11/30/2012 11659

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION: This is technical and analytical work in a portion of a transportation planning program in the Department of Transportation.

An employee in this job performs a variety of technical duties encompassing the collection, interpretation, input, and analysis of transportation planning data. Work involves analyzing data on a statewide, regional, or district-wide basis for technical studies; coordinating comprehensive and widely dispersed traffic planning field data collection studies; or organizing and analyzing district-wide program data. Work involves assisting in providing performance reports to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and developing reports for agency policy makers. Work is performed with considerable independence, with general instructions received from a supervisor who reviews work upon completion for adherence to technical standards and policies, and results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists in the analysis of traffic count data to calculate present traffic volumes.

Conducts independent statewide or regional reviews and inventories data for use in revising and updating highway maps.

Conducts diagnostic tests to ensure weigh-in-motion equipment is functioning properly.

Analyzes weight data for accuracy and validity.

Assists in the evaluation of proposed changes to the functional classification of highways.

Validates, analyzes, and extrapolates field traffic data for assigned geographic areas.

Assists in the preparation of the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) geographic area wide tabulations, roadway conditions, and highway needs requirements for the annual HPMS submission.

Assists in the preparation of public road mileage reports required by the Federal Highway Administration and agency with the use of appropriate computer programs.

Coordinates data collection, analysis, and presentations for transportation planning programs.

Enters data to update or develop project status updates and provide project cost estimates.

Prepares and electronically forwards for review the appropriate documentation within the district for submittal for federal transportation funds approved on the Transportation Improvement Program for both highway and bridge project phases.

Provides programming assistance in the development of the district’s Twelve Year Program and the region’s Transportation Improvement Program.

Provides information regarding the status and funding of transportation projects as listed in the district’s planning and programming data.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods and criteria used in analyzing traffic planning data.

Knowledge of the techniques and devices used in collecting comprehensive data for a wide variety of transportation planning surveys and studies.

Knowledge of algebra and basic statistics.

Knowledge of the use and functionality of industry standard software application programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and database.

Ability to read and interpret written materials.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year experience as an Engineering Technician;

                                                                                                                                              or

One year of technical transportation planning work experience and an associate's degree in mathematics, statistics, civil engineering technology, environmental engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, planning, computer science, or geography;

                                                                                                                                              or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.