JOB SUMMARY 

The recently established University of Connecticut Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Program (UConn TCTAC) is competitively recruiting a talented Assistant Research Professor to manage the day-to-day activities in the areas of Energy Justice, Environment, & Transportation. UConn TCTAC supports New England as part of a nationwide USEPA program that provides free-of-charge assistance to communities, states, tribes, and other underrepresented groups to navigate Environmental Quality, Energy Justice, Climate Adaptation, and Environmental health challenges through federal grant application systems. The center will offer services such as grant writing support, identification of potential funding resources, data collection assistance, document review, technical consultations, and other targeted assistance aimed at removing barriers to improve accessibility to opportunities for communities with environmental justice concerns. 

The TCTAC is located at the Connecticut Transportation Institute (CTI) which is also comprised of three research centers, the Technical Assistance and Training Center, The Connecticut Advanced Pavement Laboratory, and the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center. CTI was established at the University of Connecticut in 1974 and operates within the College of Engineering. CTI’s mission is to conduct integrated multidisciplinary research, education, and related services that promote safety and efficiency in multi-modal passenger and freight transportation systems and, in turn, enhance livable communities, sustainable economies, and the environment. CTI brings together a critical mass of transportation faculty and research talent at the University of Connecticut, the top public research institution in New England.  

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator of TCTAC, the individual selected for this position will supervise the UConn TCTAC staff and student interns to help accomplish the mission of the UConn TCTAC program. 

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

As part of the UConn TCTAC team, the selected Candidate will primarily 1) oversee the project goals and objectives and 2) supervise the UConn TCTAC staff. Role and responsibilities include: 

• Build and support a team that effectively collaborates with the EPA, New England states, and all stakeholders in achieving their goals.  
• Develops tasks and delegates work to team members, then tracks progress on those tasks. 
• Manage day-to-day staff activities and grant deliverables.  
• Establish and maintain processes for managing scope during the project, setting quality and performance standards, and assessing risks. 
• Develop and maintain partnerships with subcontractors, and third-party resources, including vendors and researchers. 
• Draft reports on project progress and outcomes and/or risks to the appropriate management channels and escalate issues, as necessary, according to the project work plan. 
• Assess the needs of the UConn TCTAC program and lead efforts to identify, develop, and implement improvements to the overall program. 
• Develops and seeks EPA approval related to organizational, programmatic, planning, and other tasks and activities of the UConn TCTAC Program. 
• Perform other project management-related work as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Ph.D. in engineering, environmental sciences, land use planning, business administration, public policy, or a field related to equity, environment, or engineering.  
2. Strong attention to deadlines and budgetary guidelines. 
3. At least four years of project management experience.  
4. Proven success working with all levels of management and staff. 
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
6. Excellent presentation and skills. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience leading and working as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and environmental professionals on the environmental and social impact assessment of engineering projects including transportation, energy, urban development, and related areas.  
2. Ability to collaborate with constituents at other higher educational workplaces to ensure best practices are established. 
3. Familiarity with energy and transportation regulations in multiple New England states and the Federal government.
4. Experience in developing/utilizing web technologies, software platforms, and project-tracking software. 
5. Professional certification such as PMP or PRINCE2.
6. Experience in coaching project team members to strengthen their abilities and skill sets. 
7. Experience with leading public meetings, community engagement, and collaboration. 
8. Experience in the solicitation and procurement of professional engineering, environmental services, and construction contracting. 
9. Experience securing and/or administering EPA or other state and federal grants. 
10. Working knowledge of other languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, or Chinese (Including Mandarin, and Cantonese).  

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a grant-funded, 11-month position that does not lead to permanent academic tenure. This position at the University of Connecticut is established with a term of one year, subject to renewal based on performance and available funding. The main work location will be the UConn campus in Storrs, Connecticut; hybrid work may be considered in accordance with the University's Alternate Work Arrangements policy and authorization. Occasional day and overnight travel to locations around New England will be required. Attendance at multi-day training and professional conferences within New England or elsewhere in the U.S. will be required.   

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including spouse and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Annual Salary for this position is expected to be between $95K and $110K and will be commensurate with the level of experience of the successful candidate.  

For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498672 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is selected. Inquiries about the position should be directed to: Dr. Davis Chacon-Hurtado (davis.chacon-hurtado@uconn.edu) and Dr. Diego Cerrai (diego.cerrai@uconn.edu).

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on November 30, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.