3/86
Rev 4/86
Rev & Ret 9/90

City of San José

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST (3879)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general direction, performs work of considerable difficulty and sensitivity in transportation policy development, planning and analysis, including supervising or leading others in such work. Manages a section of professionals and support staff. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Recommends City transportation policy guidelines.

• Initiates state and federal transportation legislation in cooperation with legislative research specialists and participates in the drafting of legislative language.

• Directs City's legislative analysis of transportation issues and provides expert testimony as witness before State legislative committees.

• Serves as principal contact with other city staff in developing transportation and land use policies and represents City on various government and private sector committees at local, regional, state and national levels.

• Directs preparation of memoranda and reports to Council concerning on-going transportation programs, local and regional planning studies, emerging transportation policy, programming or implementation changes.

• Analyzes existing transportation programs and alternatives and recommends changes as necessary.

• Identifies potential sources of funding for transportation projects and initiates grant proposals.

• Plans, assigns, directs and evaluates the work of a group of professional and sub-professional employees.

TYPICAL END RESULTS
   Progressive and continuous development of City's transportation policy guidelines for legislative review process. Advance notification/monitoring of significant legislative issues and/or other activities which affect development and maintenance of city's transportation system. Positioning of City in leadership role to influence local and regional transportation funding policies. Timely reports to management and Council concerning significant transportation developments and recommendations for new programs or policies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   This is the highest class in the transportation specialist classification. The incumbent performs a wide variety of duties in specializations dealing with sensitive issues in transportation policy development, planning and analysis; transportation demand management and transportation programming; supervises the transportation specialist section.  This class differs from the next lower class of Associate Transportation Specialist in that the incumbents of the latter class are responsible for less sensitive issues and are supervised by the Senior Transportation Specialist. This class differs from the next higher position of division chief classified as a Principal Civil Engineer in that incumbents of the latter class are normally assigned full responsibility for the administration of a major division consisting of large professional and technical staff engaged in the research, design, development and inspection of major engineering, construction, maintenance and related programs.
   This class differs from the Senior Civil Engineer class which directs preparation of detailed plans and specifications for major public works and maintenance engineering projects or directs traffic engineering operations.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of legislative processes and functions.

• Knowledge of computerized data processing applications.

• Ability to develop and manage work plans and budgets.

• Ability to ensure effective utilization of resources.

• Ability to develop alternative courses of action for problem solving.

• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with others.

• Ability to write clear and concise reports.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as regional policies and procedures regarding transportation programs.

• Knowledge of interrelationships among government agencies.

• Knowledge of political decision-making processes.

• Knowledge of advanced practices and trends in transportation policy development, planning, and analysis, financial analysis; or program evaluation.

• Ability to perform a wide range of duties dealing with complex and sensitive issues in areas of assignment, with substantial latitude.

• Ability to analyze transportation legislative measures for legislative committees, Council and departments.

• Ability to supervise and/or coordinate work assignment of professional unit.

• Ability to train and develop subordinate personnel.

• Ability to conduct effective meetings.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
   Any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited College or University with a Master's Degree in transportation planning, city and regional planning, urban studies, civil engineering, or closely related field, and five years of increasingly responsible experience in transportation development programs including two years of project management.

Licenses/Certificates
   Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a vehicle in the State of California is required.

(Formerly Transportation Systems Management Coordinator)
3165Z/1020Z