Transportation Planner III

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority • San Jose, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Come Join the Real Estate and Multimodal Planning team at VTA and use your knowledge of transportation planning to improve how we navigate Santa Clara County! This division is responsible for Real Estate, Multimodal Planning, all functions of the Congestion Management Program, and VTA transportation and transit planning activities, as well as programming and grants management. The Real Estate and Multimodal Planning Division consists of the following areas: Real Estate - Responsible for developing projects on VTA property; overseeing the acquisition and sale of properties in support of VTA Capital Projects and property development program; and managing the leasing of third-party uses of VTA property. Multimodal Planning - Responsible for the planning and conceptual design of transportation projects, forecasting and modeling analysis for capital projects and the CMP, development review, bike and pedestrian planning, and long-range planning functions of the CMP. This is the advanced journey level class in the Transportation Planner series. Positions at this level possess a specialized, technical, or functional expertise within the area of assignment and may exercise lead supervision over assigned subordinate staff. Incumbents are typically assigned significant responsibility above the journey level and often exercise independent judgment in the performance of all duties. The ideal candidate is a proactive and collaborative team player who will contribute to the success of VTA’s Real Estate and Multimodal Planning team that is involved in exciting transportation opportunities and initiatives that will foster good transportation opportunities in Santa Clara County. As a member of the Real Estate and Multimodal Planning team, the candidate will have the opportunity to plan and coordinate transportation programs or projects, contribute to the success of VTA’s Land Use and Development Review team, and aligning land use and transportation planning to foster sustainable, multimodal, and transit-oriented communities within the County and with other agencies.

Requirements

• Four year degree from an accredited college or university in transportation planning, urban planning, or related field and three (3) years of increasingly responsible planning experience (a Masters Degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience).
• Knowledge of: Concepts, principles, techniques, and legal aspects of transportation planning; Research and statistical methods; Budgeting and financial analysis concepts and practices; Community interrelationships; Computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling); Project management methods and techniques; Transportation funding sources and processes.
• Ability to: Analyze issues and numerical measures associated with transportation planning projects, including estimates derived from computer models, engineering estimates of costs and benefits, and public input; Assist in estimating and administering budgets for studies and in managing planning projects; Perform analysis and make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation, and public contacts; Write letters, memorandums, board memorandums, planning and technical reports, and fact sheets designed to be understood by all audiences, including the general public; Speak and write effectively; Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

• Support Senior Level Planners, organize, and coordinate on transportation plans or programs.
• Possess good writing skills.
• Analyze data and develop recommendations for plans or programs.
• Understand, interpret and explain the concepts and principles of transportation planning.
• Read and interpret transportation plans.
• Be proficient in computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling).
• Summarize and combine technical and statistical data into reports, studies and plans.
• Research, analyze and compile data and maintain accurate records.
• Prepare clear, accurate and concise written reports and correspondence.
• Communicate effectively and make public presentations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff, City advisory bodies, and other agencies.
• Communicate regulations, policies and decisions to the public in an effective and courteous manner.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and makes recommendations using advanced transportation planning and statistical methods, modeling, and budgeting and financial analyses.
• Functions as a project lead with other professional staff and consultants.
• Provides liaison with cities, other local/regional agencies, and community groups regarding transportation issues.
• Develops work plans and budget estimates for studies.
• Assists in the development of capital programs and grant applications for transportation funds.
• Prepares public presentations and materials.
• Prepares planning reports involving extensive written and graphical material.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
• As the county’s congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.
• Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers.
• Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level