Major Duties of a Planner II include:

• Collect, analyze and interpret transportation and land use data;
• Manage transportation studies including scoping, contract management, product review, and public and interagency coordination;
• Execute technical writing assignments and report preparation;
• Research economic, demographic, fiscal, legal, and technical elements for projects;
• Perform data collection and manipulation using spreadsheet and database software;
• Gather and prepare material and data for proposals / presentations.
• Perform site / field evaluations;
• Review and assess traffic and environmental impact studies;
• Contribute to alternative planning recommendations;
• Attend meetings both within and outside the agency pertaining to existing and potential projects;
• Contribute to development of the state Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
• Coordinate the review of development plans including interpreting and applying appropriate zoning regulations, planning policies, and guidelines.
• Conduct and participate in meetings with community groups, advisory groups, representatives  of other governmental agencies, developers, and others;
• Lead, guide, and train less experienced employees. Serve as lead planner on various committees or for special projects.

Successful Transportation Planner candidates must possess considerable knowledge of analytical planning techniques applied in the collection and analysis of data and information pertaining to transportation issues. They must also have general knowledge of: the various transportation modes and their interrelationships; and of transportation services and programs.  Candidates must be able to think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and make sound critical decisions and recommendations.  Candidates must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders; and translate current planning objectives and long-range planning goals into strategies that can be successfully implemented.   Ideal candidates will have experience in: evaluating transportation impacts of land use proposals, preparing long range transportation plans, GIS and travel demand analysis.  They will have strong analytical skills, teambuilding skills, the ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects and assignments while establishing priorities that accurately reflect departmental objectives, and the ability to work independently and follow through.  Experience in translating technical concepts into information accessible to the public is highly desired.  Candidates must display high standards of ethical conduct, exhibit honesty and integrity, be committed to quality service, and show a high level of personal initiative to work with minimal supervision.  Overall, candidates should demonstrate a passion for planning and issues related to land use-transportation linkage and smart growth.

Transportation planners operate in a team-based environment where staff members work collaboratively to deliver key outcomes and/or products.  The atmosphere is demanding and sometimes fast-paced, but also rewarding and involves tangible results.  Individuals who possess initiative and resourcefulness tend to excel most at DDOT. Planners receive broad guidance from and report to the Strategic Planning Branch Chief.  However, incumbents perform the functions of their positions independently, and often represent the Department in dealing with government officials and the private sector.   Most hours of the day are spent in an office setting, though some field work involving direct contact with transportation facilities is necessary.  Planners are also responsible for attending and/or leading some evening and weekend meetings at community sites.

Transportation planners at DDOT direct the analysis of transportation services and facilities in the District, and develop mid and long range plans for capital improvements.  They deal with issues affecting all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, children, seniors, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, and users of public transportation; and are also well versed in community development, comprehensive land use planning, and long term priorities of the District of Columbia. P lanners are responsible for articulating a progressive definition of issues through an analysis of data, discussion with transportation stakeholders, citizens, and others; and must navigate appropriate project development steps that ensure compliance with relevant District and federal laws.  Work requires the application of various quantitative and qualitative tools such as surveys, demand models, resource allocation techniques, and sampling theories in the analysis of data and information from a variety of sources.

In sum, the work contributes to improving the safety, efficiency, and convenience of the District’s transportation system.  It enhances opportunities for economic development and physical development in the District by maintaining and improving transportation services and facilities for those users who depend on such service.