Transportation Planner III

Transportation Planner III

Salary

$116,143.56 - $151,018.92 Annually

Location

3331 N First St, San Jose, CA 95134, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-CC-19862

Division

Planning

Opening Date

05/29/2026

Closing Date

6/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Come Join the Real Estate and Multimodal Planning team at VTA and use your knowledge of transportation planning to improve how we navigate Santa Clara County!

The Division

This division is responsible for Real Estate, Multimodal Planning, all functions of the Congestion Management Program, and VTA transportation and transit planning activities. As well as programming and grants management.

The Real Estate and Multimodal Planning Division consists of the following areas:

• Real Estate - Responsible for developing projects on VTA property; overseeing the acquisition and sale of properties in support of VTA Capital Projects and property development program; and managing the leasing of third-party uses of VTA property.
• Multimodal Planning - Responsible for the planning and conceptual design of transportation 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.

Definition

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

Distinguishing Characteristics

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.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a proactive and collaborative team player who will contribute to the success of VTA's Real Estate and Multimodal Planning team that is involved in exciting transportation opportunities and initiatives that will foster good transportation opportunities in Santa Clara County. As a member of the Real Estate and Multimodal Planning team, the candidate will have the opportunity to plan and coordinate transportation programs or projects, contribute to the success of VTA's Land Use and Development Review team, and aligning land use and transportation planning to foster sustainable, multimodal, and transit-oriented communities within the County and with other agencies.

The ideal candidate will:

• Support Senior Level Planners, organize, and coordinate on transportation plans or programs;
• Possess good writing skills;
• Analyze data and develop recommendations for plans or programs;
• Understand, interpret and explain the concepts and principles of transportation planning;
• Read and interpret transportation plans;
• Be proficient in computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling);
• Summarize and combine technical and statistical data into reports, studies and plans;
• Research, analyze and compile data and maintain accurate records;
• Prepare clear, accurate and concise written reports and correspondence;
• Communicate effectively and make public presentations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff, City advisory bodies, and other agencies; and
• Communicate regulations, policies and decisions to the public in an effective and courteous manner.

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: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

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.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

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).

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• 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:

• 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 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 our 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 (855) 524-5627, 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 Exam: Mid July 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, VT 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 (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org 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.

VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTAs benefits may be found here: https://app.strivebenefits.com/santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority

As defined by the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):

• Classic Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
• New Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.

All Classic AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employees bi-weekly salary.

01

What role does transportation planning play in land use planning, and how do you integrate the two?

02

What land use policies do you consider most effective in promoting sustainable development?

03

Provide an example of how you managed a land use or transportation planning project from start to finish.

04

Can you describe a significant challenge you faced in a previous planning role and how you overcame it?

Required Question

Employer Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Address 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B-1

San Jose, California, 95143

Phone 4083215504

Website http://www.vta.org