Senior Transportation Planner; TPO

Minimum Qualifications

Senior Transportation Planner with experience in multimodal transportation/mobility planning. Must assist the TPO in mission‑critical planning initiatives, including the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and List of Priority Projects (LOPP). The incumbent will engage in innovative projects such as complete streets, corridor studies, pedestrian and bicycle safety studies, and collaborate with agency partners and the general public.

• Master’s degree in planning, transportation planning, urban or related field, and one year of professional‑level planning experience; or an equivalent combination of related training and experience.
• Successful completion of all applicable background checks is required.

Highly responsible professional and technical work within the Gainesville & Alachua Transportation Planning Organization (GACTPO). The employee provides multi‑disciplinary transportation and mobility planning, agency coordination, performance monitoring, and technical assistance to the TPO Executive Director and senior staff. Responsibilities include assessment and development of multimodal transportation plans, studies, and projects in adherence to federal requirements (Title 23 CFR, Parts 450 and 500, 23 USC 134, Section 339.175) and state statutes.

The role involves implementation and production of the TPO’s most fundamental mission‑critical requirements and directives, including LRTP, TIP, UPWP, LOPP, and other state and federally mandated plans. The planner will also advance innovative transportation initiatives (complete streets projects, corridor studies, pedestrian and bicycle safety studies) and collaborate with agency partners and the public on special activities.

Work is performed under the general direction of a higher‑level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observations of results.

• Effective communication
• Attention to detail
• Relationship building
• Time management
• Self‑direction
• Problem solving

• Develop innovative transportation ideas and strategies for complete streets, corridor studies, pedestrian and bicycle safety studies, and trail development.
• Collaborate with agency partners, state and federal governments, and the public to create transportation systems and designs that promote efficient and safe movement.
• Evaluate transportation needs of all users and lead the development and updates of planning documents: LOPP, TIP, LRTP, UPWP, and other transportation planning products.
• Lead special plans and studies related to multimodal transportation planning, including Vision Zero, Safe Streets for All Grants and Programs, and Safe Systems Planning.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze transportation system performance data, develop and report on performance measures and targets.
• Serve as liaison to local jurisdictions, coordinating with the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, Gainesville RTS, FDOT MPO Liaison Office, and UF.
• Assist in public engagement efforts, including meetings, outreach events, and inquiries from residents and partner agencies.
• Work closely with FDOT, FHWA, and FTA to ensure compliance with federal and state funding requirements for MPOs.
• Research funding opportunities (NOFOs, grants) and support the Executive Director in securing funding for transportation improvements.
• Provide board and staff support, including preparing meeting agenda packets, minutes, and presentations for GACTPO Board and advisory committees.
• Perform other duties as needed.

• Knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and trends, including engineering, land use planning, public administration, and grant management.
• Knowledge of federal and state metropolitan planning requirements and regulations.
• Knowledge of design and management of multimodal transportation systems (roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, trail, transit).
• Knowledge of statistical research methods for collecting, tabulating, and analyzing transportation, socio‑economic, and demographic data.
• Knowledge of transportation financing, operating…