Program Manager - Rail-Highway Crossing Program

State of Idaho

Idaho Transportation Department

NOTICE: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho's external career website will cause duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position.

Do you want to make a difference and be part of an award-winning agency, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Idaho through transportation? At the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), every employee is critical to the mission, and we strive to foster an innovative, collaborative workplace where employees can grow and do their best work.

This position's primary purpose will be to manage the Idaho Transportation Department's (ITD) statewide Rail-Highway Crossing Program (RHCP) with an annual program budget of $2.5M. The RHCP consists of 1,334 grade crossings, of which 93% are at-grade crossings on state public roads. The program manager will coordinate with all state transportation agencies (state and local), 11 railroad operating companies, and Idaho Operation Lifesaver for the implementation of rail crossing projects, rail safety education, and RHCP policies and procedures.

The program manager will lead RHCP project selection, planning, design, coordination, and construction of crossings projects. This person coordinates with ITD's internal offices and districts to administer the program, including training and mentoring new staff, field safety reviews, leading the Railroad Operations and Safety Team (ROaST), program funding, invoice payment, ITIP project programming and serve as the ITD representative for the Idaho Operation Lifesaver board. The program manager will coordinate project service agreements with railroad operating companies, state and local owners of public roads; and program policies and procedures updates to ensure the program meets all state, local, federal, and railroad operating company applicable requirements.

Note: This position requires a driver's record check.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Program Management

• Manage and administer the Idaho Transportation Department's Statewide Rail-Highway Crossing program, including project selection, planning, design, coordination, and monitoring project and program performance. This includes coordinating scope of work, coordinating project service agreements with railroad operating companies, state and local owners of public roads.
• Prepare agenda items, reports, and presentations for department leadership and board meetings.
• Develop, negotiate, and administer consultant agreements, planning contracts, and programming documents.
• Represent ITD in meetings with governmental agencies, elected officials, railroads, stakeholders, and the public.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Local Highway Districts, cities, counties, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), railroads, and other public and private partners.

Rail-Highway Crossing Program

• Develop regional and statewide RHCP plans, establishing strategic goals and priorities for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
• Serve as the subject matter expert on RHCP policy development, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate and prioritize RHCP projects, coordinating with review committees to support funding and implementation decisions.
• Administer the Grade Crossing Inventory System (GCIS) and maintain accurate rail crossing data.
• Develop and implement RHCP Performance Management guidelines.
• Establish and maintain the Railroad Operations and Safety Team (ROaST) to promote coordination, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with operating railroads to support planning, safety, project development, and ongoing transportation initiatives.

Budgeting

• Development, modify, and monitor the budget for the RHCP.
• Administer State and Federal RHCP.
• Obligating, deobligating, and transferring funds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in management and leadership skills;
• Experience managing a major program.

Candidates may also qualify through upper division college-level management coursework and experience in a significant leadership role.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong budget management skills;

• Good written/verbal communications skills;

• Good communication and public speaking skills required;

• Good program management and organization skills;

• Knowledge of rail-highway crossing planning, design, and construction;

• Knowledge of rail-highway crossing data collection techniques and a strong ability to evaluate/analyze the data.

To learn more about the department, please visit the ITD website. Make a difference in your community and in the lives of the citizens of Idaho! Contact an ITD Recruiter at: careers@itd.idaho.gov or call 208-334-8664. The Idaho Transportation Department does not sponsor work visas.

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/.

EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.