Transportation Planner II

JOB SUMMARY

Transportation Planner II

The City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department Transportation team offers an opportunity to make significant and tangible impacts on the daily lives of residents. In this role you will develop innovative solutions to improve mobility, expand access, and provide safe active transportation for all. Projects include the Major Thoroughfare and Freeway plan, Mayor Whitmire’s sidewalk initiative, bike‑to‑trail plan, waterways plan, and safe railroad crossings plan.

You will collaborate with the GIS team to assemble data for the high injury database and leverage third‑party traffic data to support decision making. Coordination with agencies such as METRO, HGAC, TX DOT, Harris County, TIRZs, Management Districts, and Houston Parks Board will be essential.

• Presents or assists in presenting detailed reports or studies to community groups, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
• Assists in the development of studies to support new or updated plans, programs, projects, or regulations.
• Serves as liaison to coordinate plans, projects, and policies with other city departments and outside organizations.
• Writes or assists in writing formal and technical reports, planning documents, grants, and correspondence.
• Reviews project proposals of moderate complexity for compliance with applicable regulations or standards.
• Provides technical assistance and professional support in the administration of specific transportation planning programs, regulations, grants, or projects.
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.
• Works closely with the public on transportation planning programs, requirements, or projects.
• Creates and maintains data in a geographic information system or other database format.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and other specialized software such as TransCAD, Remix, etc.
• Ability to communicate orally, graphically, and in written form about transportation planning programs, studies, and projects to both the public and technical audiences.

• Project management, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail; time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; proposes new ideas and solutions; succeeds working with diverse stakeholders.

• Disciplined, self‑responsible, reliable, result‑oriented with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and customer service.
• A natural forward‑thinker who critically assesses own performance and has an aptitude and desire to learn new competencies and skills.
• Professional and skilled at representing the department to a wide range of audiences.
• Adapts well to changes and works well with others.
• Well‑presented and businesslike.

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting (up to 20 pounds) may be required. Minor discomforts may result from exposure to less‑than‑optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, such as exposure to office chemicals or extensive use of a video display terminal.

Requires demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of transportation planning, as well as in‑depth knowledge within one or more planning specialties. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through experience and a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy, or an equivalent specialized training program directly related to the type of work performed.

Four years of progressively responsible planning experience required, with at least one year of professional transportation planning experience. A master’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy, or a closely related field may be substituted for two years of experience.

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