Principal Planner, Transportation Technology and Operations

NJTPA, Inc.; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 70,089 - 131,210; Full time

Job summary

NJTPA, Inc. is seeking a Principal Planner for Transportation Technology and Operations located in Newark, NJ. This role involves integrating transportation technology into planning initiatives and conducting research to advance the agency's goals.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 3 years of applied experience in transportation technology. Strong communication skills and proficiency in GIS are essential for this position.

Salary range is $70,089.77-$131,210.76 with benefits.

Qualifications

• 3 years of applied experience in transportation technology integration.
• Demonstrated program management and organizational skills.
• Strong background in research and analysis of transportation technology trends.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analyze trends in transportation technology.
• Assist in developing strategies to improve mobility in NJTPA region.
• Educate and train the planning community on transportation technology.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills

Computer background

GIS proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, public policy, or related field

Master's degree in transportation planning or related field (preferred)

Tools

Database management software

Analytical tools

Job description

Principal Planner, Transportation Technology and Operations

One Newark Center, 1085 Raymond Blvd., 17th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Analytical and Planning Tools, the Principal Planner for Transportation Technology and Operations will be responsible for identifying and facilitating the integration of transportation technology into a wide array of the agency’s planning initiatives and capital investments. The incumbent will also contribute to planning processes both internal and external to the NJTPA, with the purpose of identifying emerging transportation technologies and increasing the region’s understanding of them and providing guidance for their implementation in accordance with NJTPA regional planning goals, regional performance measures, and investment strategy.

Innovative transportation technologies have the potential to transform the transportation network of the region. It will be the responsibility of the incumbent to conduct research, manage planning studies, and contribute to various planning efforts to advance the NJTPA’s planning goals and policies as identified in Connecting Communities, its Long-Range Transportation Plan. This includes but is not limited to how transportation technology can improve roadway safety, reduce air pollution, improve access and mobility, reduce vehicle miles traveled, enhance the region’s resilience, move freight efficiently, advance agency efforts to enhance technology in traffic signals, and evaluate the impacts of transportation technology at the local level. This work also supports the advancement of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies in the federally required NJTPA congestion management process.

Coordination with external stakeholders at the state and local level will also be important. Part of this work will be to participate in state and regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) initiatives, regional Travel Demand Management efforts, connected and autonomous vehicle technology, the development and application of transportation data, on-demand transportation services (microtransit) and transit technology. Coordination with external stakeholders will be essential, such as NJDOT (New Jersey Department of Transportation), NJ TRANSIT, ITS-NJ (Intelligent Transportation Society of New Jersey), and other interagency stakeholder committee or working groups as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Conduct research, manage studies, and analyze trends related to the development of transportation technology, the growth of transportation data and analytics, including ITS, connected and autonomous vehicles, micro-mobility and other on-demand mobility services affecting transportation planning, infrastructure needs and transportation policy.
• Assist the agency and planning partners in the development of strategies and applications of transportation technology to improve mobility and accessibility within the NJTPA region across all modes while addressing equity and sustainability concerns.
• Participate in internal and partner agency efforts to educate, train, and provide professional development for the region’s planning community on relevant transportation technology topics as requested.

Additional Functions

• Represent the NJTPA on various stakeholder groups including but not limited to ITS-NJ, NJDOT’s Complete Team, NJDOT’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan emphasis teams, NJ STIC, and others as requested.
• Prepare reports, memos, and presentations on relevant transportation technology and the use of transportation data to internal and external audiences.
• Support NJTPA planning programs and studies, such as analyzing data, providing policy guidance, and offering subject matter expertise on draft deliverables. Activities include participating in Technical Advisory Committees for relevant studies and projects, assistance in developing transportation tools, and supporting NJTPA-funded ITS projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Prerequisite Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, public policy, or related field. Three (3) years of applied experience in the application of transportation technology into planning practices and policy development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A strong computer background, including familiarity with database management and analytical tools.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems.
• At the university’s discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college with a master’s degree in transportation planning, public policy, engineering, or related technical field, with specialization in transportation technology planning.
• Demonstrated program management and organizational skills.

Salary Information

In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the negotiated annual salary range for this position is $70,089.77-$131,210.76 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items.