Utility Permitting and Relocation Program Manager

About the Work Unit

This work unit exists to assure conformity with applicable Safety and Traffic Engineering related laws and regulations, promote statewide uniformity of practice, and establish and maintain policy and procedure.  Provide technical assistance and training, furnish essential project and program delivery and support, perform field studies, and disseminate information in the Department’s Project Development Services. 

The Program Manager position evaluates statewide utility permitting and relocation situations and Utility Accommodation Code (UAC) interpretations.  The UAC, other state laws, and case law, and collaborates with the Office of the Attorney General if necessary, to determine courses of action for the CDOT Regions. This position will develop policy and procedure regarding the Utility Accommodation Code (UAC), utility coordination, utility plan review, utility ownership research, utility cost estimates, utility planning, as well as negotiate, compose, and process contracts, and partner with utility companies around the state. 

This position develops policies, recommendations, procedures, forms, and other materials to direct the regional utility units and assure conformity with applicable utility-related laws and regulations while promoting statewide uniformity of practice.  The Program Manager will serve as the Statewide Subject Matter Expert in the area of utility permitting and relocation projects and agreements, and represents Headquarters as well as the regional utility units at various CDOT management level meetings.  This position will also assist with the Railway-Highway Crossing (Section 130) Program by setting up projects in SAP; developing and determining project selection; performing program budget actions; coordinating project development; negotiating, composing, and processing contracts; and partnering with railroads, CDOT Regions, and state and local agencies.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide statewide expertise, guidance, training, research, and assistance to CDOT regional utility units and other stakeholders for the utilities permitting program;

• Serve as the statewide subject matter expert and single point of contact for Regional Permit Managers, ensuring utility company compliance with CDOT’s Utility Accommodation Code (UAC), state, federal, and local agency requirements; 

• Provide statewide expertise / guidance, training, research and assistance to regional staff on appropriate permitting process terms and conditions, as well as Salesforce software updates and programming changes;

• Determine and update all Salesforce exhibits, including environmental and as-built requirements;

• Identify and address instances where utility accommodations do not comply with the UAC or other state and federal requirements, directing both regional and ITS staff accordingly; 

• Lead the UAC rule-making process, including implementation policies and guidelines.

• Provide statewide expertise, guidance, training, research, and assistance to CDOT regional utility units and other stakeholders for utility relocation projects and agreements;

• Serve as the statewide subject matter expert and single point of contact for CDOT, engaging with utility companies, state, federal, and local agencies, as well as consultants, regarding utility work within CDOT rights-of-way;

• Implement policies and guidelines for regional staff in project selection planning and coordination, and support them with funding actions; 

• Coordinate and ensure timely and appropriate authorizations, approvals, and project clearances to advance individual projects and program goals;

• Confirm that utility accommodations adhere to the utility accommodation code and all applicable state and federal regulations;

• Negotiate relocation agreements for critical infrastructure facilities, draft budgets, manage utility relocation agreements for construction projects, and ensure their consistency;

• Prioritize and schedule project tasks, setting deadlines for project delivery and disseminating information to regional teams;

• Monitor agreement progress via PMWeb and track associated funding through the SAP system;

• Develop policies and procedures governing utility relocation agreements.

• Support the Railroad Program Manager for Section 130 project contracts and other CDOT transportation projects that involve work on or near railroad property, and/or work by railroad forces;

• Coordinate the agreements of these projects with railroad companies and local agencies

• Coordinate with Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and ensure appropriate and timely authorizations, approvals, and project clearances as needed to advance individual projects and program goals;

• Participate in field diagnostic reviews in determining scope of work for project location; 

• Coordinate with CDOT Maintenance to prioritize railroad crossings on state highways for maintenance repair list projects;

• Set work priorities, schedules, and deadlines for project delivery and share information with the Region;

• Establish and implement guidelines for Regional Utility Engineering Program Managers to ascertain utility ownership and pre-existing easement rights;

• Conduct thorough research to identify potential utility conflicts before commencing construction;

• Confirm facility ownership to facilitate the coordination of construction-related utility relocations;

• Develop and implement CDOT's railroad and utilities training programs, encompassing leadership for the Transportation Core Curriculum (TCC), Build America Buy America Act (BABA) requirements, and the Transportation Engineering Training Program (TETP).;

• Develop training materials and deliver both online and in-person classroom instruction;

• Contribute to the implementation of the Transportation Core Curriculum training certification program and ensure regular updates to training materials align with national and state standards;

• Develop and deliver training programs on utility coordination and conflict management. This training will educate designers and regional utility coordinators on the significance of ASCE 38 standards;

• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Primarily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM work hours, Monday-Friday with the opportunity for a flexible schedule
• Position will be based in Denver and will be regularly working from the CDOT Headquarters building
• Travel to project sites, meetings, and training across the State

Experience Only: 
Must total 9 years and include the following:

• 4 years of experience in accounting, business, public administration, computer science, engineering, management, project management another area closely related to the major job duties
• AND at least five years of professional work experience with utilities or railroad related-projects to include some or all of the following:
  • developing strategic plans, goals and objectives
  • preparing and administering budgets
  • developing polices, procedures and/or guidelines
  • negotiating contracts 
  • developing and delivering training
    
    

Combination of Education and Experience: 
A combination of education and experience that totals at least 9 years

• Education from an accredited college or university in accounting, business administration, public administration, computer science, engineering, management, project management or another field of study closely related to the job duties will be considered.
• Full-time professional work experience with utilities or railroad related-projects to include some or all of the following:
  • developing strategic plans, goals and objectives
  • preparing and administering budgets
  • developing polices, procedures and/or guidelines
  • negotiating contracts
  • developing and delivering training

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.

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.

• A current valid driver's license is required for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;
• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity;
• Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;
• Experience with utility relocation project sand agreements;
• Experience working with private businesses, local agencies, utility and railroad companies, as well as the general public;
• Leadership and vision across multidisciplinary groups;
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and projects in a demanding environment;
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and projects in a demanding environment;
• Strong time and project management skills, including prioritization and multi-tasking ability;
• Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner;
• Ability to partner with professionals, consultants, and staff, with sensitivity to their needs and priorities;
• Interpersonal and relationship building skills;
• Excellent reasoning, analytical, and problem solving ability;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;
• Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy;
• Ability to work effectively in both independent and team situations;
• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity;
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access), Gmail, SAP, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

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 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.

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.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Discrimination and/or harassment against any person is prohibited because of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity or any other protected class recognized under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). This applies to all employment decisions.

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 Angelita Sims atangelita.sims@state.co.usor call 303.757.9225.

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.

AS (SAP #50004934/PCR #61047)

Salary : $102,960 - $120,000