TRANSPORTATION PLANNER, SENIOR
This recruitment is open until the position is filled.
First review of applications will occur in three (3) weeks on February 19, 2026.
Pay Grade: 115
Annual Salary Range: $82,200 - $121,200
The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 13 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Day
- Vacation Accrual starts at 9.33 hours/month. Higher monthly vacation accrual rates may be available with prior ASRS service.
- Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Wellness Program Discount on health premiums
- Medical Reimbursement Program; $61.16/month
- Tuition Reimbursement; $6,500/year
- Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
- Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457, 401K, and Employer contribution
- Position is eligible for up to 40 hours of floating holiday leave
To view the employee benefit summary, please visit:
Employee Benefit Summary
Department / Division:
Transportation & Sustainability / Transit
Job Type:
Full-Time Regular
Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Job Number:
RC# 902407
DESCRIPTION
This position oversees transportation and transit planning projects by coordinating with local and federal funding sources, conducts site plan reviews, and interfaces with applicants, the public, and planning teams. Manages CIP projects, reviews bids, conducts site visits, and prepares presentations and reports for City meetings. Provides feedback on site plans and supports grant applications with research and graphics.
The purpose of this position is to support Tempe’s multi-modal transit network including fixed-route bus, neighborhood circulators, light rail, streetcar and paratransit services. Primarily funded through a dedicated half-cent transit sales tax, Tempe’s high-performing and successful transit network has evolved to serve as a leading example within the region.
Duties include but are not limited to the following: day-to-day transit service oversight activities as well as short-term and long-range planning functions, including data analysis and community outreach coordination, while coordinating closely with regional stakeholders including Valley Metro, MAG, the City of Phoenix and other neighboring jurisdictions.
Additionally:
- Develops and maintains comprehensive transportation plans, including short- and long-range planning documents. Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
- Conducts transportation studies, including traffic impact analyses, corridor studies, and transit development plans.
- Coordinates with government agencies, consultants, and the public on transportation planning initiatives.
- Provides background research for grants and various City programs creating reports, graphics, and GIS maps. Applies for grants and other funding opportunities.
- Participates in construction and transit related project reviews with internal and external partners. Prepares reports, maps, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Provides applicant comments on site plan reviews and interfaces with site plan review team and applicants.
- Monitors transit service provided by Valley Metro and the transportation contractors. Responds to service issues and complaints. Rides service to verify schedules and changes.
- Implements transportation demand management strategies. Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, including state transportation guidelines.
- May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
Three (3) years of experience in public administration, transportation/transit/traffic/urban planning, architecture, civil/traffic engineering, and/or construction management or related experience.
Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). The sum of an applicant’s full-time and/or part-time qualifying work experience must meet or exceed the stated minimum qualification. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Sustainability, Geography, Social Sciences, or related field.
The term “equivalent” means that directly related work experience exceeding the required work experience will substitute in equal one-year increments for college-level education (2 additional years for an associate degree and 4 additional years for a bachelor’s degree).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
For a complete list of City of Tempe job descriptions go to:
Job Descriptions | City of Tempe, AZ
This position is FLSA Exempt which means employees are not eligible for overtime compensation and/or compensatory time.
Employees in this position are represented by the Tempe Supervisors' Association (TSA)
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
