Principal Planner - Transportation

Job Summary

Performs a variety of transportation-related planning tasks, including physical development review and highway and multi-modal transportation planning. Leads or assists with development and preparation of transportation policy, studies, and plans. Represents Highway Department in lead capacity for development review and development related construction activities. Provides interpretation of Transportation Plan goals and policies. Represents county on various regional transportation committees

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prepares staff reviews/reports on land development proposals for conformity with the County's Transportation Plan and Policies for Planning Commission, City Council, and County Board meetings.

• Manages or coordinates in the completion of special land use, transportation, and infrastructure studies in the county. Works directly with developers and land use authorities to complete appropriate traffic impact studies following the county's standard traffic impact study guidelines and practices.

• Prepares cooperative agreements or memorandums of understanding with local agencies for study or development related roadway or improvements.

• Provides detailed transportation plan interpretation services and advises developers, contractors, attorneys, architects, consultants, site evaluators, surveyors, engineers, elected officials, and public safety by phone, meetings, written correspondence, and at the counter on transportation related issues.

• Leads preparation of County's Transportation plan update, which includes developing transportation policies and practices.

• Leads corridor studies and preliminary design projects. Oversees preparation of various operational and capital plans for the Highway Department.

• Acts as a resource for and/or provides direction to division related to highway issues.

• Represents Scott County on various state, county, and local committees.

• Researches and writes grants for program/project funding.

• Conducts background research and analysis of development proposals based on ordinances, state and federal laws, policies and past practices, and recommends solutions.

• Collaborates with Highway Department multi-functional staff team in reviewing development proposals for resolution of right-of-way, design, operations, and traffic issues for compliance with adopted policies, standards and practices.

• Confers with other governmental agencies, such as Soil and Water Conservation District, Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Army Corps of Engineers, Metropolitan Council, Local and Minnesota Township Association, Watershed Districts and Organizations, Minnesota Department of Transportation, townships, cities, adjacent counties, etc.

• Assigns and reviews work of other employees as appropriate.

• Assists the Transportation Planning Manager and County Engineer in the preparation of the annual budget, strategic plan, and program evaluation.

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in urban or Regional Planning, Geography, or directly related field and five years' experience in local government planning. Must possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Master's Degree and/or AICP certification desired.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision of the Transportation Planning Manager who makes work assignments and outlines general procedures and policies to be followed. Additional controls are imposed through the application of provisions in federal and state laws and ordinances covering land use activities. Work is reviewed through written reports, public presentations, conferences, and results achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the principles of land use planning and its relationship to political structure and organization, policies, planning practices, and public services.

Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing planning subdivision and zoning functions.

Knowledge and understanding of surveying, civil engineering, traffic engineering, and design standards, and ability to interpret technical information.

Abilities – Ability to exercise expertise in all phases of planning, including regional planning, comprehensive planning and zoning, and subdivision ordinance administration.

Ability to exercise initiative, imagination, and problem-solving in a variety of planning and zoning situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, land use agencies, developers, contractors, and the public.

Ability to work independently without close supervision.

Ability to interpret and enforce laws and ordinances related to land use and developments.

Ability to write technical and concise reports.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software, Geographic Information Systems, and transportation software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.    

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.