Transportation planners prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.

  • Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
  • Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.
  • Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.
  • Design transportation surveys to identify areas of public concern.
  • Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.
  • Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.
  • Design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.
  • Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.
  • Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
  • Evaluate transportation project needs or costs.
  • Collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies at the local, regional, or national level.
  • Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.
  • Analyze information from traffic counting programs.
  • Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.
  • Develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.
  • Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.
  • Review development plans for transportation system effects, infrastructure requirements, or compliance with applicable transportation regulations.
  • Evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.
  • Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
  • Direct urban traffic counting programs.
  • Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.
  • Define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 75% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 75% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 59% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 84% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 50% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Contact With Others — 46% responded "Constant contact with others".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Direct scientific activities.
  • Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
  • Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
  • Evaluate civic projects or public policies.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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Knowledge

Transportation
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Document management software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • SAS Hot Technology
  • Strong Concepts TEAPAC
  • Texas Transportation Institute TTI Progression Analysis and Signal System Evaluation Routine PASSER
  • TRL Software TRANSYT
  • Visual Solutions VisSIM
  • Roundabout Delay RODEL
  • Quadstone Paramics
  • PTV VISUM
  • Iteris Turbo Architecture
  • McTrans HCS+
  • Dowling Associates TRAFFIX
  • Crash Mapping Analysis Tool CMAT
  • CORSIM
  • Citilabs Cube
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
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