Associate Transportation Planner

Job Summary

The City of Bellevue Transportation Department is seeking an Associate Transportation Planner who is self‑motivated and team‑oriented to join the Transportation Planning Division. The division works with the Transportation Commission, City Council, other city staff, boards, commissions, and community members to establish a vision for multi‑modal mobility, develop and implement policy and code, and engage the public on options to improve, maintain, and sustain Bellevue’s transportation network. The Associate Transportation Planner will work on a variety of transportation planning policy, planning, and code projects that may be citywide or focused on specific corridors, neighborhoods, light‑rail station areas, or mobility topics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Development and Support – Serve as subject‑matter expert or task lead for long‑range transportation plans, corridor plans, code updates, and pedestrian and bicycle network improvement projects.
• Community Engagement – Prepare communication tools (publications, graphics, online questionnaires, etc.) for businesses, residents, and other community members; act as a resource at open houses; collect data and user feedback to evaluate project concepts; prepare summaries for the public and decision makers.
• Transportation Commission Support – Provide backup support for the Transportation Commission, including agenda preparation and managing logistics and technology to ensure meetings are accessible to the public. The Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month.
• Planning, Research, and Communications – Analyze and support implementation of city transportation policies, plans, codes, and projects, incorporating best practices from conferences, webinars, professional publications, and applicable legislation.
• One‑City Coordination – Collaborate with internal and external workgroups to ensure transportation projects align with the city’s long‑range vision for a multi‑modal network.

Supervision Received and Exercised

The Associate Transportation Planner works under the general supervision of the Principal Transportation Planner.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of transportation (especially active transportation) planning principles, practices, and methods in a municipal setting.
• Understanding of transportation policies, plans, and codes, including staff recommendation preparation, public vetting, adoption, implementation, and monitoring.
• Research methods and ability to compile and analyze data for policy and code recommendations.
• Familiarity with NACTO, Vision Zero, Safe Systems, and Complete Streets concepts.
• Knowledge of Bellevue’s Mobility Implementation Plan and Vision Zero Strategic Plan.
• Community engagement techniques, including equitable engagement practices.
• Proficiency with GIS software for geospatial analysis.
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to create graphics and reports.
• Competence with Microsoft Office for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to think conceptually, research complex issues, observe trends, and analyze large data sets.
• Skill in preparing and delivering presentations to boards, commissions, community groups, and the public.
• Strong written communication for reports, memos, policies, codes, and plans.
• Capability to translate technical information into non‑technical language for diverse audiences.
• Effective relationship‑building with city staff, external agencies, and the community.
• Experience participating as a subject‑matter expert in technical working groups.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and competing deadlines with attention to detail.

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university in transportation, land‑use planning, urban planning, or a closely related field.

• Minimum: 3 years of experience providing comprehensive knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques related to transportation, land use, the environment, or related areas.
• Preferred: Master's degree and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Or any demonstrated combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

The position requires walking, talking, hearing, and using hands to handle objects, tools, or controls. Vision abilities include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception. Employees may need to push, pull, lift, or carry objects up to 20 pounds. The work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Flexible/Hybrid Working

A hybrid work schedule is available after an orientation period. Remote work is subject to departmental operational needs and will be discussed with candidates; full‑time remote work is not an option. Employees must reside in Washington State and be within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

Hiring Process

The City evaluates candidates based solely on the online application; resumes and cover letters are not accepted during the initial screening. Applicants should complete the application fully and answer any supplemental questions. If selected for later stages, candidates may be asked to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

Conditions of Employment

• Establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire.
• The City does not sponsor work visas.
• Reference checks, including at least one prior supervisor, are required.
• A criminal background check may be required prior to employment.
• Some positions may require a commercial driver’s license (CDL), other licensures, or additional certifications.