Colorado Department of Transportation

Department Information

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

• New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.

There are two Project Manager I positions to fill from this job announcement, one focused on Front Range Rail and the other on Mountain Rail.

About CDOT

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT for All

CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

Description of Job

About the Work Unit

The Passenger Rail Team sits within the Division of Transit and Rail (DTR) in CDOT’s Office of Innovative Mobility (OIM), which leads efforts to expand multimodal transportation options across Colorado. OIM focuses on four key areas: transit and rail, electrification, mobility services, and mobility technology — all aimed at reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and improving roadway safety.

This is an exciting time to join the Passenger Rail Team as we help lead the implementation of Colorado’s passenger rail system along the mountain rail corridor and in the Front Range. The team is responsible for planning, developing, and integrating passenger rail into the statewide transportation network. This includes service planning, environmental compliance (NEPA), project development, community collaboration, operations, and securing state and federal funding.

A major part of the work involves building strong partnerships with local, regional, and federal stakeholders. Applicants should be excited to collaborate across CDOT, different agencies and sectors, contribute to strategic planning, and play a role in shaping a transformative infrastructure effort.

About the Position

As the Front Range Rail Project Manager or Mountain Rail Project Manager (both classified as Project Manager I), you will play a key role in shaping Colorado’s passenger rail systems — helping to connect communities and economic hubs through safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation.

In this high-impact role, you will lead the day-to-day management of either the Front Range or Mountain Rail project — overseeing scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, and team communications. You’ll serve as the central point of coordination among internal CDOT teams, consultants, government agencies, and community stakeholders to keep projects moving forward and aligned with long-term goals.

Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advance either the Front Range Rail or Mountain Rail project while ensuring quality of deliverables.
• Manage core elements of the project: scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk and team communication.
• Oversee and direct consultant resources; monitor contract performance and deliverables.
• Coordinate with other CDOT teams to determine the amount of funds that are available for project needs.
• Actively track the schedule, budget, and project risks to work together with staff, stakeholders, and the consultant team to keep the project on schedule, on budget and to continually mitigate risk.
• Track project milestones, budgets, and risks; ensure alignment through regular collaboration with staff, stakeholders, and consultants.
• Manage deadlines, assign responsibilities, monitor and summarize progress, and work with CDOT peers to meet federal and/or state regulations.
• Create and review statements of work, work breakdown structures and milestone lists.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and engage CDOT subject matter experts as needed to complete all rail project initiatives on time and in alignment with project objectives.
• Foster a positive and collaborative project environment where cross-functional teams can contribute effectively and creatively.
• Track issues and proactively escalate critical ones for immediate resolution.
• Understand the various federal and state funding sources, track progress, ensure compliance, and manage required reporting efforts.
• Maintain project files for a record of decisions and for compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Work with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), municipalities, specialties, and other stakeholders to ensure their requirements, standards, and/or needs are addressed.
• Conduct regular stakeholder meetings and executive operating committee meetings, setting meeting agendas and ensuring appropriate management and communications approvals are obtained for external presentation material.
• Provide information, education, and guidance to the public and CDOT Communications Office as needed.
• Serve as the project’s primary point of contact for the public, elected officials, and oversight agencies including FRA, FHWA, and local municipalities.
• Track project commitments and decisions that occur throughout the project development process.
• Clearly communicate based on the needs and comprehension level of the audience, provide timely feedback and follow-up, and be able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Provide information, education, and guidance to the public and CDOT Communications Office as needed.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Primarily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm work hours, Monday-Friday with the opportunity for flexible work hours.
• After a training period, you will likely work a hybrid schedule with a combination of in-office and remote work.
• Travel throughout the state required to evaluate and monitor projects and attend meetings with local groups.
• Occasional out of state travel to participate in conferences and peer exchanges.
• Operate in a politically sensitive environment.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

• At least 7 years of full-time professional work experience in project management, business administration, public administration, finance, public policy, city/urban/transportation planning, environmental, civil engineering, communication, or other work related to the major duties of this position which included 3 years of experience with a primary focus on complex project or program management, preferably transit or transportation-related.

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least 7 years.
  • Education from an accredited college or university with coursework in project management, business administration, public administration, finance, public policy, city/urban/transportation planning, environmental, civil engineering, communication, or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.
  • Full-time professional work experience with a primary focus on complex project or program management, preferably transit or transportation-related, will be considered.

Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. “See Resume” statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section.

Preferred Qualifications

The exceptional applicant will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following:

• Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section.
• Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position.
• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity.
• Certification in project management is desirable, but not required.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with transit or rail programs/projects.
• Knowledge and experience in reading and interpreting Federal Transit Administration and Federal Rail Administration policies and state/local laws and regulations relative to planning, development, and clearance of projects.
• Project management experience including managing and developing quality, scope, cost and time.
• Working knowledge of project management tools.
• Experience monitoring and controlling budgets.
• Experience with project tracking and preparing project reports.
• Experience with contract development, management and oversight of third-party consultants.
• Demonstrated success managing change and ability to adapt to changing environments.
• Strong time management skills, including prioritization and multi-tasking ability.
• Self-motivated and able to motivate a team to achieve a common goal.
• Demonstrated success partnering with public and private organizations, special interest groups, elected and appointed officials, in situations that may be politically sensitive.
• Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Familiarity with project management software and fluency with Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Calendar, Meet), MS Office and MS Project.

Supplemental Information

Applicant Checklist

Complete Applications must include the following documents:

1. A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
2. A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
3. A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.
4. A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.
5. If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
6. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Notifications:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email. Immediately after you submit your application you should receive an email that confirms that you successfully submitted an application for this position. If you do not, try submitting again until you receive the confirmation email. Be sure to also check your junk folder for email communications from the State of Colorado's website.

The Hiring Process:

1. All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part, or all, of the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
• Be sure your application materials specifically address your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the Major Duties, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications sections as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion as a qualified candidate in any step of the selection process and placement on the eligible list.

1. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

Transfer, Non-Disciplinary Demotion or Reinstatement

If you believe that you are eligible to be considered as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement to this vacancy, you must submit a completed application following the directions in this job announcement and you will be included in the selection process along with other qualified applicants. If you are the finalist for this position after the selection process, Human Resources will confirm your eligibility to be appointed as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement applicant.

Employment Screening

If an applicant reaches the finalist stage of the hiring process, the Colorado Department of Transportation may procure a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report on the applicant in connection with his/her application for employment purposes, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These reports may be obtained at any time after receipt of the applicant's authorization. As part of the employment screening an applicant will be requested to disclose any deferred judgments and convictions as well as an explanation of the circumstances around any arrest or conviction. In the event that a screening returns information that the applicant believes is not accurate, he or she will have an opportunity to dispute the information with “Info Cubic.”Info Cubic, a consumer reporting agency, will obtain the report for CDOT. Further information regarding Info Cubic, a Division of Orange Tree, including its privacy policy, may be found online at www.InfoCubic.com and www.OrangeTreeScreening.com. Info Cubic is located at 7275 Ohms Lane, Minneapolis, MN 55439. The report may contain information bearing on the applicant's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. The information that may be included in the report includes social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records checks, educational records, and driving records checks. CDOT will only request credit reports insofar as they relate to the position for which the applicant is applying. The information contained in the report will be obtained from private and/or public record sources. The applicant will have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of a notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go tospb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at 303.866.3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1,State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov under Rules.

ADAAA Accommodations

CDOT is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Emily Harp at emily.harp@state.co.us or call 303-757-9738.

Former State Employees

Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.

EHarp (SAP #50139019/PCR #62330 & SAP# 50139020/ PCR #62313)

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

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