Transportation Planner I/II

The Division
This division is responsible for Real Estate, Multimodal Planning, all functions of the Congestion Management Program, and VTA transportation and transit planning activities. As well as programming and grants management.

The Real Estate and Multimodal Planning Division consists of the following areas:

• Real Estate - Responsible for developing projects on VTA property; overseeing the acquisition and sale of properties in support of VTA Capital Projects and property development program; and managing the leasing of third-party uses of VTA property.
• Multimodal Planning - Responsible for the planning and conceptual design of transportation projects, forecasting and modeling analysis for capital projects and the CMP, development review, bike and pedestrian planning, and long-range planning functions of the CMP. 

The ideal candidate will:

• Support Senior Level Planners, organize, and coordinate on transportation plans or programs;
• Possess good writing skills;
• Analyze data and develop recommendations for plans or programs;
• Understand, interpret and explain the concepts and principles of transportation planning;
• Read and interpret transportation plans;
• Be proficient in computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling);
• Summarize and combine technical and statistical data into reports, studies and plans;
• Research, analyze and compile data and maintain accurate records;
• Prepare clear, accurate and concise written reports and correspondence;
• Communicate effectively and make public presentations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff, City advisory bodies, and other agencies; and
• Communicate regulations, policies and decisions to the public in an effective and courteous manner.

Salary Range:
Transportation Planner I: $85,358.52 - $110,976.84 Annually
Transportation Planner II: $106,455.96 - $138,425.04 Annually

About VTA 
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county’s congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services. 

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Typical Tasks
Transportation Planner I

• Gathers and analyzes statistical data;
• Researches planning literature to prepare abstracts and bibliographies;
• Assists in the preparation of plans, maps, graphs, and other visual aids;
• Assists with planning studies or surveys as a team member or performs portions individually under close supervision;
• Answers inquires and disseminates information regarding transportation planning related issues;
• Coordinates and serves as staff for transportation meetings; attends various transportation meetings as required;
• Updates and maintains planning databases and directories;
• Prepares correspondence and reports;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Prepares planning reports, forecasts, and recommendations related to transportation system improvements;
• Evaluates the transportation impacts of land development proposals and proposes alternatives;
• Prepares written and graphical material for reports and public presentations;
• Serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary team for major transportation projects;
• Serves as liaison for various committees;
• Provides information to various groups, committees, and individuals regarding transportation planning projects;
• Performs related duties as required.

Employment Standards
Transportation Planner I 
Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a four year degree from an accredited college or university in transportation planning, urban planning, or related field.

Transportation Planner II 
Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a four year degree from an accredited college or university in transportation planning, urban planning, or related field and two (2) years of increasingly responsible planning experience (a Masters Degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience).

Transportation Planner I

Knowledge of:

• Research and statistical methods;
• Basic aims, concepts, and principles of transportation planning;
• Common computer applications used in planning.

• Collect, tabulate, and analyze data;
• Organize and prepare presentations;
• Prepare and write clear and concise reports;
• Speak and write effectively;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.

• Physical, environmental, economic, aesthetic, and social implications involved in transportation planning and transit-oriented development;
• Goals, concepts, and principles of transportation planning;
• Research and statistical methods;
• Transportation modeling and mapping applications software;
• Techniques for gathering, evaluating, and transmitting information.

• Creatively develop and carry out projects when only general concepts are given;
• Communicate technical information in an easy to understand format;
• Develop/apply funding formulas to achieve equitable distribution of transportation related program funds for city/county programs;
• Understand complex policy and technical documents;
• Prioritize projects based on established criteria;
• Design graphics/maps using computer/drawing software for publication studies;
• Speak and write effectively;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.

General Application Instructions: 
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as “continuous,” we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding our application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience—including experience with VTA—must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as “see resume” are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:
Oral Board: June 2026

Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment. 

For sensitive positions, VT requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List
The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. 

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.