Principal Planner - Transportation

Overview

Reporting to the Supervising Planner Transportation within the Office of Planning, the Principal Planner Transportation will be a technically proficient, detail-oriented, cutting-edge, creative and thoughtful, big thinker who demonstrates deep understanding of best practices for the planning and implementation of transportation infrastructure and policy across all travel modes to address the safe, equitable, and efficient movement of people and goods. The Principal Planner conducts and manages technical planning work of moderate complexity as a part of Middlesex County's transportation planning program and does other related duties as required.

The Middlesex County Office of Planning is a busy, fast-paced office engaged in a county-wide strategic plan, Destination 2040, that will guide the County's policies, plans, programs, and investment decisions in five broad focus areas: Land Use, Development and Housing; Sustainability and Community Resilience; Healthy, Safe and Inclusive Communities; Economic Development and Workforce Competitiveness; and Transportation and Mobility. Comprising twenty-five urban, suburban, small-town, and rural municipalities, Middlesex County is New Jersey's second most populous county and is strategically located midway between New York and Philadelphia.

About Middlesex County: Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 18 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation's most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 863,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities and employing nearly 40,000 people. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound.

Comprising a variety of urban, suburban, small town and rural places, Middlesex County is New Jersey's second most populous county. It is strategically located midway between New York and Philadelphia, and home to Rutgers University and other post-secondary institutions. It is traversed by several major highways, is near the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal and Newark Liberty International Airport, and is served by local and regional buses, and passenger and freight rail systems.

Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play - and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Develops comprehensive transportation plans including all modes of transportation and plans and updates the implementation of the Vision Zero Action Plan.
• Reviews, interprets and analyzes complex statistical and transportation systems data.
• Coordinates transportation planning activities with other state and local planning efforts.
• Conducts studies and surveys and provides guidance and instruction to technical and graphics production staff.
• May prepare environmental documents for transportation projects to comply with State and federal environmental reviews and regulations.
• Oversees, prepares and presents technical briefings, reports, studies surveys, maps, charts graphs, correspondence and reports.
• May prepare reports that assess the social, economic and land use consequences of transportation projects, and may provide recommendations to mitigate negative impacts and reduce crashes.
• Provides technical advice and consultation.
• Participates in the preparation of contracts for transportation planning activities; assists in the preparation of fiscal documentation, and monitors expenditures related to transportation planning projects.
• Reviews and analyses technical reports prepared by consultants.
• Establishes and maintains liaison and cooperative working relationships with other agencies and interested parties involving planning matters and issues.
• Participates in meetings with government officials and other interested parties.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Provides guidance and instruction to planning and other support staff.
• Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative transportation and other planning reports and studies containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the theories, practices and principles of transportation systems planning.
• Knowledge of the varied transportation problems associated with the growth of urban centers, the movement of goods and people, and other attendant conditions.
• Knowledge of transportation trends including transit, complete streets, Vision Zero, green streets, and bicycle and pedestrian planning, micromobility, microtransit, EV charging infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles.
• Knowledge of the technical problems associated with comprehensive transportation planning activities.
• Knowledge of the various conditions affecting transportation systems.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in data collection and the conduct of surveys, and in other planning and research methods.
• Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit.
• Ability to provide guidance and instruction to planning and support staff.
• Ability to identify and analyze current transportation conditions, trends and needs.
• Ability to conduct research and survey activities.
• Ability to assess the social, economic and land use consequences of transportation projects.
• Ability to prepare maps, charts and graphs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved with the work of the unit.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret laws and regulations.
• Ability to keep current with trends and significant developments in the field of transportation systems planning.
• Ability to provide professional advice and guidance on planning matters.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and informative reports and studies containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to assign and instruct technical and other employees and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to multi-task and oversee competing priorities and multiple projects at once.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Familiarity with commonly used technology such as ArcGIS, Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field. Master's Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Three (3) years of experience in transportation planning.

LICENSE:

NJ Professional Planning License is preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred. The appointee must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.