Transportation Planner (TPO)

Alachua County•Fl, FL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Gainesville & Alachua County TPO is seeking a responsible, professional entry-level transportation planner. This employee will support TPO Advisory Committees and senior staff and assist in the development and implementation of the TPO’s major programs, plans, and activities through innovative research and analysis techniques. The successful candidate should have a willingness to learn, explore new ideas, and be flexible and comfortable working with the public. This is responsible, professional planning work supporting transportation planning activities, agency coordination, performance monitoring, and providing technical assistance to the TPO Executive Director and senior staff in the assessment and development of multimodal transportation plans, studies, and projects. The employee in this position serves as the recording clerk for the Gainesville & Alachua County Transportation Planning Organization (GACTPO) Advisory Committees and supports TPO senior staff through the use of innovative research and analysis techniques to promote the TPO's major programs, plans, and projects, such as the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and federally mandated plans and activities. This position's work includes, but is not limited to, coordinating auto, freight, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and trail system planning with partner agencies and federal and state agencies. The employee in this position works closely with local governments, transportation providers, public and private advocacy groups, neighborhoods, and local constituents. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban/regional planning, transportation planning, or a closely related field
One year of professional planning experience
An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the minimum requirements listed.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks is required.
Effective communication
Attention to detail
Relationship building
Time management
Self-direction
Problem solving
Knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and methods.
Knowledge of federal and state metropolitan planning requirements and regulations.
Knowledge of multimodal transportation systems, including roadways, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit networks.
Knowledge of community engagement techniques and public involvement strategies.
Knowledge of data sources related to transportation planning (traffic counts, transit data, safety data, census data, etc.).
Skill in coordinating meetings, presentations, agendas, and project tasks.
Skill in using planning and analytical software (e.g., GIS, Excel, data dashboards).
Skill in using presentation tools and graphic preparation software (PowerPoint, Adobe tools, etc.).
Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret transportation data and performance measures.
Ability to create, interpret, and present maps using GIS or comparable tools.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies, community leaders, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including public speaking, delivering effective presentations, and preparing written reports and memoranda.

Nice To Haves

Detail-oriented
Willingness to learn
Explore new ideas
Flexible
Comfortable working with the public

Responsibilities

Provides board and staff support, including preparing meeting agenda packets and minutes.
Attends meetings of the Gainesville & Alachua County Transportation Planning Organization (GACTPO) Board, Advisory Committees, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, and the Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) Board.
May be asked to prepare and give presentations and respond to the direction of the Board and Committees.
Assists with the development and implementation of federally and state-mandated documents, including the List of Priority Projects (LOPP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Public Participation Plan (PPP), Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and other transportation planning products.
Participates in the collection, analysis, and monitoring of transportation system performance data and research and tabulate socio-economic and demographic data by traffic analysis zones (TAZ) from local and US Census sources to develop and report on performance measures and targets and works with senior staff to report system performance.
Serves as a liaison to local jurisdictions and works with the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, and Gainesville RTS staff to support transportation and transit objectives.
Supports public engagement efforts, including attending public meetings and meetings with transportation partners.
Provides general planning support and functions, including preparing maps, presentations, visualization tools, and other required documents and reviewing and analyzing projects and reports.
Assists in the preparation and participation of public information meetings and hearings.
Performs other duties as needed.