Planning Director jobs in Altoona, PA

TITLE: Transportation Planner

DEPARTMENT: Planning & Community Development (P&CD) Division

FLSA STATUS: Full Time Non-Exempt

CLASS: P-1

JOB RELATED BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

A “Competency Library” (document) serves as a source of definitions and as a guide for competencies necessary for successful job functioning in the position of Transportation Specialist. Cooperatively with the Director, Planning & Community Development, pertinent competencies-specific behavioral indicators are then selected for the position of Transportation Planner. These will serve, in part, as the basis for performance evaluation.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:

This position is responsible for providing support to the Commission’s transportation initiatives and support to the Commission as well as the region’s local governments and non-profit organizations. This position is also responsible for assisting with the implementation of the PennDOT Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and the Southern Alleghenies Mini-Grant Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: (other duties may be assigned)

• Assists with SAP&DC Transportation Plans and Programs.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Provides planning and technical assistance to support activities related to the implementation of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and Supplemental Planning activities.
• Assists in coordinating with RPO Planning Partners to plan for and implement the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
• Implements PennDOT Connects process by providing municipal planning assistance and participating in collaboration meetings with PennDOT district personnel, municipalities, and other stakeholders to identify and communicate transportation needs pertaining to the Southern Alleghenies Rural Planning Organization (RPO) transportation plans.
• Educates stakeholders and public about transportation services that are currently available. Engages, solicits, and ensures public participation in all Southern Alleghenies’ plans and programs as outlined by the Public Participation Plan.
• Coordinates updates of the Coordinated Transit-Human Service Transportation Plan and works with local partners on implementation activities identified within the plan.
• Assists with updating the Southern Alleghenies Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan and works with local partners to coordinate implementation activities identified within the plan.
• Provides technical assistance to county and local governments and stakeholders, including human service councils and public transit agencies, on public transit and human service planning efforts.
• Monitors current federal and state transportation legislation and rules, related to public transportation, for funding streams and provides grant application assistance.
• Performs field data collection using vehicular tube traffic counter, infrared trail counters, and other data collection methods to support Southern Alleghenies RPO transportation plans and programs.
• Prepares and submits all required reports accurately and on time.
• Attends related training and professional development activities and workshops.
• Coordinates the Implementation of the Southern Alleghenies Greenways Mini-Grants Program.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Maintains the Southern Alleghenies Greenways and Open Spaces Plan and coordinates efforts to update the Plan, including developing proposal documents, identifying a scope of work, and acting as a liaison with selected consultants.
• Conducts the development of materials for program solicitation to include application documents and relevant exhibits to satisfy contractual requirements.
• Periodically reviews and updates the program guidelines as appropriate.
• Coordinates informational workshops throughout the region to provide program assistance and guidance to interested applicants.
• Reviews and prioritizes applications submitted by eligible organizations in the region in coordination with the Planning Advisory Committee.
• Provides project administration to include technical assistance to project grantees, the review of payment requests from grantees, coordination of project site visits, and project closeout.
• Coordinates with the appropriate contacts at PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to ensure that all program guidelines are being met and is responsible for meeting all reporting requirements
• Coordinates the Implementation of the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) as a Component of the Unified Planning Work Program Under Contract with PennDOT.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Conducts outreach and marketing to include writing press releases and newsletter articles, placing strategic phone calls, and developing and distributing information to the region’s local governments via e-mail and hardcopy.
• Presents information at municipal events and meetings in an effort to promote the services offered through LTAP.
• Coordinates with the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), PennDOT, Blair County Planning Commission, and other planning entities to schedule courses and reserve meeting facilities.
• Conducts regular surveys of the region’s municipalities to determine interest in course offerings and locations.
• Ensures that proper course cancellation procedures are implemented in the event of inclement weather or low course registration.
• Attends all scheduled training courses, technical assistance events, and other LTAP related meetings as requested.
• Prepares and submits all required reports accurately and on time.
• Participates in Committee Activities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Participates in all Rural Transportation Technical Committee (RTTC) and Rural Transportation Coordinating Committee (RTCC) meetings.
• Participates in and provides GIS support for meetings of Alleghenies Broadband, Inc., Planning Advisory Committee (PAC), and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee, as requested.
• Meets Attendance Requirements.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Consistently reports to work as scheduled or uses appropriate call-in procedures for obtaining approval for time off.
• Consistently reports to work, meetings, and other business appointments on time and prepared.
• Achieves a healthy balance between work and personal life.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

• Represents the Commission at various functions as requested.
• Presents information to the SAP&DC Board of Directors and other groups, as requested.
• Participates in professional associations as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is typically received from the Transportation Program Manager.

SUPERVISION ADMINISTERED:

This position does not require the supervision of staff.

Mental demands typical of this position:

Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks, utilize creativity, ability to adapt to a constantly changing work environment, maintain a high level of record keeping. Complete routine paperwork, provide close attention to detail, ability to work under high pressure for results, meet frequent deadlines, and work closely with others.

PHYSICAL demands typical of this position:

Constantly Incurred (More than 75% of time on job)

Ability to sit, Repetitive finger movement

Frequently Incurred (Between 25% - 75% of time on job)

Ability to stand, Ability to walk

Occasionally Incurred (Less than 25% of time on job)

Ability to lift (light, maximum 50 lbs.)

working conditions typical of this position:

Frequently Incurred (Between 25% - 75% of time on job)

Ability to participate in same day in-district and/or overnight out-of-town travel for meetings and conferences using a personal or rented vehicle.

Occasionally Incurred (Less than 75% of time on job)

Ability to work overtime as necessary.

personal protective equipment typical of this position:

This position typically involves general office working conditions and occasionally involves visiting project sites or conducting field data collection and may require the use of personal protective equipment such as protective hearing, reflective clothing, proper shoes, and eyewear or a helmet.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in planning, geography, engineering, public administration or related discipline is preferred. A focus in urban and regional planning is preferred.

Experience/Training

One-year experience in transportation planning, or related discipline is preferred. Understanding of public involvement and local government processes is imperative. Experience can be obtained as part of an internship.

knowledge, skills, and abilities typical of this position:

Problem Solving Skills

Troubleshoots or takes initiative to solve problems.

Communication Skills

Clearly and consistently verbally communicates priorities.

Utilizes appropriate grammar, punctuation, and accuracy in written correspondence, manuals, or publications.

Math Skills

Performs accurate basic mathematical functions such as measurement, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Computer Knowledge

Microsoft Office Products

Internet/E-mail

Other Characteristics

Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in making decisions.

Ability to draw upon education and training.

Documentation and observation skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Ability to follow established confidentiality policy.

Ability to follow established safety standards.

Ability to use various office equipment, i.e., copier, fax, shredder, printer, etc.

Ability to use a large format printer.

Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral media.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to follow established standards and procedures.

This job description does not list all the job duties. Occasionally, supervisors or managers may ask you to perform other instructions and duties. Your evaluation is based in part upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description and these other duties.

Management has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the Commission may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $41,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Office

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Altoona, PA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Altoona, PA