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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Highway Planner

💰 $75,000 - $120,000

Civil EngineeringUrban & Regional PlanningTransportationGovernment & Public Sector

🎯 Role Definition

A Highway Planner is a critical thinker and strategic designer at the heart of our infrastructure development. You are the architect of mobility, responsible for conceptualizing, analyzing, and planning the highway and roadway systems that connect communities and fuel economies. This role involves a sophisticated blend of technical engineering, data analysis, environmental science, and public policy, as you'll work to create safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions for the future. From analyzing complex traffic flow data and modeling future demand to engaging with community stakeholders and navigating regulatory frameworks, you will play a pivotal part in shaping the physical landscape and improving quality of life for generations to come.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Transportation Technician / Analyst
  • Junior Planner or Planning Assistant
  • Civil Engineer in Training (EIT)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Highway / Transportation Planner
  • Transportation Project Manager
  • Director of Planning or Transportation

Lateral Moves:

  • Urban Planner / Regional Planner
  • Environmental Planner
  • Transportation Policy Advisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive traffic impact studies and analyses for proposed developments, roadway improvements, and long-range planning initiatives.
  • Develop, manage, and update long-range transportation plans (LRTPs) and corridor studies that align with regional growth projections and community goals.
  • Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for complex spatial analysis, data visualization, and mapping of transportation networks, traffic patterns, and demographic data.
  • Prepare and deliver clear, persuasive reports and technical presentations to a diverse range of audiences, including government officials, technical staff, and the general public.
  • Author, submit, and manage grant applications to secure federal, state, and local funding for various transportation projects and planning studies.
  • Ensure strict compliance with national and state environmental policies and regulations, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), during all phases of planning.
  • Perform detailed traffic operational analysis using industry-standard software to evaluate intersection performance, roadway capacity, and traffic signal timing.
  • Evaluate a wide range of transportation alternatives, conducting feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to recommend the most effective solutions.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with multiple internal and external agencies, including Departments of Transportation (DOT), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and local municipalities.
  • Manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets to ensure planning studies and projects are delivered on time and within financial constraints.
  • Lead and facilitate public outreach programs, including community meetings and workshops, to gather public input and build consensus for transportation projects.
  • Analyze historical and real-time crash data to identify high-risk locations and develop data-driven safety improvement projects and countermeasures.
  • Prepare detailed Interchange Justification/Modification Reports (IJR/IMR) for submission to state and federal highway authorities.
  • Review site development plans and subdivision proposals to assess transportation adequacy, access management, and conformity with local ordinances.
  • Develop multimodal transportation solutions that safely and efficiently integrate pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit facilities into the existing roadway network.
  • Interpret and apply federal and state transportation design standards, guidelines, and policies, including the MUTCD and AASHTO Green Book.

Secondary Functions

  • Prepare technical memorandums, environmental documents, and supporting documentation required for project approval and implementation.
  • Perform on-site field visits and data collection to verify existing conditions, gather traffic counts, and assess infrastructure performance.
  • Assist senior leadership in the development and refinement of regional transportation policies, standards, and strategic objectives.
  • Manage and oversee the work of external consultants, reviewing their contracts, deliverables, and invoices to ensure quality and accuracy.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Advanced proficiency in GIS software (such as Esri ArcGIS Pro/ArcMap) for spatial analysis, network analysis, and cartographic design.
  • Traffic Modeling Software: Hands-on experience with traffic simulation and analysis tools like Synchro/SimTraffic, Vissim, Vistro, or Highway Capacity Software (HCS).
  • Travel Demand Modeling: Knowledge of and experience with travel demand forecasting software (e.g., TransCAD, CUBE, VISUM) to predict future traffic volumes and patterns.
  • AutoCAD / Civil 3D: Competency in using CAD software to review, interpret, and develop conceptual roadway designs and transportation exhibits.
  • Data Analysis & Management: Strong ability to collect, process, and analyze large datasets (traffic counts, crash data, census data) using tools like Microsoft Excel, Access, or scripting languages.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of transportation planning principles and regulations, including NEPA, MUTCD, AASHTO policies, and state/local DOT procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Communication & Public Speaking: Exceptional ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences, both in writing and through formal presentations.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Adept at building relationships and facilitating productive discussions with government agencies, community groups, elected officials, and the public.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A systematic and creative approach to identifying complex transportation issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing logical, data-driven solutions.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet critical deadlines.
  • Collaboration: A proactive team player who can work effectively within multidisciplinary teams of engineers, planners, and environmental scientists.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Professional certification such as AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) or PTOE (Professional Traffic Operations Engineer).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Urban & Regional Planning
  • Transportation Planning
  • Geography

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of progressive experience in transportation planning, traffic engineering, or a closely related field.

Preferred:

  • Experience working on projects directly for or in coordination with state Departments of Transportation (DOTs).
  • A proven track record of managing planning studies from conception through to public approval.
  • Direct experience with the public involvement process for controversial or large-scale infrastructure projects.
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