Metro Plan Office - Transportation Planner I/II/III

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Under immediate supervision (Planner I) or general supervision (Planner II/III) to perform a variety of professional transportation planning work including preparing long-range comprehensive/transportation plans, sub-area studies, short-range transportation improvement programs, urban and regional transit planning, annual work programs, and other pertinent transportation documents, policies, and programs. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Transportation Planner I – This position exercises no supervision. Transportation Planner II / III - May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff. IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Transportation Planner I Monitors and ensures project selection, scope, and funding are accurate for highway and transit projects in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Collects, maintains, analyzes, and prepares data/maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools. Uses GIS tools to code travel demand forecasting networks and various other maps. Assists in preparing, revising, and administering the planning and special studies sections contained in the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).  Provides revisions as relevant to portions of the adopted UPWP, and prepares amendments for consideration. Assists with the planning, development, and management of strategic planning efforts related to transit issues. Assists with the selection and development of transit-related projects in the Abilene metropolitan area. Assists in carrying out the short and long-range plans and projects in the Abilene MPO Metropolitan Planning Area. Builds and maintains strong working relationships between the urban transit agency, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other transportation funding entities, including the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Conducts research and analysis of information and adherence to current federal legislation, TxDOT & Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Assists with monitoring and ensuring information regarding Abilene MPO programs, (UPWP, MTP, TIP, and STIP) is accurate and maintained on the Abilene MPO website and distributed externally and internally. Prepares correspondence, reports, studies and makes presentations regarding program/project activities; assists in researching and preparing appropriate response for technical assistance requests. Assists with planning, coordinating, and conducting the community involvement portion of the public participation plan to maintain regulatory requirements and respond to public needs. Assists in reviewing and monitoring plans and related documents to ensure compliance with applicable state or federal requirements and conformance to acceptable professional standards. Develops informational materials to keep the public informed about the planning progress of the MPO. Operate a City, rental, or personal vehicle to attend meetings. Transportation Planner II Assists in the development of highway and transit forecasts for local and regional transportation alternatives analysis. Develops planning documents and interprets/develops data analysis. Answers inquiries and disseminates information upon request to other agencies, consultants and the public. Manages phone inquiries by providing general information or referring callers to the appropriate individual and resources. Transportation Planner III Assists with Budget preparation. Assists in the preparation of agendas, memorandums, and official correspondence of the Abilene MPO. Monitors assigned projects and provide feedback regarding their impact; analyzes needs/changes/enhancements and makes recommendations. Assists with monitoring funds through application, contract review/approval, procuring equipment, and billing and reporting. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Transportation Planner I Knowledge of: Applicable federal and state transportation legislation. Demographics and modeling principles and practices. Metropolitan transportation planning process and transportation funding programs. Policy development methodologies and procedures. Skill to:    Planning methods, techniques, and strategies. Research, evaluate, and interpret complex information. Analyze, prepare, and organize technical/statistical reports and documents. Maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups. Prioritize and organize work assignments. Theoretical and/or working knowledge of travel demand forecasting process. Ability to: Take initiative to perform other duties to maintain Abilene MPO operations. Perform drafting and graphics work. Create and present technical presentations to small and large groups. Detail oriented, highly organized, and ability to multi-task. Use basic office equipment and operate a PC to use a variety of planning, plotting and mapping software packages including TransCAD, ArcGIS, Adobe Acrobat, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Problem solve by researching, suggesting appropriate alternatives, and implementing solutions. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Interpret and effectively communicate written and verbal information including rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally. Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Transportation Planner II/III In addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the Transportation Planner I, these are additional requirements for the Transportation II/III positions: Ability to: Supervise and direct small groups as well as act at lead worker when required. Train subordinate personnel. Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Transportation Planner III In addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the Transportation Planner I/II, these are additional requirements for the Transportation III position: Knowledge of: Budgeting methodology and procedures. Experience and Training Guidelines: For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through: Transportation Planner I Experience: One (1) year experience in related field of transportation planning and/or urban planning and development is preferred. Experience in ESRI Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is preferred. Experience in TransCAD Transportation Planning software is preferred. Education/Training: Bachelor or graduate degree in urban/regional/transportation planning or civil engineering is preferred. License or Certificate: A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required. Transportation Planner II Experience: Two (2) years of related experience in the field of municipal transportation planning, urban/metropolitan planning, and/or regional planning/development is required.   Previous experience in transportation planning within an MPO, COG, local governments, state, or federal agencies involved in metropolitan transportation planning is preferred. Education/Training: Bachelor or graduate degree in urban/regional/transportation planning or civil engineering is preferred. License or Certificate: A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required. Transportation Planner III Experience: Four (4) years of related experience in the field of municipal transportation planning, urban/metropolitan planning, and/or regional planning/development is required.   Previous experience in transportation planning within an MPO, COG, local governments, state, or federal agencies involved in metropolitan transportation planning is required. Education/Training: Bachelor or graduate degree in urban/regional/transportation planning or civil engineering is preferred. License or Certificate: A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required. Special Requirements: Exposure to outdoors. Ability to travel to different sites. Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday: ___    Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds ___    Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds _X_    Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds ___    Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds  ___    Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task: Codes for how often: N     =    No E    =    Extensive (100 – 70% of the time) M    =    Moderate (60 – 30% of the time) I    =    Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time) A    =    Almost Never (<10% of the time) Code / Task _M_    Standing _E_     Sitting _M_    Walking _I__    Lifting _I__    Carrying _I__    Pushing/Pulling _I__    Overhead Work _E_     Fine Dexterity _A_     Kneeling _A_     Crouching _A_     Crawling _A_     Bending _A_     Twisting _A_     Climbing _I__    Balancing _E_     Vision _E_     Hearing _E_     Talking ___     Other:  _____________________