Planner III, or IV - TPP Division - Austin, TX

Position Information

TxDOT's Transportation Planning and Programming (TPP) Division is looking for a Freight Transportation Planner III-IV based out of our Stassney headquarters in Austin. This position is within the Freight, International Trade, and Connectivity Section, which develops long-range plans, programs, and policies which help shape the development of Texas' future highway and multimodal transportation networks. We have a diverse workforce of over 12,000 employees statewide. If you want to join an exciting team, let's talk!

This position is fast-paced with multiple deadlines. Job output (primarily analysis work) must be efficient, and accurate with careful attention to detail. Work may be presented by high-level leadership at Texas Transportation Commission briefings and other events. The position must be able to take a comprehensive approach to division and agency-wide goals with a concentration on statewide multi-modal transportation planning.

Stassney Campus https://youtu.be/u42vEZacDgA

Planner III - B22 Salary Range $70,000.00 - $76,000.00

Planner IV - B24 Salary Range $77,000.00 - $87,600.00

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include:

• Low Turnover
• Retirement Pension
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Paid Leave/Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees
• On the Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Program/Wellness Leave Incentives
• Career Development Programs/Opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance (ERS.texas.gov)

Position Description

Planner III:

Performs complex planning and programming activities in support of management-related programs and/or transportation projects. Work requires contact with departmental managers, high-level executives, governmental/university officials and/or private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Planner IV:

Performs complex planning and programming activities in support of management-related programs and/or transportation projects. Work requires contact with departmental managers, high-level executives, governmental/university officials and/or private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

• Planner III:
• Assists in development of long-range freight transportation plans, policies, and programs.
• Assists in coordinating and organizing the Texas Freight Advisory Committee.
• Coordinates planning projects involving districts, divisions, various freight transportation interests, research endeavors, other agencies and/or local, state and federal agencies.
• Represents the Department at local and state levels.
• Reviews consultant work and provides meaningful, constructive feedback.
• Conducts research and analysis on complex issues, legislation, departmental policies and assists in developing departmental policy positions pertinent to those issues and areas of expertise.
• Provides general information and support to governmental officials, sponsors, users and the public.
• Stays abreast of freight transportation industry changes and requirements, policies, procedures, and legislation.
• May serve as a lead worker on related tasks.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Planner IV:

All of the above and:

• Performs complex planning and programming activities in support of management-related programs and/or transportation projects.
• May serve as Project leader.

Minimum Qualifications:

Planner III

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in transportation planning, engineering, business admin or related field.
• Relevant experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Experience:

• 3 years planning, research or legislative analysis-related activities.
• Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Planner IV

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Transportation/Urban Planning, Engineering, Business Admin or related field.
• Relevant experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Experience:

• 4 years planning, research or legislative analysis-related activities.
• Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of macroeconomic conditions impacting the flow of goods into, within, and from Texas and demonstrated experience in planning for freight-specific transportation issues is preferred, but not required.

Competencies:

Planner III:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Developing and implementing programs
• Program/project planning, development, and management methodologies
• Freight industry and freight movement
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Policy development methodologies and procedures
• Urban transportation planning

Expert skill in:

• Planning methods, techniques and strategies

Proficient skill in:

• Communicating vision and direction of how an organization should function or a system should work under ideal conditions and conveying this to others
• Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall business strategy/results; anticipating and adjusting for problems/roadblocks
• Planning, coordinating and handling multiple projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long term deadlines

Planner IV

All the Above and:

Extensive knowledge of:

• Urban transportation planning
• Applicable contract/grant/funding/project/program processes, policies and procedures
• Developing and implementing programs

Expert skill in:

• Planning, directing, coordinating and scheduling

Proficient skill in:

• Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Fingering-picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than whole hand
• Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels;receive information by oral communication
• Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes
• Subject to noise
• Subject to vibration
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)