Transportation Planner

NATURE OF POSITION

The Transportation Planner performs a variety of tasks that support data analysis and transportation planning activities in the Walla Walla Valley region. There are regular and recurring duties, as well as special studies and projects as assigned. This position generally entails administrative and professional duties related to multi-modal and long-range planning, project selection, short-term programming, public engagement, and grant/contract administration. The Transportation Planner also maintains financial records and assets; organizes and interacts with various stakeholders and committees; researches, analyzes, validates, and maps data; and prepares reports for presentation and publication. Work contacts include the general public; employees of city, county, state, tribal, and federal offices; representatives of transportation service providers; and various elected and appointed officials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops key planning documents, programs, studies, and special projects. Creates, edits, and proofs written materials for internal use and public distribution through web publications, media outlets, conference and committee presentations, and public meetings.
• Collects data related to land use, socio-economic, and demographic inventories; special corridor, area, or focus studies; hot spot and systemic crash analyses; transportation revenues and expenditures; and existing, trending, and forecasted conditions and performance for each mode of transportation.
• Reviews data and other information for accuracy, relevance, and quality. Conducts statistical and policy analyses. Applies approved procedures to evaluate and prioritize multimodal transportation investments. Formulates fact- and performance-based recommendations.
• Obtains, creates, modifies, and maintains geospatial datasets using GIS technology.  Applies analytical tools to analyze, extract, and report information.  Prepares maps for internal and member entity use.
• Facilitates in-person and hybrid meetings, including the WWVMPO/SRTPO’s Policy Board, Technical Advisory Committee, their standing committees, and ad-hoc subcommittees or workgroups. Prepares relevant agendas, correspondence, reports, and other materials to support committee activities.
• Engages and communicates with the public, local, state, tribal, and federal transportation staff and officials, consultants, and other stakeholders on a variety of transportation-related topics. Serves as agency liaison, including speaking and presenting at public meetings, council and commission work sessions, and other events.
• Provides maintenance and content management for the agency’s website; manages the local area network and on-site hardware; monitors databases, performs scheduled backups, and recovers data as needed.
• Manages organizational finances, bill payments, invoicing, and financial records. Assists with the preparation of grant applications and subsequent invoicing.  Prepares a variety of correspondence, memos, reports, and other materials.  Receives, distributes, and responds to incoming mail and messages.
• Maintains office personnel records, benefits programs, and travel expense reports. Monitors office and technology needs, including supplies, hardware, software, utilities, and other resources.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field and a minimum of two years of professional experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficient computer skills, including email, word processing, databases, graphic design, and presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with staff, officials, and the public.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check (once determined otherwise qualified for the position).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• Three or more years of professional transportation planning experience.
• Experience reading, analyzing, and writing technical documents.
• Proficiency in data analytics, visualization, and mapping of planning data using ESRI’s ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of commonly used demographic, land use, and transportation planning terms and data.
• Experience creating and maintaining a website.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish).

Benefits

A comprehensive benefit package is offered, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; and retirement benefits through the WA Public Employees’ Retirement System. Flexible work schedule and hybrid/ remote work options are considered for this position.

How to Apply

Visit wwvmpo.org/employment-opportunity to download the job description. Submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references to [email protected].

The WWVMPO/SRTPO is an equal opportunity employer.