Transportation Planner - Career Ladder Group

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Bartow, FL

9d•$52,312 - $63,627

About The Position

The Transportation Planner performs progressively responsible professional work in researching, developing, analyzing, and implementing transportation planning programs and projects for the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). The work covers short- and long-range planning, multimodal systems analysis, transportation policy development, and the comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing (3-C) planning process in support of countywide mobility goals. The role may support or lead collaborative planning initiatives, coordinate with internal departments and external agencies, prepare technical documents and recommendations, respond to customer inquiries, support boards and committees, and assist with administrative functions related to programs and projects. The career ladder includes Planner I, II, and III. Planner I supports data collection and analysis, field studies, mapping, and preparation of draft reports and meeting materials with supervision. Planner II independently prepares technical reports and analyses, presents findings, liaises with partner organizations, and supports grant work and advisory committees. Planner III leads studies and interdepartmental projects, analyzes regulatory and land-use matters, develops policy recommendations, manages consultant work, mentors junior planners, and leads stakeholder engagement. Planners contribute to TPO plans and programs, including the long-range multimodal transportation plan, short-range transit development plans, Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Transportation Disadvantaged Program, and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). Employees may be required to work before, during, or after emergencies and may be temporarily assigned duties, locations, or schedules outside their normal scope to meet County needs.

Requirements

Planner I: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in urban planning or a related field. Related fields listed include economics, urban studies, geography, environmental studies or science, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, real estate, GIS, public administration, and political science.
Planner II: A master's degree with major coursework in urban planning or a related field; or a bachelor's degree in one of the listed fields plus one year of experience.
Planner III: A master's degree with major coursework in urban planning or a related field plus one year of experience; or a bachelor's degree in one of the listed fields plus three years of experience.
Be able to use personal computers and software used by the assigned work unit.
Possess a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment in the classification.
A comparable amount of related training and experience may substitute for minimum qualifications, except for the required college degree.
Planner II, III, and Senior classifications: meet the stated special requirement for two certifications from the listed credentials or qualifying alternatives; AICP may count as two certifications.
Planner I: understand foundational transportation planning, data collection, field surveys, and visual mapping; interpret demographic, land-use, and aerial-imagery information with supervision; use Microsoft Office and entry-level GIS; contribute clear written and visual materials; and follow structured work and public-interaction processes.
Planner II: analyze transportation trends using GIS, modeling, or performance-based tools; independently develop reports, maps, and visuals; communicate technical content accessibly; coordinate with departments, consultants, and partner agencies; and prioritize multiple assignments under general supervision.
Planner III: lead planning studies and complex analyses; interpret regulatory frameworks and funding guidelines; direct consultant activities and ensure deliverables meet County standards; mentor junior planners; and communicate at public forums, board meetings, and interagency workgroups.

Nice To Haves

A college degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-accredited program.
For Planner III, certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Responsibilities

Support the Polk TPO's comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing (3-C) transportation planning process.
Collect and analyze transportation data, including level-of-service assessments and transportation-facility inventories.
Prepare maps, charts, graphs, and other planning and visual materials.
Conduct or participate in field studies, surveys, technical research, and transportation analyses.
Prepare technical reports, planning documents, recommendations, and public meeting materials for TPO plans and programs.
Support or lead planning studies, collaborative initiatives, and interdepartmental projects, coordinating with agencies and disciplines as appropriate to career level.
Present findings and materials to stakeholders, committees, boards, and the public; support presentations and attend meetings or workshops.
Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, partner agencies, and other stakeholders on transportation initiatives.
Perform spatial, statistical, performance-based, and regulatory analyses using GIS, modeling, or planning software, as applicable to career level.
Research grants and support application preparation.
Provide staff support to advisory committees and represent planning staff at public meetings.
Manage consultant contracts or vendors, direct project scope and deliverables, and mentor lower-level planners at the Planner III level.
Respond to customer inquiries by phone, email, or in person.
Assist with administrative responsibilities and functions related to program activities, projects, and issues.
Perform other related duties as required.
Work before, during, or after an emergency and, if temporarily assigned, perform duties outside the normal scope, location, or schedule of the position.