Engineer Senior Planning

Southern Arkansas University; Mechanicsville (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A state university is looking for a Travel Demand Modeler to support transportation planning across Virginia. The ideal candidate will have experience with CUBE or TransCAD and the ability to conduct thorough analyses, leading engineering studies. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with local governments and stakeholders. A degree in Urban Planning or a related field, along with a valid Professional Engineer's license, is required for this role. This position provides the opportunity to make a significant impact on transportation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using travel demand modeling software (CUBE, TransCAD).
• Experience with GISDK scripting and big data platforms.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to produce technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review travel demand models.
• Communicate effectively with VDOT, local governments, and citizen groups.
• Lead engineering studies and prepare technical reports.
• Assist in policy development for transportation initiatives.
• Conduct technical analyses of the transportation system.

Skills

Travel demand modeling software such as CUBE

Travel demand modeling software such as TransCAD

GISDK scripting

StreetLight or similar big data platforms

ArcGIS

Project management skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Urban Planning or related field

Valid Professional Engineer's license

Tools

Highway Capacity Software

VISSIM

CORSIM

Python

R

Job description

Job Description

The Modeling Section of VDOT’s Transportation and Mobility Planning Division is looking to add a Travel Demand Modeler. This role offers the opportunity to work with both statewide and regional models across Virginia and support meaningful transportation planning efforts. Candidates with hands‑on experience using travel demand modeling software such as CUBE or TransCAD to develop and review travel demand models are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with GISDK or CUBE Voyager scripting, or with StreetLight or similar big data platforms, could also be valuable.

How you will contribute

• Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
• Participate in or oversee engineering studies, collecting, analyzing and processing data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
• Ensure that planning deliverables meet accepted standards, are integrated and institutionalized in project development and can be clearly communicated throughout the agency.
• Assist or lead statewide, regional and corridor level planning efforts. Develop project milestones, set project schedules and ensure deadlines are met.
• Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
• Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
• Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
• Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
• Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
• Perform special studies and projects as assigned, including project prioritization, GIS and arterial management plans.
• Conduct technical analyses of the transportation system, report on performance, identify deficiencies, propose recommendations and test alternatives.

What will make you successful

• Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and practices to a variety of complex transportation projects.
• Ability to build networks and relationships with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers and FHWA representatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
• Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent assignments.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, contracts, specifications and regulations.
• Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical reports and project correspondence.
• Ability to use ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances and policies pertaining to transportation engineering.
• Knowledge of financial management to include budgeting and cost estimation.
• Knowledge of project management processes.
• Knowledge of strategic, operational and financial management principles, practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, practices, standards, and specifications.
• Skill and ability to positively interact with employees, citizens and government officials.
• Skill in GISDK or Cube Voyager scripting for model applications.
• Skill in delivering exemplary customer service and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public and other employees.
• Skill in negotiating.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.
• Skill in travel demand model software such as CUBE or TransCAD.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to evaluate, develop and maintain innovative solutions for transportation planning and mobility initiatives.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and complete multiple assignments within scheduled timeframes.
• Degree in Urban Planning or related field.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation planning processes.
• Skill in travel demand development.
• Valid Professional Engineer's license.

Additional Considerations

• Certified Planner with American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
• Experience in software such as Highway Capacity Software, VISSIM, CORSIM, CUBE, TransCAD and ArcGIS with advanced statistical knowledge.
• Knowledge of Highway Capacity Manual and procedures.
• Skill in Python or R for data analysis.
• Skill in StreetLight or similar big data platforms.