Highway Noise Specialist; Senior

Perform value based acoustical engineering sound barrier designs. Plan and perform noise impact studies. Coordinate and resolve complex acoustical engineering issues and manage consultant work orders. Ensure the transportation construction program complies with federal and state noise abatement policy. To provide leadership, environmental expertise and guidance for assigned area(s) of responsibility. Plan, organize and coordinate program responsibilities to include assisting with assessment, training and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations governing assigned programs.

Provide analysis to ensure liabilities potentially incurred by VDOT are minimized through engineering feasibility, cost-benefit, and risk management analyses and decision-making. Communicate policies and procedures related to program areas and coordinate with applicable parties. Provide guidance, training, direction and assistance to internal and external customers.

• Acoustical engineering design of sound barriers:
  Perform noise impact studies for transportation projects using approved noise prediction models, engineering design standards, technologies and acoustical engineering principles to meet established road design schedules. Integrate road design plans, traffic and other critical inputs into the federally approved noise modeling software using Micro Station, CADD, GIS and other engineering design software to perform noise studies and design acoustical engineering plans for sound walls.
  
  Review and modify noise barrier walls for compliance with standards and specifications. Obtain final design approval through Noise Abatement Committee and Chief Engineer. Participate in Noise Program QAQC engineering plan review process by checking designs, making own design available for review and checking engineering shop. Review consultant scopes of work, cost estimates and perform technical accuracy reviews.
• Communication:
  Represent VDOT in interactions with public, federal, state and local agencies to fulfill program commitments. Attend public hearings, citizen informational meetings, field inspections, citizen informational meetings and provide technical guidance to districts, as needed. Clearly communicate regulations related to assigned program area(s), policies, and science. Provide expert testimony and assistance to the attorney general related to litigation of transportation projects.
  
  Prepare technical briefings and position papers on complex, sensitive issues and provide expert advice on assigned program area designs that may have significant implications.
• Coordinate with others:
  Coordinate with section staff, districts and other VDOT stakeholders on the review of consultant contracts, noise studies and abatement designs to facilitate projects meeting on-time, on-budget goals. Scope Noise Type I projects and provide cost estimates and barrier candidate locations to districts through proper use of IMP, CEDAR, email and other electronic technologies to communicate and document project status. Critically review consultant scope of work;
  
  disseminate planning data and VDOT noise guidance and coordinate consultant activities to ensure timely deliverables. Review technical reports and acoustical engineering designs for accuracy and compliance to federal and state noise policy and internal QAQC procedures.
• Program Assessment and Guidance:
  Provide guidance, support, and assistance for assigned program area(s) and communicate with appropriate stakeholders. Determine process improvements and policy changes or impacts, update the appropriate documentation and communicate changes. Monitor compliance to determine areas of improvement needed.
• Programmatic Goals:
  Assist in development of guidance to support districts across the agency. Partner with local resources to determine best protocols and programs to utilize and interface with additional subject-matter experts as needed.
• Training and Technical Expertise:
  Serve as technical expert for assigned program area(s). Prepare and conduct periodic training. Communicate information and updates to policies and procedures to all applicable stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Training:
  Participate in program planning, training and technology transfer activities. Participate, plan and develop training for assigned programs, including providing technical guidance and training. Use engineering knowledge, project management training, Value Engineering and other training to…