Visiting Research Associate II, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

 Visiting Research Associate II

The Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), College of Applied Health Sciences is seeking full time Visiting Research Associate II candidates for the Crowd+AI Tools to Map, Analyze, and Visualize Sidewalk Accessibility for Inclusive Cities Project.

 

The Crowd+AI Tools to Map, Analyze, and Visualize Sidewalk Accessibility for Inclusive Cities Project is a Smart and Connected Cities grant funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This 4-year study will develop and evaluate sidewalk data collection and assessment techniques that combine crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence (crowd+AI) methods to improve scalability, reliability, and better support diverse stakeholder needs. The research associate will be involved in implementing participatory design workshops, mobility travel studies, crowd+AI tool deployment, service learning, and evaluation of sidewalk accessibility visualizations in the Chicago region.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the principal investigator, research team members, and community partners to plan research activities.
• Communicate with community partners and regional stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities.
• Coordinate participant recruitment, intervention implementation, and follow-up activities.
• Prepare materials for IRB, presentation and publications pertaining to our research findings and best practices.
• Help formulate and conduct research activities, including implementing participatory design workshops, mobility travel studies, crowd+AI tool deployment, service learning, and evaluation of sidewalk accessibility visualizations.
• Contribute to design and implementation of evaluations and data collection protocol, including data tracking system and data management.
• Write advanced, comprehensive reports; assist in writing manuscripts, grant proposals, and abstracts to share research findings; contribute content, prepare results, and assist in the write-up of research findings for publication (papers, presentations, grants, etc.)
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepare online annual performance report for NSF.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field required.
• A minimum of one-year related research experience.
• Knowledge of research concepts, practices and procedures.
• Background in urban planning, public administration, disability studies, or related field preferred

 

Interested applicants for the full-time position must apply by November 29, 2021 online here:

https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=155676

Hazard Mitigation Planner (FEMA), Michael Baker International

 DESCRIPTION

Michael Baker International is seeking someone to join our team with experience in the National Flood Insurance Program, hazard mitigation and local community planning who can provide support for our Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) client.  This is an exciting opportunity to work with a national network of risk communications, community outreach, partnership building, hazard mitigation, and engineering experts to tackle multiple hazards.

 

Responsibilities include: 

• Providing planning technical assistance to drive engagement, integrate hazard mitigation into community growth decisions, and support plan implementation.
• Working closely with federal, state and local governments to promote the implementation of hazard mitigation actions that reduce vulnerability to flood and other natural hazards. 
• Writing and review hazard mitigation plans to determine mitigation planning technical assistance and training needs, as well as conduct activities that promote the implementation of mitigation actions.
• Conducting mitigation planning training (in person and via webinar) to state, tribal and local governments. Conduct presentations and support meetings involving external stakeholders.
• Providing planning and community engagement support in a variety of community meetings where multi-hazard mapping products and risk assessment tools are updated to accurately show multi-hazard risk based on existing and future development.  
• Collaborating with internal team members and clients to establish program vision, goals, and implementation strategies.
• Assisting with the development of scopes of work for projects, including project descriptions, budgets, and schedules.
• Providing input to National hazard mitigation projects in coordination with other Michael Baker staff.
• Providing support to special projects.
• Moderate travel required in non-pandemic situations. Michael Baker International follows all local public health precautions.

 

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Four-year degree in Planning, Engineering, Public Policy, Emergency Management, or related discipline. 
• 3+ years of related experience. 
• Experience with FEMA hazard mitigation programs, like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) and other components of Risk MAP, FEMA's mapping program. 
• Experience with preparation of and/or review of FEMA Multi-Hazard Mitigation plans
• Experience building and sustaining partnerships.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) desired but not mandatory.
• Experience with meeting planning and public presentation.
• Experience in hazard resiliency, climate change and floodplain management. 
• Knowledge of hazard mitigation actions that reduce flood risk in communities.
• Experience with grant management/development and benefit-cost analysis.
• Levee experience preferred.

Apply here.

Planning and Zoning Administrator, City of Princeton, Illinois

 

Planning & Zoning Administrator

Department:​Administration

Reports To:​City Manager

 

Job Summary: 

Performs a high level of administrative and professional work to assist the city with planning and zoning related responsibilities. This position is responsible for professional, administrative and technical work that includes, but is not limited to, enforcement of City codes, zoning administration, planning review and special project management. Provides strong leadership as it relates to the community’s growth and development long-term planning.  

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Initiates and carries out complex comprehensive planning studies related to planning, economic development, transportation, land use, environmental issues, performs research, collects and analyzes data, utilizing forecasting techniques when necessary, provides technical and professional recommendations in solving present and future development issues or problems, answers inquiries related to land development and other special planning projects. 

• Works in partnership with the City Manager in the overall management of City’s planning and zoning administration.

• Coordinates building inspection needs and schedules with City Building Inspector.    

• Responsible for interpretation, administration and enforcement of the City's Zoning Code; develops amendments to the existing Code and/or develops new ordinances to achieve the policy direction of the City Council.

• Prepares staff reports and exhibits for Committees, Plan Commission and City Council reviews.

• Coordinates and facilitates Plan Commission meetings and public hearings.

• Serves as Staff Liaison to the Plan Commission.

• Responds to public zoning and development inquiries.

• Assists in explaining, interpreting and providing guidance, regarding all applicable 

development codes to petitioners, architects, engineers, contractors, developers and other interested parties.

• Assists with the enforcement of City Codes.

• Manages the new tree inventory program and oversees the GIS tree management database, in coordination with the City’s Tree Commission.

• Oversees the annual update of the City's Zoning Map.

• Manages the City’s GIS mapping program. 

• Coordinates landscape plan reviews and one-year follow-up reviews.

• Reviews and issues building permits for Zoning Code compliance.

• Reviews and issues signage permits to ensure compliance with City standards and codes.

• Attends public meetings, as required, and delivers presentations to the City Council, Plan Commission, Committees, community groups and the general public.

• Drafts ordinances, resolutions and agreements for review by the City Manager and/or the City Attorney.

• Oversees new annexations and annexation agreements within the City.

• Reviews and issues liquor licenses.

• Demonstrates continued efforts to improve operations, decrease turnaround times and streamline work process.

• Works cooperatively and jointly with others to provide quality seamless customer service and coordinates work with other City departments.

• Performs related work as required.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of up-to-date practices in all social media platforms ensuring maximum effectiveness. 

• Experience in graphic design and site planning.  

• Creative/innovative skills sufficient to assist in public engagement.  

• Ability to accurately proofread and edit documents for correct grammar, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, tone and content. 

• Ability to receive constructive feedback and incorporate necessary changes. 

• Displays independent initiative. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Ability to use and expand GIS. 

• Ability to research and recommend innovative planning practices and design concepts. 

 

Physical Abilities: 

• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to file materials

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard

• Ability and eligibility to drive a motor vehicle​​​

 

Minimum Requirements:   

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field.

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, or community development.

• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and technology.

• Other equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

 

Preferred Requirements: 

• Master's degree in Urban Planning. 

• AICP certification.

• Substantial local government experience at the municipal or county level.

 

Salary range is $55,000 to $75,000, depending upon qualifications. Excellent benefits package.  Residency is not required. 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to twittenauer@princeton-il.com by Friday, December 17, 2021.

 

 

The city is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Manager, Grant Applications, Metra

Salary Range:

 $72,658.00 - $108,987.00

Description

 

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Grant Management is divided into four sections: Development, Administration, Reimbursement and Accounting. Grant Development coordinates program-level information for each project and submits applications for capital, operating and demonstration grants to appropriate funding agencies. Grant Administration tracks approved grant contracts, provides financial oversight and reports project progress to the funding agencies. Grant Reimbursement requests reimbursements from funding agencies for capital expenditures, closes out capital project grants and provides information for audits and funding agency reviews. Grant Accounting develops and maintains records and reports related to fixed assets, depreciation, funding agency equity and capital grant receivables, and reconciles reimbursements with capital expenditures, fixed assets and other general ledger accounts.

Reporting to the Director, Grant Administration, the Manager, Grant Applications will directly supervise the Grant Development team responsible for the preparation and submission of  local, state, and federal grant applications; manage the review and editing of grant agreements and amendments, preparation of progress and statistical reports; and ensure compliance with all agency and government rules, regulations, and standards related to grant awards for transit agencies.

The Primary Duties include: 

• Manage an assigned team of analysts responsible for identifying program needs; researching, collaborating, preparing, and submitting the agency's grant applications for state and federal funds; balance workload needs with available resources to support capital projects. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, guidance documents, and planning efforts; participate in funding agency reviews and audits; and prepare and respond to federal and state audit findings and requirements. 
• Review grant applications for completeness, accuracy, and to ensure they meet award requirements; prepared correspondence, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to funding agencies; and ensure applications are submitted to appropriate funding agencies.  
• Evaluate documents related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses and historic preservation; assure the appropriate information needed by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) to develop environmental findings for capital project funding is compiled and transmitted timely; and keep abreast of funding changes related to environmental requirements. 
• Track and monitor the agency's position in funding apportionments and allocations for use in current and future grant applications; and provide ongoing interaction with, and an additional level of technical assistance to, stakeholders. 
• Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. 
• Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. 
• Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

 

Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

 

Requirements

 

1. Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance,  Transportation Planning, Urban Planning OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in grant development, administration, or implementation.
2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of experience in capital program development, grant development, or federal grant administration.
3. Must have three (3) years of supervisory experience.
4. Knowledge of state and federal grants administration duties, practices and techniques.
5. Knowledge of capital program, grant development, and implementation processes
6. Knowledge of grant-related statutes and regulations (e.g. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Title 40 CFR § 1508.1 NEPA Review Process, the FTA Circular 5010.1E Award Management Requirements and 9030.1E Urbanized Area Formula Program).
7. Knowledge of financial accounting systems such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
8. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint).
9. Excellent interpersonal skills with effective written and verbal communication skills;
10. Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and explain the significance of various aspects of grant application processes.
11. Ability to think critically to solve problems, multi-task, set priorities, and meet strict deadlines to keep multiple projects on track.
12. Ability to interpret, apply, and project possibilities and alternatives to various situations and potential services as presented by grant-related regulations.
13. Ability to identify and resolve problems of moderate complexity and determine the impact of laws and regulations; and manage conflict.
14. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
15. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
16. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

 

Preferences:

1. A Master's degree.
2. Capital program development, grant development, or federal grant administration experience in the railroad or transportation industry.

 Apply here.

Graduation and Resource Coordinator, Chicago Public Schools

About the job

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 350,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Student Supports and Engagement (OSSE) provides comprehensive supports to help students become more connected to and engaged in school. We provide re-engagement services for out-of-school youth; resources to eliminate barriers for students in temporary living situations; attendance and truancy guidance for families, schools, and networks; and extended learning opportunities to enhance all students’ core academic experience while engaging parents and community members in school-led activities.

The Graduation and Resource Coordinator will play a key role in developing systems of support for students re-entering school, progressing toward graduation from high school and preparing for post-secondary success. This position will work closely with the high school network transition specialists to monitor re-entry intervention and transition plans. This will include reviewing and responding to engagement, transfer, drop out and off-track data for key groups including students enrolled in Student Outreach and Re-Engagement (SOAR), Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) and Juvenile Justice Reentry programs. Additionally, the Graduation and Resource Coordinator will be responsible for designing templates and monitoring tools for graduation and transition plans appropriate for the challenges, interests and profiles of dis-engaged and under-engaged students. The Graduation and Resource Coordinator will work closely with teams managing key Office of Student Support and Engagement (OSSE) initiatives, including re-engagement for disconnected youth. This position will work with key stakeholders, including principals and school leaders, parents, students, vendors, and community-based organizations, and will report to the Program Manager, Student Support & Engagement.

The Graduation and Resource Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

·         Develop resources and establish an information clearinghouse pertaining to post-secondary planning and options for OSSE team, students, families, and school staff

·         Collaborate with external stakeholders, including post-secondary partner organizations and community-based program providers

·         Manage vendor relations for centralized school-based engagement supports

·         Maintain a comprehensive list of program partners and their associated services for reference by schools and other CPS stakeholders

·         Develop graduation and transition guidance for schools in alignment with CPS graduation standards; work with network teams to deliver appropriate training to counselors on graduation plans for re-engaged youth

·         Work with the Office of Student Counseling and Postsecondary Advising (OSCPA) as well as the Office of Equity to ensure alignment with graduation planning, school-based interventions, and other best practices

·         Regularly engage with OSSE team members to ensure consistency across workstreams as they relate to graduation and transition planning

·         Oversee OSSE compliance with graduation action planning, case management practices and mandates

·         Report on OSSE graduation planning outcomes and continuously improve the OSSE case management and post-reengagement monitoring and supports strategy

·         Provide reports as requested to internal and external project stakeholders including, but not limited to, CPS Leadership, the Mayor’s Office, various Community Based Organizations

·         Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Graduation and Resource Coordinator must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required

·         Bachelor’s Degree in School Counseling, Education, or related field from an accredited college or university

·         Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required

·         Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a position responsible for coordinating or managing complex projects, including the following, is required:

·         Experience working with Community Based Organizations, City Colleges, or other education or youth development organizations serving youth in Chicago

·         Experience developing training strategies across a broad range of stakeholders

·         Experience working with CPS central office and school stakeholders preferred

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

·         Strong knowledge of high school graduation requirements, vocational education, and post-secondary pathways

·         Able to proactively and expertly manage simultaneous workstreams and set appropriate priorities when faced with multiple important tasks

·         Ability to navigate ambiguity and independently solve problems

·         Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; capable of collaborating with individuals at all levels of CPS staff and leadership

·         Self-starter with the ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve project goals

·         Competency in data collection and analysis

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

·         Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.

·         Be Fully Vaccinated or Submit to Weekly COVID-19 Testing - Employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of their hire date. Full vaccination is defined as at least two weeks after your second shot of a two-shot vaccination course, or at least two weeks after a one-shot vaccination course. Unvaccinated staff must submit to weekly testing.

Apply here.

Fiscal Analyst (Two Positions), Minnesota House of Representatives

The Fiscal Analysis Department of the Minnesota House of Representatives is seeking applicants for two Fiscal Analyst positions. We are a non-partisan office responsible for providing quantitative and policy analysis services for the House finance committees and all House members. For more information, see the Department�s website at: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/fiscal/fahome.htm.

Fiscal Analysts review, appraise, and evaluate budget proposals for state government programs and agencies. Additional responsibilities include: (1) budget development and oversight; (2) spending and revenue projections for budget proposals; (3) tracking fiscal information; (4) staff support for finance committees; and (5) fiscal and policy publications. Applicants should be experienced in budget processes, fiscal management practices, and policy development.

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Additionally, candidates must have experience with spreadsheets, strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to convey complex information to people from diverse backgrounds. An ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

- A Master�s Degree in Public Policy or Administration, or other advanced training.

- Knowledge in basic statistics, quantitative research and analysis, and program evaluation.

- Familiarity with the legislative process.

- Experience with state government finance and policy issues.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits. Salary commensurate with relevant experience. To ensure consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume by Friday, November 12, 2021, to:

Emily Adriaens
Chief Fiscal Analyst
Minnesota House of Representatives
155 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
Telephone: 651-296-4178
Email: emily.adriaens@house.mn

  

For more information and to apply, see posting here: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/has/posting.asp?postingid=337

Extra Help - Events Coordinator - Alumni Association in the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Description:

Reporting to the Director of Alumni Engagement, the Events Coordinator must be an energetic, positive, articulate self-starter who will provide administrative and special event support (physical and virtual) with a high level of confidentiality. Must be able to work independently, comfortably multi-task on a wide variety of projects, possess a keen eye for detail, be able to collaborate with colleagues and follow through with minimal supervision. The UIC Alumni Association is a function of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement.  

 

Duties:

• assists with planning, coordinating, and facilitating of logistics for events;
• meets with clients in advance of event and assist in determining event needs;
• coordinates overall ticket sales, premium seating, box office operations for the unit, including preparing reports and reconciling box office receipts with tickets sold and unsold;
• plans and coordinates traffic control and parking operations for the unit; implements crowd control responsibilities; plans and coordinates event emergency plan;
• coordinates the concession operations, including menu selection, ordering and inventory of product, health code compliance, and reconciliation of receipts;
• coordinates purchases of services and supplies for events; contacts vendors, negotiates pricing, obtains quotes, and initiates the purchase order procedure;
• coordinates facility arrangements for events, including securing venue, coordinating the processing of rental agreements, and working with on-site venue staff to determine set-up;
• assists with troubleshooting and resolving guest/client/event issues and concerns;
• coordinates event operations regarding the established budget;
• assists in hiring, training, and supervision of event workforce;
• performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. High School graduation or equivalent.
2. Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
   1. Professional work experience in event coordination.
   2. College course work in any discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
      • 60 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
      • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)

Apply here: https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=156060