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  • Transportation Planner

    Palo Alto, California United States City of Palo Alto Full Time $115,564.80 - $141,481.60 Annually Jul 18, 2025
    City of Palo Alto Employer:

    City of Palo Alto

    Palo Alto is located about 35 miles south of San Francisco; and 14 miles north of San Jose.  Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation, is the corporate headquarters for many world-class companies and research facilities such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, IDEO, Tesla, and Skype. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts.   Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally. Unique among city organizations, Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers.   The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world.    Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community’s dedication to life-long learning. Stanford’s cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City’s exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation. Home to picturesque tree-lined streets, bike lanes, and historic buildings that reflect its California heritage, Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy with premium shopping and dining options. Excellent health care facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are just some of this incredibly desirable community’s cherished amenities.  Join an Award Winning Team Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government. We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.  

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Description

    Advance Active Transportation. Shape the Future of Mobility.

    Join Our Team as a Safe Routes to School Planner

    The Opportunity

    The City of Palo Alto’s Office of Transportation invites experienced transportation planners to bring their expertise, creativity, and commitment to community impact as our next Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planner.

    In this role, you’ll lead strategies that make it safer, easier, and more appealing for students and families to walk, bike, and roll. You will blend technical planning, program design, and public engagement to improve mobility, support sustainability goals, and enhance quality of life across Palo Alto.

    If you are passionate about transforming transportation systems and delivering measurable results, this is your opportunity to drive meaningful change in a city that leads by example.

    About Us: Office of Transportation

    The Office of Transportation is a recognized leader in sustainable mobility and innovation. Our team develops programs and projects that make Palo Alto’s streets safer, more accessible, and future-ready.

    We focus on:
    Implementing Safe Routes to School education and infrastructure improvements
    Advancing mode shift strategies that reduce congestion and emissions
    Delivering multi-modal transportation solutions through regional collaboration
    Using data-driven approaches and community input to guide decision-making

    Here, planners are empowered to pilot creative solutions, apply best practices, and make a visible impact.

    Why Work for the City of Palo Alto?

    Palo Alto is the birthplace of Silicon Valley, where innovation meets public service. As a full-service city with its own utilities, airport, and public safety, we combine resources and vision to deliver excellence.

    When you join our team, you’ll find:
    A High-Trust Environment - Your expertise is respected and your ideas matter.
    Tangible Impact - Your work directly improves safety, health, and sustainability for the community.
    Growth and Learning - We invest in your development through training, conferences, and professional networks.

    What You’ll Do

    As the Safe Routes to School Planner, you will:

    Plan and Deliver Innovative Programs
    • Develop and deliver K-12 pedestrian and bicycle safety curricula that reflect industry best practices.
    • Create engaging campaigns and materials to encourage active transportation.

    Lead Cross-Sector Collaboration
    • Serve as the liaison between the City, Palo Alto Unified School District, PTA Council, and community stakeholders.
    • Recruit, train, and support school champions and volunteers.

    Evaluate and Strengthen Programs
    • Update and implement the SRTS 5-Year Plan and Equity Plan.
    • Measure program outcomes, analyze data, and prepare detailed reports for leadership and the public.

    Advance Infrastructure and System Improvements
    • Gather and share community feedback to inform safety improvements.
    • Update Walk and Roll Maps and collaborate with engineering teams on infrastructure projects.

    Secure Funding and Promote Innovation
    • Pursue grants to expand program reach.
    • Bring forward-thinking strategies to pilot new approaches and enhance impact.

    This role requires flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings and weekends for community events.

    Who We’re Looking For

    You’re a planner who combines strategic thinking with a passion for community-focused transportation solutions.

    You will excel in this role if you:
    • Have experience designing and managing transportation programs and projects.
    • Are skilled at analyzing data and turning insights into action.
    • Communicate clearly with diverse audiences, from city leaders to parents and students in writing and presenting.
    • Thrive in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment.
    • Share our commitment to sustainability, safety, and equity in mobility.

    What You’ll Need

    Education & Experience:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Health, or a related field.
    • Three (3) years of professional experience in transportation planning, Safe Routes to School, or active transportation programs.

    License:
    • Valid California Driver’s License.

    Preferred Skills:
    • League Certified Instructor (LCI) certification from the League of American Bicyclists.
    • Familiarity with GIS tools, Adobe suite, transportation data analysis, or grant writing.
    • Experienced transportation planners or plangineers is a plus

    Work Environment

    This position balances program planning and evaluation in an office setting with site visits, community engagement, and collaboration with school and city partners.

    Benefits Highlights
    • CalPERS Pension - Lifetime retirement income with up to 100% of your highest salary
    • Fully Paid Medical, Dental & Vision - Coverage for you and eligible dependents
    • Six Weeks Paid Parental Leave
    • Up to $10,000/year in Childcare Assistance
    • Generous Time Off - Up to 200 vacation hours plus 13 paid holidays
    • Commuter Perks - Clipper BayPass and other incentives

    Visit our Careers Page to learn more and explore MOAs between the City and its employee groups.

    .Tentative Interview Timeline

    First Round Interviews: Week of September 8, 2025 (subject to change)
    Final Interviews: Week of September 15, 2025 (subject to change)

    Candidates moving forward will be notified directly of any schedule updates.

    Ready to Shape the Future of Active Transportation?

    Apply today and help create a safer, healthier, and more connected Palo Alto for generations to come.

    This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

    Essential Duties

    Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    - Prepares environmental assessments and environmental impact reports on projects submitted for City approval.

    - Evaluates the design of projects submitted for Architectural Review Board (ARB) review.

    - Oversees the preparation of packet material for the ARB.

    - Evaluates and prepares reports on projects submitted for Planning or Transportation Division approval including projects requiring variances, conditional use permits, site and design approval, nonconforming use extensions, subdivisions and other types of projects requiring some form of discretionary Planning or Transportation Division approval.

    - Prepares reports on special planning transportation studies for the ARB, Planning Commission, City Council, appointed committees and other City staff.

    - Assists in plan preparation, coordination, monitoring and other activities related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other federal, state and local housing programs.

    - Prepares revised elements to the Comprehensive Plan.

    - Makes public presentations before appointed boards, commissions, committees, and the City Council.

    - Oversees maintenance of Planning and Transportation Division data files.

    Related Functions:

    - As needed, assigns and monitors work of technical and temporary personnel who may assist in the above tasks.

    - Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Minimum Qualifications
    Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:
    - Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field from an accredited college or university. and - Three years of suitable professional experience in urban or transportation planning.

    Special Requirements:
    Possession of a valid California Driver's License. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    - Ability to analyze planning or transportation issues and problems in a clear and concise manner.
    - Ability to develop responses and solutions to planning or transportation issues.- Ability to write clearly and communicate effectively.- Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.- Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting for extended periods of time and operating assigned equipment and vehicles.- Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.- Ability to operate assigned equipment.- Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions. Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
    Work in an office environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time. Regular field work is necessary in order to perform environmental review on all projects assigned.

    For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
    Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

    Closing Date/Time: 8/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Top Planning and Development Jobs: A Guide to Career Opportunities and Growth

Top Planning and Development Jobs: A Guide to Career Opportunities and Growth
 

Introduction to Planning and Development Careers

Planning and development careers play a pivotal role in shaping cities, towns, and regions by balancing community needs, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Professionals in this field must comprehensively understand planning law, community development, and real estate development. The job market in this sector is diverse, offering roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

 

Types of Planning and Development Jobs

  1. Urban Planner: Responsible for developing comprehensive urban designs that guide the future growth of cities, including transportation systems and land use.
  2. Community Development Manager: This position leads initiatives related to community development, including affordable housing projects and urban renewal efforts.
  3. Real Estate Developer: Focuses on creating and managing both commercial and residential real estate projects.
  4. Historic Preservation Specialist: Works to conserve and protect historic buildings, ensuring they remain integral to the community’s cultural identity.
  5. Economic Development Director: Develop strategies to foster economic development and enhance the financial prosperity of a town or region.
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Planning and Development Job Roles

Job roles in the planning and development field are diverse, with each position offering unique responsibilities and opportunities for impact.

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  1. Data Analysis: One key task in many planning jobs is conducting data analysis to inform project decisions.
  2. Stakeholder Collaboration: Working with various stakeholders, such as residents, local governments, and businesses, is critical for the success of any project.
  3. Project Management: Overseeing construction and development projects from planning to implementation requires strong leadership and organizational skills.
  4. Compliance with Planning Law: To avoid legal challenges, projects must meet the requirements of local planning law.
  5. Environmental Considerations: Incorporating environmental regulations into land and urban design plans is becoming increasingly important in modern development.
 

Planning and Development Skills and Qualifications

Successful careers in planning and development demand a blend of formal education, analytical skills, and interpersonal communication abilities. Common qualifications include:

  1. Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, real estate, or community development is often required.
  2. Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis and problem-solving abilities are crucial for identifying solutions to complex challenges.
  3. Stakeholder Communication: Effective communication with stakeholders, from residents to government officials, is key to implementing successful projects.
  4. GIS Knowledge: Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is often necessary for land use planning and urban design projects.
  5. Planning Law Expertise: Familiarity with planning law and local regulations is critical for ensuring that projects comply with legal and zoning requirements.
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Careers In Government
 

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Planning Law and Policy

Understanding planning law and policy is essential for professionals in this field. Zoning regulations, land use laws, and historic preservation policies all impact the design and execution of planning projects.

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  1. Zoning and Land Use: Knowledge of zoning regulations and land use policies is essential for ensuring that developments align with local rules.
  2. Community Development Policies: Community planners must be familiar with programs designed to promote economic development and social equity.
  3. Historic Preservation: Professionals must understand preservation laws to protect historic sites while fostering modern growth.
  4. Environmental Regulations: Keeping projects compliant with environmental policies, particularly those related to land use and sustainable urban design, is increasingly important.

Industry Trends and Best Practices

Professionals in the planning and development field must stay informed about emerging trends and best practices to remain competitive.

  1. Sustainable Development: There is a growing emphasis on creating eco-friendly developments prioritizing energy efficiency and green spaces.
  2. Inclusive Community Development: Planners are incorporating strategies that ensure all community members, regardless of background, can benefit from community development projects.
  3. Innovative Urban Design: Cutting-edge designs focus on making cities more livable and adaptable to future challenges, such as climate change.
  4. Technology and Data Analysis: Advanced technology, like GIS and big data, has revolutionized how professionals approach urban design and planning.
  5. Effective Stakeholder Engagement: Public input and collaboration are now seen as crucial components of any successful project, ensuring that the needs of all residents are considered.
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Job Search and Career Development

Building a career in planning and development involves more than just technical expertise; networking and continuing education play significant roles.

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  1. Networking: Building connections with professionals in related fields can open doors to new job opportunities and collaborative projects.
  2. Staying Current with Industry Trends: Regularly updating your knowledge of industry trends, especially in areas like historic preservation and economic development, will keep you competitive in the job market.
  3. Professional Development: Pursuing certifications like the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can significantly boost your credentials.
  4. Portfolio Development: Creating a solid portfolio that showcases your ability to manage and deliver successful projects is crucial for career advancement.
  5. Job Boards and Search Engines: Keeping an eye on job postings in cities like San Antonio, Austin, or NY, hubs for development projects, is a great way to explore job opportunities.
 

Conclusion

Careers in planning and development offer a wide range of opportunities for professionals looking to positively impact their communities. From urban design to historic preservation and economic growth, the possibilities are vast. You can build a rewarding career in this dynamic planning law by honing data analysis skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

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