Transportation Planners

19-3099.01

Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.
• Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.
• Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.
• Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
• Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
• Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.
• Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.
• Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.
• Design transportation surveys to identify areas of public concern.
• Collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies at the local, regional, or national level.
• Evaluate transportation project needs or costs.
• Analyze information from traffic counting programs.
• Review development plans for transportation system effects, infrastructure requirements, or compliance with applicable transportation regulations.
• Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.
• Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
• Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.
• Develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.
• Evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.
• Design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.
• Define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.
• Direct urban traffic counting programs.
• Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Citilabs Cube; Crash Mapping Analysis Tool CMAT; Dowling Associates TRAFFIX; IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; Iteris Turbo Architecture; McTrans Center TSIS-CORSIM; McTrans HCS+; PTV VISUM; Quadstone Paramics; Roundabout Delay RODEL; SAS 🔥; Strong Concepts TEAPAC; Texas Transportation Institute TTI Progression Analysis and Signal System Evaluation Routine PASSER; TRL Software TRANSYT; Visual Solutions VisSIM
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 🔥; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Caliper TransCAD
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥
• Development environment software - Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Industrial control software - Traffic signal software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - MapInfo
• Mobile location based services software - Transportation management system TMS software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
• Advise others on matters of public policy.
• Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
• Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Develop methods of social or economic research.
• Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
• Evaluate civic projects or public policies.
• Prepare documentation for permits or licenses.
• Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
• Design civil structures or systems.
• Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
• Direct scientific activities.