Senior Transportation Planner - Safety

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION DIVISION

Senior Transportation Planner - Safety (TPO) Long Range Planning 

Paygrade 21 - Exempt  ($67,433.60 - $101,129.60 )annually 

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

This position takes a lead role in implementing transportation safety as the primary focus of the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) planning process.  Under the direction of the TPO Executive Director/TPO Transportation Planning Administrator, it is responsible for aligning the TPO’s plans, programs and activities with established performance targets for safety.   Performs professional/technical research and work in support of the comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing (“3-C”) planning process. Provides staff support to various boards and committees. Assists with administrative responsibilities and functions related to program activities, projects and issues.  Prepares and/or assists with preparation of studies and research related to transportation planning in connection with the following TPO plans and programs:

• Implementation of the Polk TPO’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, the Bicycle Safety Action Plan, as well as the Polk Vision Zero Conditions Assessment;
• Integrating elements of the Florida Strategic Highway Plan into the TPO planning process;
• Preparation of an overall Transportation Safety Plan that aligns the TPO’s planning program with established performance targets for safety;
• Collection and analysis of crash and safety performance data;
• Short-range transit development plans with an emphasis on safe access to public transportation services;
• Annual priority transportation projects;
• Transportation Improvement Program (TIP);
• Preparation and implementation of a revised traffic study methodology with a primary emphasis on complete streets, connectivity and safe ingress/egress;
• Review of land use developments for transportation-related impacts;
• Participation in Polk County’s Sidewalk Advisory Committee; and
• Tasks and projects included in the annual Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

Manages the TPO’s Vision Zero Program.  Takes a lead role in the development and implementation of safety initiatives consistent with the Transportation Safety Plan with elements related to engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency medical services. Serves as the project manager for the Polk Vision Zero Action Plan project, under the USDOT’s Safe Streets for all road users (SS4A) program.

Assists in coordinating safety activities of the TPO Board, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Adviser Network, Polk County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board, Coordinates with local governments, the Florida Department of Transportation, and other state and federal agencies as required. This specifically includes the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District (LAMTD)/Citrus Connection; and the Polk Vision LEAD organization, as needed, to carry out TPO’s Safety projects.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of planning techniques used in maintaining and conducting the TPO planning process.  Must have the ability to see, write and perform data entry keying efforts. Must have the ability to use Microsoft™ software, or the ability to learn. Ability to drive from work site to work site. Ability to make public presentations.  Ability to perform creative writing tasks.  Ability to research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize and recommend solutions.  Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.

Knowledge of the “3-C” Planning Process, Vision Zero principles, Safe Streets for All Road users (SS4A), the complete streets approach, livability principles, multimodal planning, alternative transportation modes, and familiarity with Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration guidelines and grant procedures. Ability to prepare a strategic plan. Ability to use independent judgment and analyze transportation problems, research, and statistics.  Knowledge of methodologies used to gather and forecast socio-economic and land use data required for input to travel demand forecasting.  Ability to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree with major course work in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning or a related field, including Urban Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, GIS, Public Administration, Political Science, Roadway safety, Traffic Safety  or other similarly related field, and have four (4) years of experience; or Bachelor's degree with major course work in Transportation Planning,  Urban Planning or a related field, including Urban Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies/Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, GIS, Public Administration, Political Science, Roadway safety, Traffic Safety  or other similarly related field, and have five (5) years of experience.

Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required college degree.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-Accredited planning program. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).  Previous knowledge and experience related to traffic safety programs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

THIS POSITION MAY BE REQUIRED TO REPORT TO WORK WHEN A DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED IN POLK COUNTY.