Transportation Planning Technician

The City of Kent is accepting applications for the position of Transportation Planning Technician.  This position is responsible for planning, developing and coordinating a multimodal transportation system, to include the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program. The Transportation Planning Technician will also provide assistance in updating elements of the Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Improvement Program. There is an emphasis on educating others about CTR and effectively promoting related programs and initiatives. The ideal candidate will have the ability to successfully encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling and other methods that can result in better, more efficient commuting options.  Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, communications, engineering, or a related field, along with at least two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional or technical experience in transportation planning, TDM or CTR coordination.

**A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  Please note that you cannot attach documents to your application after it has been submitted.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online application, please call our office at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

There is one (1) full-time, benefited position that will be filled by this recruitment process.  This is a non-represented position.  

The selection process to fill this vacancy will consist of at least one panel interview. A second interview for finalists may also be scheduled. This position is open until filled; interviews will be scheduled as needed, with the first round of interviews tentatively scheduled for January 9-11.

SALARY:

$7,019.00- $8,573.00 monthly (2023 salary range); depending on experience

For a listing of benefits, please visit the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the City Transportation Planner, performs a wide variety of complex functions and exercises good judgment to plan, develop and coordinate the City's multimodal transportation system, including the Commute Trip Reduction Program (CTR).

Work is characterized by professional-level work in the planning, development, implementation, and coordination of multimodal transportation systems for the city. Incumbent may assist in the updates of transportation elements of the Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Improvement Program; and perform planning and coordination tasks for special projects and programs. Duties include Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies and practices; developing and conducting employer training programs and providing assistance in meeting CTR compliance requirements; monitoring compliance and initiating enforcement actions where necessary.

Work is performed under limited supervision. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and supervisor work together to develop projects, work to be completed, and deadlines. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or issues with far reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results. Incumbent is periodically involved in politically sensitive issues requiring an amount of tact and diplomacy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform a variety of technical duties related to the implementation, operation, and administration of the transportation system CTR program.

Develop programs and materials to educate employers about TDM strategies, CTR Program requirements, and assist in developing effective strategies for promoting their CTR programs.

Work with elected officials to provide technical assistance on TDM, CTR, public transit, and associated topics.

Develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders including local businesses and other employer-supportive organizations.

Prepare a variety of planning graphics, including conventional and computer-assisted graphics and maps, for reports and public presentations.

May assist in the development of transportation elements of the comprehensive plan, and transportation improvement program.

Attend, monitor, and support various City committees and task forces as assigned.

Conduct research on a wide variety of policy and operational issues affecting all aspects of promoting alternative modes of transportation to residents, businesses, and institutions using a wide range of analytical and statistical methods to develop recommendations.

Provide technical assistance, data gathering, analysis, program evaluation, and improvements.

Work with State, County, and Regional planning agencies to monitor, evaluate, and modify program goals, strategies, and performance. Collaborate with other jurisdictions to strengthen concurrent implementation activities.

Actively support and promote the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Techniques, practices, and current issues in travel demand management, generally, including Commute Trip Reduction programs.

• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to Transportation Demand Management and State Commute Trip Reduction law.

• Principles and practices of public administration and transportation planning.

• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computers and related software such as database management, spreadsheet and word processing programs.

• Regional commuter transportation services (vanpool, transit, carpool ride matching system, HOV lanes) and programs (employer pass subsides, alternative work hours, parking management, telecommuting, guaranteed ride home).

• Research, analysis, and problem-solving methods.

• Governmental budgeting and financial practices, procedures, and methods.

• Research methodology as applied to the sourcing and analysis of planning data and trends preferred.

• Preparation of basic mapping with geographic information systems (GIS) preferred.

BE SKILLED IN:

• Using research and analytical methods, practices and procedures to define and resolve issues.

• Effective use of interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.

• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a wide variety of audiences.

• Developing promotional and educational materials.

• Maintaining records and preparing reports.

HAVE ABILITY TO:

• Plan, develop, implement, and coordinate various transportation related programs.

• Plan and organize work to meet schedules, timelines, and conduct various research projects.

• Assist in revision of transportation elements of the Comprehensive Plan and transportation improvement program.

• Monitor agreements between the City and service providers and take corrective action, as needed.

• Work in a group setting using a collaborative, consensus-building communication style.

• Develop and oversee a program budget.

• Speak effectively, present information, and respond to questions from City Council, staff, the general public, including training and provide work direction to employer groups.

• Prepare clear and concise project plans.

• Consider multiple solutions, apply long-range objectives, and recommend most appropriate solution.

• Generate creative information, motivation, and implementation strategies and material.

• Compose, proofread and edit general correspondence, routine reports, contracts, etc.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, Communications, Engineering, or related field; and

Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional or technical experience in transportation planning, TDM or CTR coordination.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State driver's license, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment.

• Must successfully pass the City's pre-employment driver's records check; successfully complete the City's Defensive Driving Course; and maintain an excellent driving record.

• Must successfully pass a Washington State Patrol background inquiry.

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer, telephone, fax and copy machine, and calculator.

The incumbent may also be required to operate a City vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to perform fine manipulation, handle, or feel; and talk or hear normally with or without mechanical assistance. The incumbent must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and/or move up to 80 pounds or more with assistance. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The incumbent is required to work primarily in an office setting. The incumbent may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Some work will include traveling to regional governmental offices, and local jurisdictions for meetings and other forums.  Attendance at evening meetings is required.