Travel Plan Implementation Officer

Somerset Council; United States; Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Senior Travel Plan Implementation Officer to develop and deliver travel planning initiatives across new and existing communities in Somerset. You will lead on travel demand management, collaborating with developers, local authorities and communities to reduce car travel and promote sustainable transport.

The role requires a solid background in travel planning, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously within a collaborative

Qualifications

• Sound working knowledge of travel planning, travel demand management and behaviour change principles.
• Understanding of the Highway Authority's role in planning conditions, Section 106 and related obligations.
• Proven experience in developing, coordinating and implementing travel plans for new or existing communities.
• Experience working with developers, consultants, local authorities and community groups.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent in transport planning, travel planning, sustainable transport, planning or geography.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and undertake travel planning and travel demand activities in new communities.
• Act as Highway Authority lead to develop and undertake travel demand management and behaviour change activities to reduce car travel.
• Recommend interventions to meet travel plan targets and suggest resourcing solutions.
• Manage an activity budget with forecasting of income and expenditure within budget.
• Organise and attend community events; promote and carry out annual travel surveys.
• Undertake site visits to monitor travel plan implementation; role entails travel across rural areas and occasional lone working.
• Attend meetings and events outside normal hours.
• Provide 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Work with hybrid working options: office and home working and potential condensed hours.

Skills

Travel planning

Behaviour change

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Autonomy

Education

Degree-level qualification in transport planning or related field

Job description

You'll be responsible for coordinating, developing and delivering travel planning activities for new and existing communities across Somerset. You'll be ensuring that every initiative meets the requirements of Somerset's Local Travel Plan, a policy driven by local feedback on how we can improve public transport, reduce carbon emissions and improve the accessibility and experience of travelling for all of our local communities. This will include overseeing the delivery of travel planning activities, leading on the implementation of behaviour change initiatives to reduce reliance on private car use and promote the use of sustainable transport measures, and delivering a change in travel patterns. You will also ensure that the requirements of the Travel Plan are met in relation to sustainable transport. By collaborating with stakeholders, local authorities, and developers, your innovative ideas and proactive approach will directly impact the daily journeys and fostering a culture of sustainable transport. Your ability to lead, organise, and inspire will be crucial in achieving agreed targets and supporting the growth of vibrant, connected communities. With your expertise and enthusiasm, you'll help Somerset embrace sustainable mobility, making everyday journeys easier and better for everyone.,

• Develop, manage and undertake travel planning and travel demand activities in new communities.
• Acting for the Highway Authority, develop, plan and undertake a range of travel demand management and behaviour change activities designed to reduce car travel.
• Recommend appropriate programmes of intervention to achieve travel plan targets for specific communities and suggest appropriate resourcing solutions.
• Manage an activity budget, including forecasting income levels and expenditure, ensuring spend remains in budget.
• Organise and attend community events. Promote and carry out annual travel surveys.
• Undertake site visits to monitor implementation of agreed travel plan measures., This is a permanent, full-time role working 37 hours a week. The role involves frequent travel across rural areas of Somerset, and lone working on occasion.
• The postholder will be required to attend meetings and events which are often outside normal working hours.
• 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• Hybrid working options - able to provide flexibility with office and home working as well as condensed working options as well.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship. For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Jon Fellingham, Service Manager Highways Development Management, at . We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset. You can find a copy of the job description here: Senior Travel Plan Implementation Officer - Job Description - AU1082 - 768AB.pdf

• Sound working knowledge of travel planning, travel demand management, and behaviour change principles.
• Understanding of the role of the Highway Authority in relation to planning conditions, Section 106 agreements, and other legal or contractual obligations linked to new development.
• Proven experience of developing, coordinating, and implementing travel plans or travel demand management initiatives for new or existing communities.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including developers, consultants, local authorities, and community groups.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in transport planning, travel planning, sustainable transport, planning, geography, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to recommend appropriate interventions and resourcing solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and present information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also operating with a high degree of professional autonomy.

About The Team

The Transport Development Management Team plays a vital role in shaping Somerset's future by helping to deliver sustainable growth and investment across the county. Working at the heart of the planning process, the team provides professional highways and transport advice on a diverse range of developments, from new homes and schools to major employment sites and nationally significant infrastructure projects. We work collaboratively with local planning authorities, developers, communities, councillors and other stakeholders to ensure that new development is safe, accessible and supports wider economic, environmental and social objectives. Our work has a direct and lasting impact on the places where people live, work and travel, making it an exciting and rewarding team to be part of.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.