Description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas Transportation Center (KUTC) is searching for a Part-Time Local Field Liaison to support rural areas in Kansas to develop local road safety plans, identify low-cost improvements, and deliver local road safety training to those counties and communities who may not have the professional services and dedicated funding resources available. This position will play a crucial role in a proactive outreach approach with local agencies, including on-site technical assistance and training in safety and operations. In coordination with KUTC staff and other stakeholders, the Local Field Liaison will assist with the development of local road safety plans and road safety briefs suitable for publication in KUTC newsletters or online to support the Kansas LTAP.

The Local Roads Support Team to the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) has identified the unique nature of local roads that challenges the ability to reduce crashes in the state:

• Local roads are less likely to be built to modern operational and safety standards.
• Local governments, particularly those in rural counties, may have less access to professional services and dedicated funding for safety improvements.
• Different stakeholders are involved in highway safety decision-making in local agencies (such as city or county commissioners).
• There are varying levels of awareness about safety problems and how to address them.

Evidence from other states around the country indicates that reductions in crashes on rural roads can be achieved with a coordinated, proactive outreach approach to local agencies including on-site technical assistance and training in safety and operations.

This position will identify low-cost safety improvements, assist in developing local road safety plans, and deliver local road safety training. They will work with KUTC Communications and Outreach Coordinator to develop a series of road safety briefs suitable for publication in KUTC newsletters or online to support the Kansas LTAP.

The position will coordinate with other road safety activities provided or funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to create added value and avoid duplication of effort.

Due to the nature of this work, the successful candidate will need to reside in Kansas and can expect to travel approximately 6-8 days per month across Kansas.

Job Description

80% - Provide on-site technical assistance to county and city public works agencies through Kansas LTAP:

• Plan and conduct visits to local agencies
• Guide agencies in applying for funding for safety improvements
• Respond to inquiries from local agencies
• Distribute technology transfer materials
• Support the equipment loan program
• Prepare reports for key stakeholders
• Develop and deliver roadway safety training for local agency staff, elected officials, and law enforcement

10% - Collaborate with the KUTC Communications and Outreach Coordinator to create road safety and maintenance briefs, fact sheets, and articles for Kansas LTAP distribution

5% - Represent KUTC with key transportation organizations and stakeholders involved in technology transfer activities

5% - Perform other related duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• This is a primarily remote position.
• The employee must reside in the state of Kansas.
• The position requires regular in-state travel, approximately 6-8 days per month, to various locations across Kansas.

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma and five (5) years of experience working directly for or with local transportation public works agencies.
2. Experience as a trainer for highway safety, local road maintenance, or transportation operations topics as evidenced by application materials.
3. Experience collecting, analyzing, or using transportation data of one or more of the following types: traffic volume and speed data, crash records, roadway geometric data, or other data as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. List of three (3) professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, October 13th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.