Planning Specialist: Center for Transportation Research - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Planning Manager of the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Office of Community Transportation, the Planning Specialist supports transportation planning programs in Tennessee. The position interfaces with stakeholders, independently determines the type and extent of planning assistance to provide, and coordinates planning activities across state government. The work includes collaborating with local Rural Planning Organizations, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and other planning agencies to develop transportation plans.

The role responds to internal and external requests for information and assistance on transportation planning issues, including traffic analysis, urban planning, and land use planning. It also works with state, federal, and university personnel to address transportation planning needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in community/urban planning, transportation planning, public administration, civil engineering, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in transportation planning or research.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interest in transportation planning and plan development.
• Strong interest in transportation sustainability and resiliency.
• Strong interest in environmental and/or air quality planning and transportation policies.
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365 products.
• Leadership experience.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in community/urban planning, transportation planning, public administration, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience in transportation planning or research.
• Knowledge of travel demand models and traffic operations.
• Knowledge of Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations.
• Experience with Adobe Suite products.
• Knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically Titles 23 and 49.
• Knowledge of state regulations, specifically Titles 4–8 and 13.
• Skills using computer software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ESRI’s ArcGIS and ArcMap; travel demand analysis software such as TransCAD; and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of writing proposals or problem statements for research projects or grants.

Responsibilities

• Respond to internal and external requests for information and assistance on transportation planning issues, including traffic analysis, urban planning, and land use planning.
• Work with state, federal, and university personnel to address transportation planning needs.
• Interface with stakeholders and independently determine the type and extent of planning assistance to provide.
• Coordinate planning activities across state government.
• Work with Rural Planning Organizations, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and other planning agencies to develop transportation plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time