Transportation Planner II/III - Grants
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Full-time
On-site
San Jose, California, United States
$98,900.10 - $140,299.90 USD yearly
Job Description
- Come Join the Planning Division at VTA and use your knowledge of transportation planning to improve how we navigate Santa Clara County!The Grants department within the Planning Division is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented individual to join our small but mighty 2016 Measure B Sales Tax Program team. In this position, you will work with VTA, city and county staff to fund various transportation projects across the county. You will learn how to design and administer grant programs, hone analytical skills, work with government agencies and navigate political interests. The position is within VTA's Transportation Planner track and offers growth opportunities with positive performance.
Definition
Transportation Planner II: Under supervision, to prepare transportation planning studies and analyses and act as a resource for data used in transportation related studies.
Transportation Planner III: Under general supervision, to carry out transportation planning projects and coordinate with other professional and support staff and consultants.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Transportation Planner II: This is the journey level class within the Transportation Planner series. Incumbents within this class are distinguished from Transportation Planner I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Incumbents at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new and unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents at this level may provide training and lead direction over Transportation Planner I and clerical support staff. This class differs from the higher level class of Transportation Planner III in that the latter possesses specialized, technical, or functional expertise within the area of assignment.
Transportation Planner III: This is the advanced journey level class in the Transportation Planner series. Positions at this level possess a specialized, technical, or functional expertise within the area of assignment and may exercise lead supervision over assigned subordinate staff. Incumbents are typically assigned significant responsibility above the journey level and often exercise independent judgment in the performance of all duties.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an interdisciplinary team member who supports senior planning level staff to implement funding strategies for multi-modal efforts throughout the County. Under general supervision, the candidate will coordinate with other professional and support staff to apply for, manage, distribute and report on transportation grants and local sales tax measure funds.
The Ideal Candidate will have the following:- Good writing skills.
- Good understanding of goals, concepts, and principles of transportation planning.
- Ability to communicate technical information in an easy-to-understand format.
- Ability to creatively develop and implement projects when only general concepts are provided.
- Ability to prioritize projects based on established criteria.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with staff from external agencies.
Depending on qualifications, this vacancy may be filled at the II or III level.
Transportation Planner II: $47.55 - $61.83 Hourly / $8,241.67 - $10,716.66 Monthly / $98,900.10 - $128,599.90 Annually
Transportation Planner III: $51.88 - $67.45 Hourly / $8,991.67 - $11,691.66 Monthly / $107,900.00 - $140,299.90 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, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
To learn more, go to: vta.org
Planning Division
The Planning Division is responsible for conducting all Congestion Management Program (CMP) and VTA transportation and transit planning activities, as well as programming and grants management. The Planning Division consists of the following areas:- Planning - Responsible for the planning and conceptual design of all transit 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.
- Grants - Responsible for advocating, prioritizing, programming, managing, and ensuring compliance for all federal, state and regional highway/transit/roadway/bicycle/pedestrian grants, as well as the programming of funds for the CMP.
Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.
The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.
Classification Bargaining Unit: SEIU
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025 at 11:59PM Essential Job Functions
Typical Tasks
Transportation Planner II:- 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.
Transportation Planner III:- Analyzes and makes recommendations using advanced transportation planning and statistical methods, modeling, and budgeting and financial analyses;
- Functions as a project lead with other professional staff and consultants;
- Provides liaison with cities, other local/regional agencies, and community groups regarding transportation issues;
- Develops work plans and budget estimates for studies;
- Assists in the development of capital programs and grant applications for transportation funds;
- Prepares public presentations and materials;
- Prepares planning reports involving extensive written and graphical material;
- Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Employment Standards
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 III: 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 three (3) years of increasingly responsible planning experience (a Masters Degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience).Supplemental Information
Transportation Planner II:
Knowledge of:- 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.
Ability to:- 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.
Transportation Planner III:
Knowledge of:- Concepts, principles, techniques, and legal aspects of transportation planning;
- Research and statistical methods;
- Budgeting and financial analysis concepts and practices;
- Community interrelationships;
- Computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling);
- Project management methods and techniques;
- Transportation funding sources and processes.
- Analyze issues and numerical measures associated with transportation planning projects, including estimates derived from computer models, engineering estimates of costs and benefits, and public input;
- Assist in estimating and administering budgets for studies and in managing planning projects;
- Perform analysis and make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation, and public contacts;
- Write letters, memorandums, board memorandums, planning and technical reports, and fact sheets designed to be understood by all audiences, including the general public;
- Speak and write effectively;
- Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.
- Work/Life Balance: 40-hour work weeks, and a option of a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.
- Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.
- Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees
- Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Leave: 15 days of vacation (accrued), 96 Hours of sick time (accrued), 13 paid holidays per year.
- Retirement:
- Participation in CalPERS
- Classic Members: 2%@55
- PEPRA Members: 2%@62
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)
- 457 pre-tax
- 457 Roth
- Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees
- Participation in CalPERS
- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium
- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development Fund
- Wellness Programs
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward
General Instructions
Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.
To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.
ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NEOGOV for assistance if needed.
Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NEOGOV Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.
All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.
Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.
If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.
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. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.
If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.
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.