Current jobs related to Transportation Planner II/III - San Jose, California - VTA

Come join the Planning Division's Programming Department at VTA and use your knowledge of transportation planning to improve funding and implementation of transportation projects in Santa Clara County

The Planning Division
The Planning Division is responsible for conducting all Congestion Management Program and VTA transportation and transit planning activities. As well as programming, grants management and real estate.

The Planning Division Consists Of The Following Areas

• Planning - Responsible for the planning and conceptual design of all transit projects, forecasting and modeling analysis for capital projects and the CMP, development review, bike and pedestrian planning, and long range planning functions of the CMP.
• Programming and Grants - Responsible for advocating, prioritizing, programming, managing, and ensuring compliance for all federal, state and regional highway/transit/roadway/bicycle/pedestrian grants, as well as the programming of funds for the CMP.
• Real Estate

Programming and Grants
The Programming and Grants teams plays a key role in securing and managing transportation funding across the region. They work to identify funding opportunities, allocate resources effectively, and ensure that all projects follow the rules set by funding agencies. This includes managing funds for VTA congestion management and strategic capital investments. The team collaborates with partner agencies to make sure transportation investments are well-planned, timely, and deliver travel benefits to the community.

What You Will Be Doing
Transportation Planner II:
Under supervision, to prepare transportation planning studies and analyses and act as a resource for data used in transportation related studies.

Transportation Planner III:
Under general supervision, to carry out transportation planning projects and coordinate with other professional and support staff and consultants.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Transportation Planner II
This is the journey level class within the Transportation Planner series. Incumbents within this class are distinguished from Transportation Planner I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Incumbents at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new and unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents at this level may provide training and lead direction over Transportation Planner I and clerical support staff. This class differs from the higher level class of Transportation Planner III in that the latter possesses specialized, technical, or functional expertise within the area of assignment.

Transportation Planner III
This is the advanced journey level class in the Transportation Planner series. Positions at this level possess a specialized, technical, or functional expertise within the area of assignment and may exercise lead supervision over assigned subordinate staff. Incumbents are typically assigned significant responsibility above the journey level and often exercise independent judgment in the performance of all duties.

The Ideal Candidate
This position supports the Grants team and is well suited for candidates with a general understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Congestion Management Agencies. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise in transportation planning, funding, design, or implementation, along with experience writing and reviewing grant applications. Strong organizational and facilitation skills are essential, including the ability to organize and lead meetings with both internal and external partners. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across multiple VTA departments and with external partners, including local agency staff.

About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Salary Range

• Transportation Planner II: $49.45- $64.30 Hourly / $3, $5,144.00 Biweekly / $8, $11,145.32 Monthly / $102, $133,743.90 Annually
• Transportation Planner III: $53.95- $70.15 Hourly / $4, $5,612.00 Biweekly / $9, $12,159.32 Monthly / $112, $145,911.90 Annually

Typical Tasks
Transportation Planner II

• Prepares planning reports, forecasts, and recommendations related to transportation system improvements;
• Evaluates the transportation impacts of land development proposals and proposes alternatives;
• Prepares written and graphical material for reports and public presentations;
• Serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary team for major transportation projects;
• Serves as liaison for various committees;
• Provides information to various groups, committees, and individuals regarding transportation planning projects;
• Performs related duties as required.

Transportation Planner III

• Analyzes and makes recommendations using advanced transportation planning and statistical methods, modeling, and budgeting and financial analyses;
• Functions as a project lead with other professional staff and consultants;
• Provides liaison with cities, other local/regional agencies, and community groups regarding transportation issues;
• Develops work plans and budget estimates for studies;
• Assists in the development of capital programs and grant applications for transportation funds;
• Prepares public presentations and materials;
• Prepares planning reports involving extensive written and graphical material;
• Performs related duties as required.

Employment Standards
Transportation Planner II
Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a four year degree from an accredited college or university in transportation planning, urban planning, or related field and two (2) years of increasingly responsible planning experience (a Masters Degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience).

Transportation Planner III
Required
Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a four year degree from an accredited college or university in transportation planning, urban planning, or related field and three (3) years of increasingly responsible planning experience (a Masters Degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience).
Knowledge of:
Transportation Planner II

• Physical, environmental, economic, aesthetic, and social implications involved in transportation planning and transit-oriented development;
• Goals, concepts, and principles of transportation planning;
• Research and statistical methods;
• Transportation modeling and mapping applications software;
• Techniques for gathering, evaluating, and transmitting information.

Transportation Planner III

• Concepts, principles, techniques, and legal aspects of transportation planning;
• Research and statistical methods;
• Budgeting and financial analysis concepts and practices;
• Community interrelationships;
• Computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling);
• Project management methods and techniques;
• Transportation funding sources and processes.

Ability to:
Transportation Planner II

• Creatively develop and carry out projects when only general concepts are given;
• Communicate technical information in an easy to understand format;
• Develop/apply funding formulas to achieve equitable distribution of transportation related program funds for city/county programs;
• Understand complex policy and technical documents;
• Prioritize projects based on established criteria;
• Design graphics/maps using computer/drawing software for publication studies;
• Speak and write effectively;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.

Transportation Planner III

• Analyze issues and numerical measures associated with transportation planning projects, including estimates derived from computer models, engineering estimates of costs and benefits, and public input;
• Assist in estimating and administering budgets for studies and in managing planning projects;
• Perform analysis and make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation, and public contacts;
• Write letters, memorandums, board memorandums, planning and technical reports, and fact sheets designed to be understood by all audiences, including the general public;
• Speak and write effectively;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.

General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important:
Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at , Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience—including experience with VTA—must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations
Oral Panel: Week of March 16-20, 2026

Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List
The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans With Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at or email at least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.