Transportation Section Manager

Salt Lake City Corporation; Plaza (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid vacation & leave

Parental leave (6-12 weeks)

Pension/401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Discounted benefits

Job summary

Salt Lake City is seeking a Transportation Section Manager to lead the transportation planning team. You will oversee staff, coordinate with internal and external partners, and drive multimodal programs for the City, focusing on equity, mobility, and sustainability.

The role requires collaboration with agencies like UTA and Wasatch Front Regional Council, and involves presenting to City Council and shaping long-term transportation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field and five years of full-time transportation planning/engineering experience.
• One year of supervising or mentoring experience.
• Ability to analyze transportation proposals using transportation standards and public policy.
• Ability to coordinate with internal and external partners and communicate effectively in writing and speech.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees staff assigned to the transportation planning section.
• Coordinates communication between sections and ensures professional standards are met.
• Develops strategies to address air quality, safety, and access for all users.
• Represents the City in meetings with other agencies and organizations.
• Prepares materials for City Council briefings and presentations.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s or doctoral degree may substitute for up to two years of experience

Job description

Position Title: Transportation Section Manager

Job Description: We are looking for a Transportation Section Manager! About the Position: This position oversees the Transportation Planning team in developing an overall multimodal program for Salt Lake City. This includes civic engagement for transportation plans, programs, and projects; the City’s transit and partnership programs, such as sponsored frequent bus routes; Citywide, Circulation, and Area plans; piloting new transportation initiatives; and teeing up projects for a parallel team to oversee development, design, and construction. It’s a dynamic role that calls for someone who can be highly collaborative with internal and external agency partners, and who can communicate a clear, aspirational vision that is actionable. The Transportation Planning team is a small group of highly motivated, skilled, and self‑directed planners who are excited to be a part of supporting the City’s growth, mobility options, and equitable, sustainable change. Come be a part of moving and connecting SLC!

Position Salary Range: E34 - $90,017/yr. to $122,909/yr. Use our total compensation calculator to see your earning potential in this role! Relevant Experience Counts Toward Your Leave! Salt Lake City values the professional experience you bring. Eligible new hires in full-time, benefit‑eligible non‑represented positions may receive leave accrual credit for prior full‑time, benefit‑eligible work that is directly related to this role, such as private transportation/planning consulting or similar non‑profit work, or earned within a comparable public career service system. If selected, details about your credited leave time will be included in your offer.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• Six to twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Learn more about our benefits here: https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/.

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will close on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (MST).

Key Responsibilities:

• Directs and oversees professional and support staff assigned to the transportation planning section.
• Coordinates communication between sections and ensures that all professional standards are met.
• Works with staff members to identify professional goals and necessary resources for successful function.
• Works with staff on matters related to performance and achievements.
• Performs highly complex planning related to the City’s Transportation system.
• Develops original strategies and unique projects to address transportation needs and issues, specifically related to improving air quality, safety, and access for all transportation system users.
• Coordinates with departments and divisions within the City as well as with external partners such as the Utah Transit Authority, Wasatch Front Regional Council, UDOT, and the University of Utah.
• Represents the City in meetings with other agencies and organizations.
• May be requested to serve as the City representative with a variety of public, business, government, and community groups and organizations.
• Prepares and may present materials for City Council briefings.
• Reviews work produced by staff for technical accuracy and completeness.
• Writes research findings and proposes recommendations based on current transportation industry best practices.
• Identifies issues, examines alternative approaches, and the changes necessary to current policies, procedures, and business practices.
• Prepares memoranda and briefing materials about Section activities.
• With the Planning team, creates a Transportation Division program of projects and new initiatives for implementation by the appropriate Sections within the Division.
• Participates in staff preparation of presentations, public meetings, and public hearings.
• Assists staff in negotiations with interest groups.
• Performs various community activities aimed at obtaining feedback and acceptance of projects.
• Assists with preparation and administration of the Division’s budget and other financial activities.
• May perform financial analysis on projects as needed to ensure proper accounting of costs and benchmarks of completion.
• May prioritize and allocate available program resources; review and evaluate program, project, and service delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field and five (5) years full time, paid professional experience in transportation planning or engineering.
• One (1) year experience supervising or mentoring others.
• Related master or doctoral level degree may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis up to two (2) years.
• Ability to perform analysis of transportation proposals and projects using transportation standards, public policy, or other related methods and make appropriate recommendations for consideration by the City's Transportation Director and implementation by Transportation staff.
• Ability to coordinate the work of others and communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including internal and external partners whose participation is at their own discretion and in their own interest.
• Ability to conduct and participate in group decision-making, perform budgetary analysis, and provide guidance and direction to both internal and external planning program participants.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in planning or engineering.
• One (1) year experience supervising or mentoring others in a transportation, planning, or related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE), or other related certification.

Working Conditions:

Light physical effort. Exposure to stressful situations associated with human behavior, time-constraints, and multiple projects, demands, deadlines, etc. May be required to work non-traditional hours. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with City policy and applicable law. Criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and do not automatically disqualify a candidate from City employment. Use of a City vehicle may be required for this position and a motor vehicle check may be requested.

Position Type:

Full-time

Department:

Community and Neighborhoods

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

Other Company Information:

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs with integrity and professionalism. We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference. If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you. Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness site.

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• Six to twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services
• Health & Wellness Medical insurance
• Dental, vision, life insurance
• HSA (with $1,000-$2,000 City contribution)
• Wellness clinic for employees & families
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Perks
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)
• Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))
• Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more
• 12 vacation days to start
• 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday
• Up to 80 hours personal leave annually
• 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Thinking about applying or weighing another offer? Use our Total Compensation Calculator to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more. We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness site. 12 vacation days to start 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday Up to 80 hours personal leave annually 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Recruitment Contact:

Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699 Or email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.