Transportation Engineering & Operations Bureau Chief

Arlington County Virginia; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 142,334 - 220,584; Full time

Job summary

Arlington County is seeking an experienced Transportation Engineering & Operations Bureau Chief to shape the future of mobility in a dense urban community. This senior role directs planning, implementation, and performance of critical transportation assets while advancing Vision Zero and equity initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines technical judgment with people-centered leadership, guiding staff, budgets, and cross-agency collaborations to deliver pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicular

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field.
• Significant and progressively responsible experience in Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, or Parking Administration.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia or reciprocity with another state.

Responsibilities

• Provide enterprise-level leadership for Arlington County’s transportation engineering and operations programs, setting strategic direction.
• Oversee planning, operation, and maintenance of traffic systems including ITS, street lighting, marking, and parking infrastructure.
• Advance Vision Zero, mobility, equity, and sustainability through data-driven analysis and multimodal improvements.
• Lead transportation design, traffic engineering analysis, and development review activities.
• Manage parking and curb-space programs, including meters, permits, and policy development.
• Oversee bureau operations, budgets, contracts, and staff supervision.
• Coordinate with Public Safety and Emergency Management during events and emergencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Transportation/Engineering/Urban Planning

Master's degree (Desirable)

Tools

PE License (Virginia)

Job description

Arlington, VA, United States (Hybrid)

If you need an accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please complete the accommodation form linked below. For assistance regarding accommodations, contact Arlington County’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Rights at [phone] or viaemail.

• Locations 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201, US 2700 S Taylor St, Arlington, VA, 22206, US (Hybrid)
• Salary $142,334.40 - $220,584.00 Annually

Job Description

NOTE: This is a re-opening to expand the pool of qualified candidates. If you have already applied for this position under former job number 1513, there is no need to re-apply unless you wish to update your application.

Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an experienced and innovative Transportation Engineering & Operations (TE&O) Bureau Chief to shape the future of mobility. This senior‑level role provides strategic and operational leadership for the programs and systems that keep a complex, multimodal urban street network safe, efficient, and reliable every day. The Bureau Chief directs the planning, implementation, and performance of critical transportation assets; advances County priorities such as Vision Zero, mobility, equity, sustainability, and innovation; and plays a central role in ensuring a balanced transportation system that serves people who walk, bike, drive, and use transit.

Responsibilities

Major responsibilities include:

• Providing enterprise-level leadership for Arlington County’s transportation engineering and operations programs, setting strategic direction and ensuring alignment with County priorities related to safety, mobility, equity, sustainability, and innovation;
• Overseeing the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of critical transportation systems and assets, including traffic signals, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), street lighting, traffic signs, pavement markings, parking systems, and curb-space management infrastructure;
• Advancing roadway safety and Vision Zero goals through data-driven analysis, engineering judgment, and the identification and implementation of multimodal safety improvements for intersections, corridors, and neighborhoods;
• Overseeing transportation design, traffic engineering analysis, and development review activities, including evaluation of traffic patterns, crash data, site plans, right‑of‑way permits, civil engineering plans, and traffic control devices and residential parking requests;
• Leading parking and curb-space management programs, including all on‑street and selected off‑street parking operations, parking meters, residential parking permit programs, parking policy development, and coordination on parking requirements for development;
• Providing bureau-wide administrative and program management oversight, including supervision of professional and technical staff; management of operating, capital, and enterprise budgets; contract oversight; and review of plans and proposals affecting the County’s transportation systems;
• Serving as a key departmental and County leader during special events and emergency response activities, coordinating transportation operations with the Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, Police, Fire, and other internal and external partners; and
• Performing related duties as assigned to support transportation program and organizational needs.

The ideal candidate is a progressive, people‑centered leader with effective communication skills, who brings strong technical judgment, a systems‑level perspective, and an understanding of how transportation decisions shape daily life in a dense, urban community. In addition, they will possess demonstrated experience in the following:

• Navigating complexity with confidence, communicating clearly across diverse audiences, and building trust through collaboration while making sound decisions in high‑visibility and time‑sensitive situations;
• Building professional relationships, leading and coordinating others and addressing issues or complaints with diplomacy and sound judgement;
• Demonstrating expertise in transportation engineering and multimodal planning, including the application of complete streets principles and the delivery of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit-supportive infrastructure projects; and
• Leading transportation program planning and policy development, including interpreting and applying applicable regulations, standards, and best practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field;
• Significant and progressively responsible experience in Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, or Parking Administration; and
• Registered as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia or currently licensed in another state with reciprocity.

Substitution: Additional education may substitute for some experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in Transportation, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field.
• Experience overseeing or partnering with transportation field operations, including maintenance activities, construction coordination, traffic operations, or special event and emergency response functions.
• Experience working in a local government or public‑sector environment, with an understanding of how transportation programs operate within a political, regulatory, and community‑focused context; and
• Experience developing and conveying complex technical information through reports, presentations, policies, procedures, agreements, and public forums.

Special Requirements

Professional License/Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) License in Virginia or state with reciprocity.

Letter of Interest: A complete application includes a letter of interest outlining your background, relevant experience, and how they have prepared you for this position. Specifically, describe: 1) your experience supporting the safe and efficient management of a balanced transportation street system for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists; and 2) your experience providing leadership in program planning, policy development and staff supervision.

Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application and verify that the details of your application provide further evidence of your experience and qualifications as displayed on your resume.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.

Financial Disclosure: Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon acceptance of employment and annually thereafter.

Additional Information

Work hours:

• This position is full-time with a standard schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch break each day.
• Under the current DES flexwork policy, employees must work at least 24 hours in the office each pay period (every two weeks). More in-office hours may be required for this role. Specific in-office days and schedules can be arranged with the supervisor, provided they comply with DES flexwork requirements.
• Work will periodically require attendance at field meetings, on project sites and other meetings outside of normal working hours.
• Schedules are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on operational priorities, annual demands, and individual performance.

This position is classified as essential. Selected candidate may need to be available for working on call, during weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

Starting salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs.