Principal Transportation Planner (Strategic Advisor 2, General Government)

Job Description

Vision: Seattle Is a thriving and equitable community powered by dependable transportation. 

Mission: To deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities. 

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we are recognized across the country for our efforts in combining different modes of transportation to make travel easier and more convenient. As our city grows quickly, we're always thinking about how to make transportation more accessible, safe, affordable, and reliable for people who live in, work in, and visit Seattle. We're passionate about creating an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city for everyone.

We have important jobs to do at SDOT. We plan and look after the city's transportation network, add more bicycle and pedestrian paths, take care of over 240 bridges, and help people get better access to the regional transit system. We're a team of nearly 1,200 hardworking people, ready to serve Seattle's public transportation needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter the weather.

SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Transportation Planner (Strategic Advisor 2) within our Policy & Planning Division’s Transportation Planning section. The Principal Planner leads a variety of multi-disciplinary transportation planning and policy development projects. These projects may be citywide in scale, or focused on a specific transportation corridor, neighborhood, or station area. Representative projects include the Seattle Transportation Plan, station access plans for new light rail stations, integrated network planning, mode-specific network planning, bridge planning services and policy updates to manage emerging mobility and support electrification of the right-of-way. The successful candidate will advocate the City’s interests to other agencies and promote the City’s Race and Social Justice initiative. The ideal candidate will bring a mix of supervisory experience, technical transportation planning acumen, and superior project management skills. This person should be comfortable leading major, high-profile planning projects and studies, briefing executives and elected officials, and spearheading community engagement and communications strategies. This person should be highly collaborative as they will coordinate with colleagues throughout the Department, City and agency staff. This position reports to the Transportation Planning Manager.
 

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as project manager for large, complex multi-disciplinary transportation planning studies.
• Develop and track project budgets, scopes, schedules, and performance measures; procure consultant services.
• Manage staff and consultant teams; work with agency partners; and manage risks.
• Evaluate internal and external plans and proposals, analyze policy issues, prepare policy recommendations, and advocate for City interests.
• Engage with the public and stakeholders; maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within SDOT and other City departments, as well as those from federal, state, and regional agencies; and develop and implement community engagement strategies.
• Develop recommendations for and advise the Department Director, Mayor, and City Council on transportation policy and planning activities.
• Develop and implement work programs for citywide and community plans in partnership with other agencies.
• Supervise the work of an Associate Transportation Planner and, at times, intern(s) and help them grow professionally.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity, equity, and social justice. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience: 5 years of project management experience for large, complex transportation planning projects.

Education: Bachelor's degree in transportation planning, urban planning, public policy, landscape architecture, civil engineering, or a similar field. 

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position's duties.

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Graduate degree in transportation planning, urban planning, public policy, architecture, engineering, or a similar field.
• 5 years of experience in strategic planning, policy analysis, and development of recommendations for senior management.
• 3 years of experience working with elected officials, members of the public, private organizations, and public agencies.
• 2 or more years of supervisory experience, including managing work plans and preparing performance evaluations.
• Experience developing plans to address freight, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular, and emerging mobility system needs.
• Experience working on bridge planning studies, Type, Size, and Location studies, or similar efforts.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and using data and GIS to inform decisions and develop policy.
• Familiarity with urban street design, design standards, and design guidelines.
• Ability to grasp complex issues, identify alternative approaches to problems and issues, develop policy recommendations, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Other Requirements:

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of the work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of the work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week. 

Licenses:

• Washington State Driver's License, or equivalent mobility.

Additional Information:

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process:

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including a potential background check.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The City’s full salary range for this position is $54.60 - $81.93 Hourly.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

http://www.seattle.gov/jobs

ZB

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:

Job #2025-00330

If you are unable to apply on-line you may submit a paper application by the closing date to our office.

OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:

Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, WA 98104

[email protected]

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.