Economics Research Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

• Planning & Project Management: Serve as a resource for proposal development and research process. Ensure milestones, deliverables, and implementation strategies, are established accurately. Assist supervisor in the development of strategic planning and resource utilization.  You will participate in providing project reviews in accordance with the Agency’s established performance standards. Ensure that all plans reflect the scope of services, existing field conditions, appropriate design standards, and sound engineering judgment.  
• Program Management: Coordinate programs and plans for the division/department; interpret laws, regulations, and guidelines within area of assignment; review program plans for completeness, economic and technical feasibility.  
• Design and Research: Assist in the development of programs, research development & technology plans (road maps) to improve product quality. Review research proposals and report to ensure their accuracy, effectiveness, and potential for implementation.  
• Inspection: Organize, conduct, and review engineering investigations, field observations, which have a defined scope. 
• Technical & Data Analysis: Assist in analyzing engineering data and developing technical guidelines, technology initiatives, training course materials and other technical documents. 
• Testing: Assist in laboratory testing with “research grade equipment” related to materials/bridge/traffic research 
• Quality Control: Participate in Quality Control / Quality Assurance programs to ensure policy and best practices are actively deployed, analyze field data, and review plans for conformance to design criteria.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• A registered Professional Engineers license in Indiana is required; exceptions may be considered for candidates holding an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification who are actively pursuing PE licensure in Indiana, provided they are applying for a lower-level classification.
• Must have a valid Driver's License. 
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply civil engineering theories, principles, methods, and procedures to the engineering specialty. 
• Broad knowledge of planning, design, or construction of highway or transportation project features (such as roads, bridges, pavement, or traffic structures) in accordance with engineering design and construction standards, principles and methods.  
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and procedures governing incumbents filed of specialization. 
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply computer aided design and drafting functions to field of specialization. 
• Ability to prepare and review complex design plans and reports relating to the functional area of specialization. 
• Ability to perform the algebraic, trigonometric, and higher mathematical computations applied to design operations. 
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply the provisions of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Design Specifications, AASHTO Standard Specifications and Tests, ASTM Standards. 
• Working knowledge of Indiana Design Manual (IDM), Indiana Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (IMUTCD), INDOT standard specifications and standard drawings.  
• Knowledge of department systems not limited to Scheduling Project Management System (SPMS), Deighton Transportation Information Management System (dTIMS), ArcGIS, and Work Management System (WMS). 

A degree is not required.  However, at least 4 years of professional experience in engineering, civil engineering, transportation research, or a closely related field, applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.  

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

May need additional requirements depending on the assigned specialty: 

• Bridge: Ability to use bridge design software such as CONSPAN, RC-Pier, GEOMATH, and Merlin Dash.  Required to complete one of the two National Highway Institute Courses “130055: Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges” or “130056: Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges for Professional Engineers”.  Required to complete National Highway Institute Course “130053: Bridge Inspection Refresher Training” at intervals not to exceed 60-months. Recommended to complete National Highway Institute Course “130078: Bridge Inspection Techniques for Nonredundant Steel Tension Members (NSTM).  Attend INDOT Bridge Inspection training classes and annual Local Transportation Assistant Program (LTAP) training as scheduled.