Performs beginning level professional transportation planning duties. Assists higher level Transportation Planning Specialists by performing specific assignments that are normally well-defined segments of broad planning activities research studies or studies relating to specific disciplinary areas dealing with the transportation system. Study or planning areas include, but are not limited to, transportation systems and modes, environmental aspects related to transportation issues, transportation landscape design roadside and site aspects and transportation landscape architecture, and urban & community planning.

The employee in this class performs specific assignments in the investigation and accumulation of background information, the review, adjustment and correlation of data, the application of standard techniques and procedures, report writing, and development of projects at different phases.

As an assistant to a higher-level Transportation Planning Specialist, receives close supervision and specific direction as to results expected. Assignments are limited to specific phases of broad planning activities and research studies including the analysis of resources and alternatives and developing specific aspects of projects.

Undertakes preliminary analyses interpretations of factual multi modal information and data to provide the basis for transportation planning, using such determinations as functional usage and traffic estimates and trends;

Develops traffic desire and traffic distribution charts, estimates of probable traffic, and other tools for transportation planning;

Follows established procedures for the interpretation and analysis of background materials and other tools for transportation planning;

Documents planning studies by means of charts, tables, statistical analyses and narrative reports;

Develops data inventories and forecasts;

Assists in conducting of cost benefit studies of proposed transportation facilities or systems;

Participates in conducting of public opinion surveys by selection of samples and analysis of information received using standard techniques;

Assists in the preparation of design documentation, plans, specifications and estimates for highway development and/or roadside management projects.

Assists in conducting site studies of existing features and conditions; analyzing resource impacts, compiling information that pertains to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), fisheries, vegetation, wildlife, geology, soil, existing utilities, hydraulics, etc.; recommends design options;

Assists in the design of roadside and site development, mitigation and restoration projects involving analysis of roadside functions and proposal of design solutions for clearing, grading, drainage, erosion control, planting, irrigation, pedestrian areas, etc.; assists in preparing contract plans, specification and estimates; performs drawing and drafting and prepares graphic presentations for project proposals;

Inspects roadside development and mitigation construction work for contract compliance and quality of products;

Assists higher-level specialist by researching, reviewing, and gathering information pertaining to transportation regulatory issues. Reviews transportation documents applying appropriate rules and regulations; employees would not be expected to determine the research methods and do final analysis, these activities would be under the supervision and guidance of a higher-level Planning Specialist.

Review site plans and identify potential problems, which are brought to the attention of higher-level staff;

Performs other work as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in transportation, landscape architecture, environmental or urban, regional or land use planning, engineering, public or business administration, economics, biology, or natural or physical sciences and one year of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems. Analysis of environmental issues and problems that involve transportation issues will also be considered qualifying experience.

OR

A Master's degree or equivalent in a Ph.D. program in environmental, biology, landscape architecture, economics or social science.

Additional professional experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required graduate education, provided a Bachelor's degree in economics or social science has been attained.

NOTE: Possession of a valid driver's license may be required.

New Class adopted 11-8-79, effective: 1-1-80
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, minimum qualifications, and general revision: 9-19-03
Revised new class code: (formerly 67830) effective July 1, 2007