TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (TPO) DIRECTOR

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

PG 105 ($96,304.00 - $154.980.80)

Full Time Monday - Friday

This position is exempt from appeals procedures.  The successful applicant works at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.

MAJOR FUNCTION

The position serves as the Executive Director of the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and is responsible for the development and allocation of resources, planning for the development of the organization and ensuring that the TPO accomplishes its Vision and Mission.  The TPO Director is to be the primary contact with the TPO Board members, staff of constituent jurisdictions, and other transportation agencies.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Carries out the mandates as described in federal and state laws governing the management and administration of the TPO.
• Communicates timely and effectively with the TPO Board and the public regarding the TPO’s Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives.
• Renders oversight for the development of the TPO’s annual budget and provides direction and guidance to the staff and consultants in order to accomplish tasks in an efficient manner.
• Oversees the development and implementation of the federally mandated Long Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, and Public Outreach Programs.
• Ensures that the TPO maintains its federal certification which demonstrates compliance with federal and state planning requirements. 
• Ensures that the TPO fulfills its state mandated requirements for regional coordination with the Suncoast Transportation Planning Alliance/Chairs Coordinating Committee and coordinates with other transportation planning groups to advance regional planning studies and projects. 
• Carries out an effective TPO public involvement process in compliance with federal and state mandates by employing methods to enhance wide distribution of information to the public and the media in a proactive, open and timely manner.
• Maintains multi-modal/intermodal transportation plans that are fully integrated with the local government comprehensive plans. 
• Builds positive relationship within the community by establishing and maintaining strategic linkages and working partnerships with local and regional decision-making entities.
• Coordinates with county and municipal planning agencies on transportation elements of their respective comprehensive plans.
• Supervises the preparations of projections of population and employment growth and dispersal through pictorial and graphic illustrations of geographical areas.
• Leads, supports, and ensures adequate training for TPO personnel.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Extremely knowledgeable in both Land Use and Transportation Planning.
• Knowledge of the relationship among federal, state and local transportation planning processes.
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of federal partners agencies including, but not limited to, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.
• Skills in fiscal management with advanced knowledge of funding programs for transportation projects and programs.
• Knowledge of best practices in transportation modeling, land use planning, and travel demand forecasting procedures.
• Ability to assess and communicate the economic impact of investments in transportation infrastructure.
• Ability to give effective presentations to small group as well as large audiences.
• Ability to present programs and ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with peers and political leaders in the field of transportation.
• Extensive knowledge of management and supervisory techniques.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration or a related field and have a minimum of seven (7) years of responsible administrative experience in transportation planning including four (4) years of supervisory management or agency director experience.

Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classification.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or Public Administration; and
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.