Transportation Planner (Associate & Senior)

Help build safer, more sustainable, and people-centered streets

About the Opportunity

The City of Palo Alto’s Office of Transportation (OOT) is seeking to fill two positions:

• Associate Transportation Planner
  $53.99 – $66.02 hourly | $112,299 – $137,321 annually
• Senior Transportation Planner
  $66.39 – $81.23 hourly | $138,091 – $168,958 annually

These roles work collaboratively to advance Palo Alto’s transportation goals—improving safety for all users, reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles,  and enhancing mobility across an integrated transportation system.

Palo Alto is a national leader in active transportation, with one of the highest bicycle commuting rates in the country and over 40% of public middle and high school students biking to school through our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. From neighborhood bikeways to citywide policy initiatives, OOT’s work directly shapes how people move through and experience the city every day.

About the Office of Transportation

The Office of Transportation is dedicated to preserving and enhancing quality of life for Palo Alto residents, visitors, and businesses by delivering efficient, equitable, and cost-effective transportation solutions across all modes.

Our work spans:

• Bicycling and walking improvements 
• Safe Routes to School 
• Transportation projects and capital improvements 
• Traffic operations and safety (transportation engineering) 
• Parking and curb management 

Whether implementing quick-build safety improvements near schools or advancing long-term climate and mobility goals, our team works at both the neighborhood and systems level to create a safer, more connected city.

Position Overview

Associate Transportation Planner

This role is centered on Safe Routes to School (SRTS) and youth mobility. The Associate will play a hands-on role in developing and delivering programs that support safe, independent travel for middle and high school students—work that directly shapes how young people experience their communities and build lifelong transportation habits.

We are seeking candidates who are not only interested in this work, but deeply invested in it as part of their long-term career path. This role is best suited for someone who sees youth mobility, safety, and equitable access as core to their professional focus and is motivated to contribute meaningfully to this space over time.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who:

• Is committed to advancing Safe Routes to School and youth mobility initiatives 
• Brings a strong interest in community-based, people-centered transportation work 
• Is comfortable with hands-on program delivery, fieldwork, and direct engagement with students, parents, faculty, and school administrators
• Is looking to grow within the transportation planning field with a clear sense of purpose 

Senior Transportation Planner

The Senior Planner leads complex transportation initiatives, including active transportation, sustainability, and policy-driven projects. This role plays a key part in advancing projects from early concept and funding through design and implementation.

We are seeking candidates who bring both technical depth and a clear commitment to sustainable transportation, with experience translating policy and planning goals into implemented projects.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who:

• Has experience delivering projects from concept through implementation 
• Brings a strong understanding of sustainable transportation systems, policy, and design
• Is comfortable leading programs and coordinating across teams and stakeholders 
• Is motivated by advancing impactful, community-centered transportation solutions 

Ideal Candidate

Across both roles, we’re looking for candidates who are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to public service—planners who approach their work with both technical rigor and a strong sense of purpose.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Experience with GIS, data analysis, or transportation planning tools 
• A customer service mindset and ability to work with diverse stakeholders 

Additionally for Senior level:

• Strong project coordination and leadership experience 
• Experience supporting or leading complex transportation projects 

• •Understanding of complete streets guidance and design tools

Associate Transportation Planner (Key Focus Areas)

• Design and implement Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programming, including youth-focused transportation safety education 
• Coordinate with schools, agencies, and community partners 
• Assist with implementation of school-area and quick-build transportation improvements 
• Conduct outreach and engagement with students, families, and community groups 
• Prepare reports, presentations, and supporting materials 
• Analyze transportation safety needs and assist in developing solutions 

 To view the full Associate Transportation Planner job description, click here.

Senior Transportation Planner (Key Focus Areas)

• Lead transportation planning projects and programs from concept through implementation 
• Coordinate project teams, including staff and consultants 
• Prepare and present reports to boards, commissions, and City Council 
• Lead community engagement efforts and represent the City in regional forums 
• Support development and implementation of transportation policies and programs 
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to staff, as needed 

 To view the full Senior Transportation Planner job description, click here.

Why This Work Matters

In Palo Alto, transportation planning is not just about infrastructure—it’s about who feels safe, who has access, and how communities move and connect.

From supporting a student’s ability to travel independently to advancing citywide sustainability goals, this work has a direct and lasting impact. We are looking for planners who recognize that impact and are motivated to be part of it.

 To view the full Associate Transportation Planner job description, click here.

 To view the full Senior Transportation Planner job description, click here.

Associate Transportation Planner

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies or related field from an accredited college or university

• Two years of related experience in urban, conservation, or transportation planning

Senior Transportation Planner

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation or a directly related field from an accredited college or university. An advanced degree is highly desirable.

• Five years of suitable professional experience in urban planning (or substitute for up to two years of experience a master's degree in planning or a related field).

Special Requirement (Both Positions)

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License 

The Selection Process:

• Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.

• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes.

• The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
  
  

Our online application system is provided byNeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contactNeoGov'sLive Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

Compensation (SEIU) :Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more clickHERE.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.