Responsible for overseeing, directing, and supervising work of the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) staff in the implementation of the TPO’s Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
Responsible for managing staff activities related to the annual development of the UPWP, the Transportation Improvement Program, and priority transportation projects.
Under the direction of, and in conjunction with the TPO Executive Director, responsible for the preparation of project scopes of services, the allocation of consultant and staff resources, and the management of consultant/staff resources in the preparation of short and long-range plans including the Transit Development Plan and the Long-Range Transportation Plan to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements under the TPO’s Planning Program.
Plans and executes community engagement activities consistent with the Polk TPO Public Participation Plan (PPP).
Assists the TPO Executive Director in formulating transportation policies for consideration and adoption by the TPO board.
Serves as a liaison to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on day-to-day policy and administrative matters related to the Polk TPO.
Administers the TPO’s programs consistent with the (FDOT) Office of Policy Planning’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Program Management Handbook.
Represents the Polk TPO at statewide, regional, and local transportation functions.
Serves as the alternate to the TPO Executive Director on the Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council (MPOAC) and other related organizations.
Briefs elected officials, county and municipal administration on transportation planning initiatives, funding opportunities, and other related activities.
Determines the meeting schedule and agenda for the TPO board and advisory committees including the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC); arranges for newsletters and events for the Transportation Adviser Network.
Coordinates the preparation of agenda items and the provision of speakers at these, and other TPO related meetings.
Responsible for assisting the TPO Executive Director in administering personnel matters (i.e., hiring, training, guidance, and supervision) and in the development of the TPO's work program.
Serves as the acting TPO Executive Director in his or her absence.
Monitors staff activities to ensure accomplishment of mandated TPO planning responsibilities related to the Long-Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, and UPWP.
Tracks allocation of staff resources under the UPWP.
Assigns TPO staff to manage grants and projects as appropriate.
Prepares or coordinates preparation of grant applications, invoices, and progress reports.
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of the federally required continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive “3C” metropolitan transportation planning process; planning collection and data analyses procedures; research, analysis, and forecasting; and statistical analysis for demographic, socio-economic data.
Knowledge of federal transportation legislation and Florida Statutes governing MPOs, as well as FDOT guidelines and procedures.
Ability to use independent judgment to plan, organize, train, and supervise the work of others; to maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials, and the public; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and to make public speaking presentations.
Skills to perform administrative and related supervisory tasks.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of planning, land development, and capital-improvements planning programming, and budgeting.
Ability to solve problems.
Ability to develop and prepare ordinances and implementation procedures.
Ability to interpret applicable legislation, rules, and regulations.
Ability to utilize personal computer and software utilized by the assigned work unit.
Master's degree with major course work in Urban Planning or a related field, including Urban Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Public Administration, Political Science, or other similarly related field, and have five (5) years’ experience; or, Bachelor's degree with major course work in Urban Planning or a related field, including Urban Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, GIS, Public Administration, Political Science, or other similarly related field, and have six (6) years’ experience.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.
A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications, except for the required college degree.
Certifications (Two (2) of the following) - American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) which can count for two (2) of the required certifications. Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM). Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation (CUN- A). Geographical Information System Professional (GISP). LEED Accredited Professional (LEED- AP). Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). State certified general real estate appraisal license. Certified Public Manager (CPM) Emerging Leader graduate. Polk County Succession Management graduate. Real estate sales license. Florida Redevelopment Association - Redevelopment Administrator (FRA- RA). Florida Redevelopment Association - Redevelopment Professional (FRA- RP). Attendance at one conference hosted by the Florida American Planning Association (FAPA), Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA), Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), or Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) and obtain 16 equivalent American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) continuing education credits. Or any other relevant license or certification deemed appropriate by the division director.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the county and its residents.
College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-Accredited planning program.
Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Prior experience working with a Metropolitan/Transportation Planning Organization (M/TPO) is preferred.