed nationally and locally
  • Engage participants through a variety of teaching methods and strategies including asking questions, facilitating group exercises, allowing time for individual conversations and hands-on activities
  • Develop and provide participants with workbooks, handouts, and training materials
  • Conduct course evaluations, collect and report data

25% Develop Curriculum and Training Materials for the Program 

In collaboration with MnLTAP leadership and staff, work with local agencies, stakeholders, and MnDOT State Aid staff to assess program needs, evaluate current program offerings, and identify program delivery strategies. Provide recommendations and work with team members to develop and lead an implementation plan.

  • Research new technology, maintenance standards, materials, equipment, and techniques and best practices used in Minnesota and other states to include in class content
  • Create teaching materials and tools for class exercises and hands-on demonstrations to engage students and enhance the learning experience
  • Develop class outlines, agendas, objectives, and class evaluations
  • Create quizzes and tests to verify knowledge of key concepts
  • Work with team members to evaluate class participation and participant feedback for program revisions and enhancements
  • Ensure the effectiveness of the training program and all its components
  • Write and revise manuals and handbooks
  • Participate in recruiting technical experts and trainers as needed

25% Manage Part-time Training Staff and Provide Program Support 

Manage part time instructor staff to deliver statewide training. Support MnLTAP outreach and communications.

  • Manage field instructor staff, including developing and maintaining a training schedule, monitoring workloads, providing mentoring support, and serving as liaison between field instructors and other MnLTAP staff 
  • Refine and refresh teaching skills and share new knowledge and information with field instructor
  • Participate in MnLTAP committees and other groups as requested
  • Provide input on articles, technical topics and resources for MnLTAP publications and the website

Qualifications

Required 

BA/BS degree with a least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience equal to six years.

Preferred 

Combination of education and experience equal to 10 years. Experience interacting with local transportation agencies and transportation practitioners. Experience developing and updating technical education curriculum.

The successful candidate will also be resilient, curious, nimble, able to maintain and communicate a consistent work schedule, and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

How to Apply

Learn more about the position, U of M benefits, and apply on the U of M jobs website (job ID 364932):

Application review will begin October 14, 2024. 

Work Location

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Center for Transportation Studies endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. This position is designated as eligible for a work Profile 4 (work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site events); the successful candidate will have the option to be office-based or hybrid if fully remote is not preferred. 

Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University, in most cases, expects employees to live in Minnesota. A University-configured laptop and software will be provided, but the successful candidate will need to provide their own reliable high-speed internet connection for a fully remote or partially remote work schedule. CTS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

This position requires the ability to travel within Minnesota and to non-Minnesota domestic destinations. Details regarding work schedule, work location, and other arrangements will be made upon offer of employment and a work schedule will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.