Transportation Planner III

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. 

• 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.

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

• 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.

Employment Standards
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).

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.