Summary

This critical position will be responsible for applying thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures for transportation engineering, safety analysis, and multi-modal considerations to complete complex, unique and challenging projects. The candidate will help develop regional plans and studies focused on transportation and its relationship to the social and built community. They will work to serve member governments and regional partners using knowledge of the engineering / planning field and elevated experience with one or more specialties such as travel demand modeling, cost estimating, geographic information systems, transit network development, socioeconomic data development, data visualization, and traffic analysis. The candidate will work in a team environment, fulfilling tasks as assigned across a variety of transportation disciplines.

The successful candidate will have the ability to make sound engineering recommendations and assist with providing technical engineering alternatives and solutions to difficult and complex transportation issues to determine the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

The hiring process for this position is expected to conclude by the end of December; virtual interviews will be conducted starting late October.

Essential Functions 

• Complete operational analysis, corridor studies, traffic studies, innovative intersection implementation, parking studies, traffic calming, signal timing, and safety analysis;
• Bicycle/pedestrian/multi-modal feasibility, analysis, design, and implementation;

• Perform research and write objective summary reports which are used in the completion of project work;
• Develop cost estimates and engineering planning schedules;
• Provides general technical assistance and support to staff teams, members and projects;
• Conducts extensive research in specific project areas for best practices, economic and demographic trends, 
• Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities for improved planning in the region;

• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers and correspondence; 
• Represents the agency at public meetings and presents material through formal and informal presentations; 
• Recommends priorities, schedules and funding sources to implement organizational and community goals.

Competencies 

• Knowledge of the current federal and state regulations, guidelines, design standards, and specifications, such as the MUTCD, AASHTO, VDOT Traffic Engineering Design Manual, and Virginia Supplement to the MUTCD.
• Strong knowledge of transportation travel demand forecasting is preferred
• Experience using computer programming languages like R or Python.
• Knowledge of Traffic Analyses, Planning Studies, Traffic Safety, Traffic Forecasting, Traffic Signal Design, ITS Design, and/or Traffic Signal Timing is preferred;
• Bicycle/pedestrian/multi-modal project experience preferred;

• Experience working with VDOT and/or PlanRVA localities; and
• PE/EIT preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Manage multiple long term projects
• Research practices to compile and analyze data needed for planning models, including developing base year socioeconomic data for the Richmond/Tri-Cities Travel Demand Model (RTC) and developing jurisdictional population forecast by the cohort-component method. 

• Long-range future year travel forecasts for the RTC model and subarea and corridor extractions from the RTC model as needed for regional planning studies such as the long-range transportation plan. 
• Local government officials’ and partner agencies’ needs for output from regional planning models, particularly requests for RTC modeling needed for planning purposes.
• Communication Proficiency, including: Effective verbal and written communication skills; strong in listening and facilitation.
• Project Management, including: Strong organizational skills and capacity for multi-tasking on independent and team-based work; motivated self-starter with ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams. Ability to maintain manage multiple large and long-term projects and provide status updates on each at regular intervals.
• Problem Solving and Analysis, including: Experience with performing literature reviews, web based and other qualitative research such as interviews and surveys; experience with research methods, survey and statistical analysis principles; possesses strong analytical and data synthesis skills.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position is generally not responsible for supervision of other personnel but may have responsibility for project management and team coordination.

Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; flexible schedules are permitted with prior approval. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for specific project deadlines or meetings as job duties demand.

Travel

Regular travel within the region for meetings is expected.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree with 5 years relevant experience in engineering, planning, public administration or related field 

Preferred Education and Experience

• A bachelor's or master's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field;
• Ideal candidates would have between two and six years of experience in Transportation / Traffic Engineering and Planning

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to touch, handle or feel and to reach with hands and arms.
• The position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products, small equipment and supplies up to 30 pounds.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data and statistics, to perform accounting, to operate a computer, and to read extensively.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None required for this position.

Work Authorization/ Security Clearance

The position does not require a criminal background check.

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This position description is not designed to cover or contain comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

PlanRVA strives to cultivate and maintain an inclusive culture among its staff members. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on agency need, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations applicable in the Commonwealth of Virginia.