King County Metro has three career service opportunities in Speed and Reliability Workgroup in Capital Planning Section within the Capital Division. The Speed and Reliability workgroup conducts near and mid-terms capital planning activities for transit corridor improvements, hot spots, and trolley expansion program in partnership with local jurisdictions. The workgroup is responsible to identify, plan, and prioritize partnership projects, as well as monitors design and implementation phase of projects delivered by partner agencies or Metro Capital Project Delivery Section.  

We are hiring two Transportation Planner III and one Transportation Planner II. The individual selected for these positions are expected to work on variety capital project planning/implementation activities for corridor, hot spots, and trolley expansion programs. This recruitment will also be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future career service or vacated position, short term temporary, term-limited temporary, and/or special duty assignment opportunities within the Capital Division. The eligibility pool will be valid for 12 months upon creation, or until exhausted, at the discretion of the hiring authority. 

Please Note Specific Salary Ranges Below 
Transportation Planner II: $39.8189 - $48.1382 Hourly (Exempt)
Transportation Planner III: $44.832 - $54.1985 Hourly (Exempt) 

JOB DUTIES: 

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. In this role, you will: 

For both Transportation Planner II and III: 

• Build and maintain strong working relationship with project stakeholders, local agency staff, and project team members 
• Reviews information and proposals for projects led by others and address traffic and transportation issues.  
• Conduct analysis or review analysis done by internal subject matter experts or by others (consultants or local agencies). Review and interpret findings, and develop presentations and strategies to obtain concurrence on situations and resolutions  
• Prepare project updates and coordination with project teams and/or local agency partners as needed 
• Writes reports and correspondence and prepares visual aids including, maps, tables, and graphs to support projects. 
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.  

As a Transportation Planner II: 

• Conducts spatial analyses and mapping for transportation planning purposes 
• Prepare information graphics or reports in support of individual projects or annual reports  
• Collects, studies, and analyzes traffic, collision, and other transportation data to identify patterns and problems and recommend solutions.  
• Manage hot spot projects through all phases of planning and implementation 
• Prepare project charter and project management plan for spot improvement projects 
• Prepare document or summaries of project justification for presentation for internal and external stakeholders  
• Performs traffic field studies to investigate possible problems and recommend solutions or to observe transit operation condition after project implementation 
• Assists other staff on projects by providing research, analysis, planning, and technical support.  
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.  
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.  
• Other duties as assigned 

As a Transportation Planner III: 

• Manage small to complex hot spot, corridor, and trolley projects through all phases of development. 
• Prepare project charters and project management plans for trolley modification and speed and reliability corridor improvements projects. 
• Lead, participate in, and facilitate project teams and internal and external committees including stakeholder advisory groups, technical advisory committees, and other committees or groups. 
• Prepare document or summaries of project justification (for hot spots, corridor and trolley related projects) clearly and concisely for presentation to internal and external stakeholders  
• Acting as a project manager and work with consultants to successfully manage, monitor, negotiate, influence the project outcome for selected speed and reliability corridor projects led or constructed by other local jurisdictions 
• Create and implement seamless project transitions to Capital Project Delivery for implementation and prepare documentations for project charter and initial project management plan 
• Develop and negotiate implementation plan and prepare interagency agreements if needed 
• Prepare grant applications for State and Federal funding 
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.  

• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned. 
• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications – Transportation Planner II 

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Planning (Land Use, Urban, Regional, Transportation, Environmental), Public Administration, OR at least 2 years of progressive responsible experience supporting transportation or planning projects throughout project phases including project initiation, planning, design, implementation and closeout. Additional requirements are:

• Self starter, relationship builder, and technical analyst with:
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and successfully with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to manage and prioritize a diverse workload to accomplish tasks on defined timelines and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to negotiate partnerships and develop agreements.
• Ability to integrate and manage diverse interests and problem-solve. 
• Ability to use medium to large datasets to build data-driven justifications for decisions.
• Experience with GIS software, mapping, and analysis. 
• Demonstrated technical writing skills showing ability to effectively translate and interpret quantitative and technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Understanding of equity and social justice principles and ability to apply to tasks and projects in a deliberate and impactful manner. 
• Ability to deliberate complex information to general audience clearly and concisely 
• Ability to use multiple types of qualitative and quantitative data to draw conclusions and make recommendations. 
• Ability to follow through on multiple priorities and assignments 
• Able to take direction and work both independently as well as in a cooperative team environment with a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different positions and backgrounds to achieve goals 
• Well-organized and able to prioritize and manage time in a dynamic and fast-paced environment 
• Ability to work remotely and in person to complete assignments autonomously 
• Able to communicate effectively and simplistically (verbally, written, and visually) complex information and can adapt quickly to a multitude of interpersonal situations 

Minimum Qualifications for Transportation Planner III 

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Planning (Land Use, Urban, Regional, Transportation, Environmental), Public Administration, OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the work.
• At least two years of project management experience managing public transportation projects including project initiation, planning, design, implementation, and/or closeout
• Experience in preparing traffic analysis or reviewing analysis done by consultant  
• Experience in planning related to transit and transportation planning and engineering.
• Ability to combine "big picture" thinking with a solid understanding of technical details. 
• Experienced project manager, and relationship builder with: 
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills including ability to build and lead work teams and the ability to manage and resolve issues involving multiple interests. 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and successfully with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to manage and prioritize a diverse workload to accomplish tasks on defined timelines and in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing staff or consultant teams and providing direction on research, data analysis, modeling, and other technical elements of transportation planning projects.
• Ability to negotiate partnerships and develop agreements.
• Ability to integrate and manage diverse interests and problem-solve. 
• Demonstrated technical writing skills showing ability to effectively translate and interpret quantitative and technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to deliberate complex information to general audience clearly and concisely 
• Experience working with the diverging opinions and viewpoints of elected officials, internal and external agency staff, and the public.
• Ability to follow through on multiple priorities and assignments 
• Able to take direction and work both independently as well as in a cooperative team environment with a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different positions and backgrounds to achieve goals 
• Well-organized and able to prioritize and manage time in a dynamic and fast-paced environment  
• Ability to work remotely and in person to complete assignments autonomously 
• Able to communicate effectively and simplistically (verbally, written, and visually) complex information and can adapt quickly to a multitude of interpersonal situations 

Desirable Qualifications for both classifications:

• Abilityto absorb knowledge quickly and develop skills professional skills 
• Familiarity with the Familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge principles  
• Current and strong knowledge of transit planning and project management principles, practices and methodologies and a strong understanding of how transit planning interacts with land use planning, sustainability, non-motorized travel options, and public health and environmental justice.
• Understanding of government processes and procedures such as regulation and policy development, legislative processes, etc.
• Experience using Power BI and Remix as a part of analysis. 
• Experience using Illustrator software 
• Familiarity with King County Metro and key partners and stakeholder groups.

Application & Selection Process 
An online employment application, resume, cover letter, and answers to the supplemental questions are required. Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks. 
 
NOTE: Please answer all applicable questions in the employment application portion, with each of your jobs listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc.
 
Work Schedule 
Our regular business work schedule is 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday though work outside of the normal work day may be required. This position is considered exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and as such is not eligible for overtime pay. Flexible hours may be considered.
 
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade
These positions are represented by PROTEC 17
 
 Classification Codes
Transportation Planner II:  241704/Grade 58 (Exempt) 
Transportation Planner III:  241803/Grade 63 (Exempt)
 
Work Location
The primary location of this position is in the King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA) Telecommuting is possible.
 
Teleworking Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment working in the office and at home. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
 
Employees may be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
 
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.  
 
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
 
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:
      • submit proof of vaccination or
      • have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
 
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact:  Sianna Weicuss, sweicuss@kingcounty.gov
 
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