Applied Research Coordinator 2026-02341

Applied Research Coordinator 2026-02341

Salary

$35.12 - $39.02 Hourly

Location

Cheyenne, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-02341

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

Department of Transportation

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Determined by Position

Job Classification

BAGC09

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

WYDOT's Innovation, Research, and Asset Performance (IRAP) Program is seeking a driven professional to serve as our Applied Research Coordinator. In this role, you'll oversee the entire lifecycle of WYDOTs research initiatives from idea to implementation. This unique opportunity will allow you to use your talent and passion to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world transportation improvements. This position serves as chairperson of WYDOT's Research Advisory Committee (RAC), working closely with university researchers and WYDOT project champions to deliver high value transportation research outcomes. Key responsibilities of this position include evaluating incoming project proposals, administering contracts, ensuring timely project delivery, and monitoring WYDOT's annual research budget. Most importantly, though, this role has the opportunity to translate theoretical research into tangible, real-world value by ensuring research results are implemented. Collaborate with IRAP staff and WYDOT program managers to define, execute, and measure specific implementation strategies for all conducted research. Join us, and help execute a vision that transforms innovative research into a smarter, safer, and more efficient transportation system for Wyoming.

Cheyenne is a steadily growing community along the Front Range but still true to the history of the Old West. The city offers nearby mountain biking, skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Wyoming is one of only nine states with no state income tax.

This position offers:

$2,000 Hiring Bonus See notes for eligibility

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future

• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: 307-777-4356

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Organizes and leads biannual meetings of the WYDOT Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and serve as chairperson
• Reviews incoming research proposals and problem statements, integrate feedback from Program Managers, and conducts comprehensive literature searches to verify research originality
• Works with researchers to establish project milestones and schedules and monitors progress
• Provides quality control review of draft research project reports to ensure technical accuracy, proper formatting, and actionable recommendations
• Monitors and tracks the implementation of research project results and develops simple metrics to measure savings to the Department from implemented research culminating in the publication of an annual research implementation report
• Focuses on implementing critical research to maximize the benefit to WYDOT
• Collaborates with IRAP and Agency Services staff to provide implementation support to ensure research results are put into practice
• Monitors the research program annual budget, tracks active project costs, forecasts future expenditures, and evaluates fee proposals and changes orders for approval
• Represents the Program/Department at regional and national transportation research groups, including TRB, NCHRP, and AASHTO and network with other state DOTs to foster cross-state collaboration
• Encourages internal innovation at WYDOT by supporting in-house research studies, product evaluations, and experimental training activities
• Researches emerging trends and identifies new opportunities in the transportation sector
• Collaborates with WYDOT internal programs and build relationships with outside entities, including research institutions and vendors
• Coordinates with WYDOT programs on responses to nationwide studies to ensure the Department provides accurate and timely input
• Initiates and drafts research contracts and amendments, coordinating with the WYDOT Grants and Contracts Policy Program and the Attorney General's office for final approval

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

• Preference may be given to candidates with a proven ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across all levels of the Department, the public, and key stakeholder groups.
• Regular, in-person interaction with the IRAP team is a requirement for this position; however, a hybrid remote schedule may be negotiated for highly qualified candidates living outside of Cheyenne.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Skill in effective communication across varied groups and individuals and with proficiency in technical writing
• A positive, team-oriented mindset with a proven ability to develop strong professional relationships
• Knowledge of basic contract administration and financial management principles
• Highly organized with the self-motivation to manage multiple priorities
• Project management expertise necessary to oversee multiple simultaneous projects, track milestones, and ensure timely deliverables
• Ability to facilitate and lead formal technical meetings
• Proficiency with everyday office tools (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace), and basic database reporting

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Business)

Experience:

0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in Business) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Grants and Contracts Administration Specialist II

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Business) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Grants and Contracts Administration Specialist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasional overnight travel may be required.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt

• E-Verify: WYDOT uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

• The Wyoming Department of Transportation is a Drug-Free Workplace.

• Qualifying eligibility and criteria for the hiring bonus

• Acceptance of a permanent, full-time position posted for public recruitment

• Temporary employees accepting a full-time position

• Current employees accepting a promotional opportunity - recruitment must have been opened to the public

• One year of service to WYDOT must be completed, failure to complete this requirement will forfeit the hiring incentive, and funds will be recouped from final pay.

• Internal candidates would be required to remain in the position for a minimum of one (1) year from their promotion date.

• Employees would only be eligible for one (1) hiring bonus in a 12-month period.

• If the employee elects to downgrade through an active recruitment and/or appointment during the twelve (12) month period, they would be required to pay the bonus back.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 9 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(BAGC09) Which of the following best describes your work experience in Business? Experience definition: (This experience includes, but may not be limited to, the following: professional business with federal/state grants administration, or other similar experience.)

• No relevant experience.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) to less than four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

06

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

07

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

08

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: Per Wyoming Statute, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for Veterans Preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive Veterans Preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. * I have read and understand the Veterans Preference Disclosure and understand that, if claiming Veterans Preference, I must attach the appropriate supporting documentation to each application I submit in order to receive Veterans Preference.

• Yes, I have read and understand the Veterans Preference Disclosure.
• No, I am not claiming Veterans Preference

09

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

10

(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm