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Job Description
Description:
Support Safe Journeys: Join Our Safe Routes to School Team
About the Opportunity
Join the City of Palo Alto as an Associate Transportation Planner and become a key player in shaping our community's sustainable future. In this role, you will:- Lead youth-focused initiatives within our acclaimed Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, specifically targeting middle and high school programs and infrastructure
- Work as part of a three-person SRTS team, reporting to the Transportation Planning Manager
- Develop and implement innovative transportation solutions supporting Palo Alto's aggressive mode-shift and climate action goals
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including school administrators, transportation agencies, City departments, parents, and advocacy groups
- Utilize the SRTS model of the six E's: Education, Engineering, Encouragement, Engagement, Equity, and Evaluation
- Coordinate and facilitate monthly City/School Traffic Safety Committee meetings
- Develop partnerships with youth groups/committees and support the Tinsley volunteer student transfer program
- Implement special projects such as coordinating student volunteers, bike rides, in-school bike repair, and providing transportation career resources
About the Office of Transportation
At the heart of Palo Alto's community services, the Office of Transportation enhances residents' quality of life through innovative mobility solutions. Our work spans from Safe Routes to School programs to sustainable transportation initiatives, playing a crucial role in maintaining Palo Alto's leadership in urban planning. We're committed to creating a city where everyone can move safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
About the City
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is a beacon of innovation and progress. Home to world-renowned tech giants like VMware, Hewlett-Packard, and Tesla, it's where groundbreaking ideas come to life. Beyond its technological prowess, Palo Alto offers:- A rich tapestry of cultural and natural treasures
- Historic residential neighborhoods and vibrant shopping districts
- A thriving arts scene
- A unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication
Who We're Looking For
We seek a capable professional with:- A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, or a related field from an accredited college or university
- Two years of related experience in urban, conservation, or transportation planning, a bicycle/pedestrian-related field, or Safe Routes to School-related programming in either a professional or volunteer capacity
- Strong analytical and communication skills, especially with secondary school students, school staff, and parent community representatives
- Enthusiasm for sustainable transportation and community engagement
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work well across departments
- A valid California Driver's License
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job, which may include field work and community events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
As our Associate Transportation Planner, you'll:- Guide SRTS initiatives for secondary schools
- Create and implement youth-focused transportation programs
- Analyze transportation patterns and propose effective solutions
- Prepare and present reports to city leadership and community groups
- Work with schools, city departments, and external partners
- Contribute to Palo Alto's long-term transportation and climate action strategies
- Make a tangible impact on community sustainability and safety
- Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation
- Benefit from professional growth opportunities and a supportive team culture
- Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and work-life balance
- Be part of a city setting the standard for forward-thinking urban planning
This is a union position represented by the Service Employee International Union (SEIU).
Essential Duties:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Prepares reports, which include all necessary research, on planning and transportation studies for appointed boards, commissions, committees, the City Council or other City staff.
- Prepares revised elements to the Comprehensive Plan.
- Makes public presentations before appointed boards, commissions, committees, community groups, and the City Council
- Maintains Planning or Transportation Division data files.
For the full job description click here .
Minimum Qualifications:
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:- Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies or related field from an accredited college or university
- Two years of related experience in urban, conservation, or transportation planning
Special Requirements:- Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Supplemental Information:
The Selection Process:- Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.
- Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes.
- The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
Our online application system is provided by NeoGov . If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.
This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU).
Compensation (SEIU) : Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 10/21/2024 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Palo Alto
Show morePalo Alto is located about 35 miles south of San Francisco; and 14 miles north of San Jose. Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation, is the corporate headquarters for many world-class companies and research facilities such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, IDEO, Tesla, and Skype. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts.
Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally. Unique among city organizations, Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world.
Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community’s dedication to life-long learning. Stanford’s cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City’s exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation.
Home to picturesque tree-lined streets, bike lanes, and historic buildings that reflect its California heritage, Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy with premium shopping and dining options. Excellent health care facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are just some of this incredibly desirable community’s cherished amenities.
Join an Award Winning Team
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government.
We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
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