New Sidewalk Associate Transportation Planner (Transportation Planner, Associate)

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

• Participates in the planning, scope development, conceptual design, and outreach for sidewalk and walkway projects within priority neighborhoods that connect to key daily destinations. 
• Serves as project developer for assigned New Sidewalk projects and prepares 0-30% project development deliverables for capital projects, including gaining an approved project scope, schedule, and budget.   
• Coordinates with internal stakeholders by using the Complete Streets Checklist and applicable datasets to identify opportunities and conflicts with SDOT-delivered projects and transportation operations.   
• Tracks projects through all design and construction phases and serves as project champion to ensure project designs adhere to original project intent and budget.  
• Provides excellent communication to the New Sidewalk Project Development Lead by identifying projects with complex design elements or public outreach needs and providing regular project status updates regarding scope, schedule, and budget.  
• Employs a working knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of transportation planning with an emphasis on walking, biking, and rolling. 
• Collects and analyzes traffic data in the field and in the office, including traffic volumes and speeds, pedestrian counts, student travel patterns, and collision history, to identify patterns and problems and recommend solutions when developing New Sidewalk projects. 
• Serves as the SDOT liaison to the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board (SPAB). 
• Supports department goals in promoting diversity and social justice in keeping with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative. 

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Urban Planning Transportation Planning, or related field

Experience:

• At least two (2) years of experience with transportation planning or transportation development

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

License, Certification:

• Current Washington State Driver License or proof of equivalent mobility.

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience: 

• Compelling and engaging written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience supporting public involvement processes, including engaging using culturally and linguistically relevant outreach approaches and engaging in challenging conversations.
• Dedication to being a team player, collaborating, and relationship building.  
• Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to actively manage multiple processes.   
• Ability to work effectively and productively in a hybrid work environment.  
• Proven track record of effectively attending, participating, and presenting at public meetings, public outreach, and community events. 
• Familiarity working with spatial information, data dashboards, and project management tools.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of the work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of the work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.
• Occasional evening public meetings and monthly SPAB evening meetings, plus any special SPAB meetings.
• Attending site visits across the city is common. Ability to get to site visits and employ measuring tools is needed.

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process
 
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses. 

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a review of driving history, and reference information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $54.01 - $62.90 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits 

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.