Transportation Planner IV

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

SECTION: TRANSPORTATION

WORKDAYS & HOURS*: MON. - FRI., 8:00A - 5:00P

*Subject to change

Bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to our team as a Transportation Planner IV. The work we do has a lasting impact on the future of our city. Houston is a place where the cost of living is more than 25% below the top 20 metro average, and with no state income tax, home ownership is very achievable. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diversity city in the U.S., Houston has first-class access to medical care, recreation, food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.

ABOUT US

The City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department is a key player in the mayor’s efforts to improve public safety and infrastructure, enhance the quality of life, and maintain an efficient government that works for more than 2 million residents. Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston’s built environment. Our team draws and retains passionate, curious, life-long learners, and big picture thought leaders who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve. We strive to operate as a customer-focused, goal-oriented, and efficient organization. We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect while placing continuous learning at the center of our operations.

POSITION PROFILE

The City of Houston has multiple departments and external partners such as TxDOT and METRO that work together to align and implement Mayor John Whitmire’s transportation priorities. The mayor’s focus is on creating and maintaining a reliable transportation infrastructure that carefully balances current and future mobility needs, responsible use of funds and available right-of-way. The role of the Transportation Planner IV is to maximize the value of the City's multimodal transportation system to create a safer transportation network, support ongoing development, and improve quality of life equitably across the city. This requires in depth knowledge of transportation planning, community engagement, and overall project management to ensure plans result in implemented projects.

The Transportation Planner IV will do this by using the following guided principles:

• Considering how all existing users will be impacted by a roadway design.
• Preserving and/or improving existing mobility options without reducing the number of general-purpose traffic lanes or lane widths.
• Incorporating additional mobility options (transit, bikes, and others), where prudent, while maintaining or improving the existing modes.
• Ensuring safe, usable sidewalks and paths by planning for the repair of existing sidewalks and constructing new sidewalks.
• Designating safe sidewalk crossings in suitable locations, factoring in qualitative and quantitative data.
• Maintaining or enhancing city service delivery for emergency responders and solid waste collection.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises personnel in the review or implementation of specific transportation planning programs, projects, regulations, or ordinances.
• Consults, or assists in consulting, with community groups, government agencies, stakeholders, and appointed officials in the development and implementation of regulations, plans, projects, or programs.
• Presents detailed reports or studies to community groups, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
• Supervises the development of planning studies in support of new or updated plans, planning programs, or regulations.
• Write formal and technical reports, planning documents, grants, and correspondences.
• Reviews project proposals of heightened complexity for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources in order to formulate recommendations on policies and regulations.
• Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.
• Works closely with the public on planning programs, requirements, or ordinances.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as a liaison to other departments, government agencies and private sector.
• Conducts research, prepares, and presents reports that clearly communicate technical analyses and make the case for policy and other recommendations as appropriate.
• Works with Mayor’s Office of Development, Houston Public Works, Houston Housing Authority, and other city relevant departments.
• Supports other Planning Department divisions, other COH departments, partner agencies, and the public with information and research regarding the City’s Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan, and planning studies.
• Conducts research and understands best practices and policies in transportation planning with emphasis on parking management and transportation demand management.
• Manages and participates in interagency planning activities such as Regional, Sub-Regional Mobility Planning Studies, and other planning studies.
• Conducts community engagement efforts for multiple planning projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

Requires well-developed knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and policies; 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 or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

EXPERIENCE:

Six years of progressively responsible planning experience required, with at least two years of professional transportation planning experience.

A Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or closely related field may be substituted for two years of experience.
LICENSE REQUREMENTS:
None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to individuals with advanced knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and policies, along with in-depth expertise in one or more urban planning disciplines. Candidates should have experience working with federal, state, or local planning regulations related to transportation planning and programming, as well as direct engagement with regional partners such as H-GAC, METRO, TxDOT, and Harris County. Familiarity with TIRZ and Management Districts is also preferred. Proficiency in data analysis and GIS is essential, along with strong project management, leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, attention to detail, and strong time management and organizational skills are preferred. The ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, propose innovative solutions, and successfully collaborate with diverse stakeholders is critical.

In terms of personality traits, the ideal candidate will be disciplined, self-responsible, reliable, and results-oriented, with a positive outlook and a strong focus on high-quality work and customer service. They should be forward-thinking, able to critically assess their own performance, and motivated to learn new competencies and skills. Professionalism and the ability to represent the Department effectively to a wide range of audiences are key, as is adaptability and strong collaboration skills. The candidate should be comfortable working with mid-to-high-level executives and elected officials, while also managing and supervising employees in an effective, efficient, and fair manner. This includes setting appropriate expectations, providing necessary training, and delegating responsibilities to staff to achieve desired goals.

• Knowledge of transportation funding opportunities from the Federal, State, and regional levels.

• Grant writing and implementation experiences preferred.
• Knowledge of real estate development and planning principles.
• Experience with graphic programs such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
• Design skills related to transportation infrastructure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strongattentiontodetail;demonstratedtimemanagement&organizationalskills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS mapping software applications.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory and management experience.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

None. H owever, the department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

No.

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 25

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .


To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6049.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6049. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 10/14/2025 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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