Transportation Planning Manager

Job Summary

Performs program oversight, development, and transportation planning, programming, project scoping, and measurement activities by working collaboratively with other professionals and elected officials to create safe, efficient, and seamless design and construction of multi-modal systems and infrastructure. Represents the county and the county's long-range transportation plan in an advocacy role, trying to obtain and secure grants and special funding to support short- and long-range goals. Responsible for supervision, personnel management, budget preparation, administration, and acts as a consultant on a variety of issues. Provides guidance in dealing with complex programming, operational, and capital issues in the functional area.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs, coordinates, and facilities transportation planning sessions for large and complex projects and stakeholder groups that address such elements as corridor studies, public involvement processes, document reviews, funding mechanisms, and short- and long-range planning.
• Leads development of the County Transportation Plan, including regional engagement, corridor studies, preliminary design, and geometric layout phase of projects.
• Prepares the division business plan, annual operations plan for the highway maintenance activities, and assists the fleet, transit, and mobility management functions with planning, capital programming, and marketing activities.
• Assists the Transportation Services Director, County Engineer, and Transit Supervisor in the development of the department's Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) to ensure timely completion of objectives while maintaining consistency with annual budget constraints.
• Collaborates and negotiates with a wide variety of stakeholders, including elected officials, federal, state, and local agencies, contractors, business leaders, consultants, and professional and technical staff on project funding, timelines, timeframes, budgets, plans, policy, and agreement.
• Evaluates the work and products of consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure compliance with contracts, agreements, specifications, codes, and ordinances and makes immediate on-the-spot corrections as necessary and directs compliance.
• Assists in the preparation of section operating budget and develops current and long-range capital costs for transportation programs.
• Manages multiple, major projects concurrently, ensuring they are within the scope of time and budget authorized.
• Provides analysis, input, and recommendations regarding transportation planning policy, practices, plans, and goals.
• Supervisors and oversees the operations, activities, and staff (hiring, directing, assigning, setting work priorities, developing, conducting performance evaluations, disciplining) of Transportation Planning and Programming staff as assigned.
• Provides critical judgment in the resolution of program level problems and in developing standards and guides for diverse activities. Ensures work projects and processes are provided required technical direction and oversight.
• Directs various corridor studies, scoping reports, and preliminary design activities and makes recommendations.
• Directs and coordinates development of the county transportation system through partnership development and review of land use and development proposals.
• Serves as a technical resource in the preparation of county transportation policies and guidelines.
• Identifies opportunities for, assists in, and pursues additional federal and state transportation funding through the preparation of grant applications and serves on statewide transportation committees.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Must work 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 a Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree preferred) and six years of progressive transportation planning and programming experience. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desired or required within one year of hire. A valid driver's licenses and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Transportation Services Director for department vision, planning, and program management strategies and project specific approach. The incumbent has the discretion and wide latitude in decision-making to determine priorities, initiate work plans, and take appropriate action with regard to the activities and staff of the program area. Meetings to report on progress and completion of projects occur as needed with the County Engineer, Transit Supervisor, and/or Transportation Services Director. 



The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others, including program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17. 



The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.
 

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 transportation planning and engineering principles and techniques involved in the construction and maintenance of highways and bridges. Demonstrates skill in applying this knowledge.

Knowledge of federal laws and state statutes and policies pertaining to county highway systems.

Knowledge of governmental functions and organizations impacting county government. The ability to develop cooperative working relationships with staff from local, state, and regional agencies.

Knowledge of computers and the use of computers for analysis.

Knowledge of computer-aided design and drafting systems.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to lead committees and achieve desired results through team concepts. 

Ability to work in arenas of conflict and bring diverse opinions to a resolution or consensus.

Ability to fulfill the core competencies for managers in Scott County. The core competencies are leadership, communication, innovation and creativity, and personal relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Convey clearly and present concisely complex and controversial issues to decision-makers and the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other governmental agencies, and the general public.

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

Ability to use MS Office 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.