About this role

Transportation Planner - Career Ladder Group

Transportation Planning Organization

Starting Rates:

I - $52,312.00

II - $57,678.40

III - $63,627.20

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

MAJOR FUNCTION

Performs progressively responsible professional work in the research, development, analysis, and implementation of transportation planning programs and projects. Duties span short- and long-range planning, multimodal systems analysis, and transportation policy development in support of Countywide mobility goals. Supports or leads collaborative planning initiatives, coordinates with internal departments and external agencies, and prepares technical documents, presentations, and recommendations to inform decision-making. Will assist in responding to customer inquiries by phone, email or in person. 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:

Performs other related duties as required.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNER I

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

- Supports the 3-C (comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing) transportation planning process for the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).
- Assists in collecting and analyzing transportation data, including level-of-service assessments and inventory of transportation facilities.
- Prepares planning aids and visual materials such as maps, charts, and graphs.
- Participates in conducting ﬁeld studies, surveys, and technical research.
- Assists in preparing drafts of reports and public meeting materials for TPO-related plans and programs, including:
- Long-range multi-modal transportation plan
- Short-range transit development plans
- Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- Transportation Disadvantaged Program
- Uniﬁed Planning Work Program (UPWP)
- Provides general support for presentations and attends internal meetings or workshops.
- Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

- Understands foundational transportation planning practices, including data collection, ﬁeld surveys, and visual mapping.
- Interprets demographic data, land use information, and aerial imagery with supervision.
- Applies basic software tools such as Microsoft Oﬃce and entry-level GIS.
- Contributes to written and visual materials with clarity and professionalism.
- Follows structured processes for organizing work and interacting with the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including economics, urban studies, geography, environmental studies/science, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, real estate, GIS, public administration, political science, or other similarly related field as determined by the Division Director.

Must be able to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work unit.

Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classiﬁcation.

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

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-accredited program

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to ﬁt the needs of the County and its citizens.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNER II

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

- Independently prepare technical reports and planning documents using collected data and professional judgment.
- Presents ﬁndings and materials to stakeholders, committees, and the public.
- Serves as a liaison with internal departments and partner agencies on transportation-related initiatives.
- Performs spatial, statistical, and performance-based analysis using GIS and planning software.
- Participates in grant research and supports basic application preparation.
- Provide support to advisory committees and represents planning staﬀ at public meetings.
- Assists in preparing drafts of reports and public meeting materials for TPO-related plans and programs, including:
- Long-range multi-modal transportation plan
- Short-range transit development plans
- Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- Transportation Disadvantaged Program
- Uniﬁed Planning Work Program (UPWP)
- Provides general support for presentations and attends internal meetings or workshops.
- Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

- Analyzes transportation trends using GIS, modeling, or performance-based tools.
- Develops written reports, maps, and visuals independently for public and technical audiences.
- Communicates technical content in accessible ways for boards, agencies, and the public .
- Coordinates with departments, consultants, and partner agencies on transportation projects.
- Prioritizes multiple assignments under general supervision while applying judgment to resolve planning issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning experience, as follows:

Master's degree with major course work in urban planning or a related ﬁeld, including economics, urban studies, geography, environmental studies/science, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, real estate, GIS, public administration, political science, or other similarly related ﬁeld as determined by the Division Director.

Bachelor's degree with major course work in one of the above fields and one (1) year of experience.

Must be able to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work unit.

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

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

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

- College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-accredited program

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

(Transportation Planner II, III, Senior)

Certiﬁcations (Two of the following)

- American Institute of Certiﬁed Planners (AICP) which can count for two of the required certiﬁcations,
- Certiﬁed Floodplain Manager (CFM).
- Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation (CUN- A).
- Geographical Information System Professional (GISP).
- LEED Accredited Professional (LEED- AP).
- Certiﬁed Economic Developer (CEcD).
- State certiﬁed General Real Estate Appraisal license,
- Certiﬁed Public Manager (CPM)
- Emerging Leader Graduate
- Real Estate Sales license.
- Florida Redevelopment Association - Redevelopment Administrator (FRA- RA)
- Florida Redevelopment Association - Redevelopment Professional (FRA- RP)
- Attendance at one conference hosted by the Florida American Planning Association (FAPA), Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA), Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), or Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) and obtain 16 equivalent 16 equivalent American Institute of Certiﬁed Planners (AICP) continuing education credits.
- Or any other relevant license or certiﬁcation deemed appropriate by the Division Director.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNER III

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

- Leads assigned planning studies and interdepartmental projects, coordinating across multiple agencies and disciplines.
- Oversee regulatory analysis and interpret complex transportation and land use data for internal and external use.
- Drafts and reviews of public policy recommendations and strategic proposals related to mobility, access, and infrastructure.
- Supervises or mentors lower-level planners, providing quality control on technical work.
- Manages consultant contracts or outside vendors supporting speciﬁc transportation planning eﬀorts.
- Facilitates advanced stakeholder engagement, including public workshops and hearings.
- Assists in preparing drafts of reports and public meeting materials for TPO-related plans and programs, including:
- Long-range multi-modal transportation plan
- Short-range transit development plans
- Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- Transportation Disadvantaged Program
- Uniﬁed Planning Work Program (UPWP)
- Provides general support for presentations and attends internal meetings or workshops.
- Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

- Leads planning studies, complex data analysis, and strategic report development.
- Interprets regulatory frameworks and funding guidelines across federal, state, and local levels.
- Directs consultant activities, scopes technical projects, and ensures deliverables aligns with County standards.
- Mentor’s junior planners and ensures consistency, accuracy, and compliance in their work.
- Serve as a senior-level communicator in public forums, board meetings, or interagency workgroups.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning experience, as follows:

Master's degree with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including economics, urban studies, geography, environmental studies/science, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, real estate, GIS, public administration, political science, or other similarly related field as determined by the Division Director, and one (1) year of experience.

Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in one of the above fields, and three (3) years of experience.

Must be able to use personal computers and software relevant to the assigned work unit.

Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classiﬁcation.

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

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

- College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-accredited program
- Certiﬁcation by the American Institute of Certiﬁed Planners (AICP)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

(Transportation Planner II, III, Senior)

Certiﬁcations (Two of the following)

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

- College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-accredited program
- Certiﬁcation by the American Institute of Certiﬁed Planners (AICP)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Transportation Planner II, III,

Certiﬁcations (Two of the following)

- American Institute of Certiﬁed Planners (AICP) which can count for two of the required certiﬁcations.
- Certiﬁed Floodplain Manager (CFM).
- Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation (CUN- A).
- Geographical Information System Professional (GISP).
- LEED Accredited Professional (LEED- AP).
- Certiﬁed Economic Developer (Cad).
- State certiﬁed General Real Estate Appraisal license.
- Certiﬁed Public Manager (CPM)
- Emerging Leader Graduate.
- Polk County Succession Management graduate.
- Real Estate Sales license.
- Florida Redevelopment Association - Redevelopment Administrator (FRA- RA).
- Florida Redevelopment Association - Redevelopment Professional (FRA- RP).
- Attendance at one conference hosted by the Florida American Planning Association (FAPA), Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA), Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), or Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) and obtain 16 equivalent 16 equivalent American Institute of Certiﬁed Planners (AICP) continuing education credits.
- Or any other relevant license or certiﬁcation deemed appropriate by the Division Director.