What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Transportation Specialist - Department of Transportation position at City of San Jose?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) plans, develops, operates, and maintains transportation facilities, services, and related systems which contribute to the livability and economic health of the City. We comprise a team of more than 500 people ready to serve the needs of our residents to improve the efficiency and safety of San José streets. We are an energetic and innovative team that is improving transportation in the nation’s 10th largest city, while focusing on safety, sustainability, and active public life! For more information about DOT, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/transportation.The Department of Transportation is currently seeking to fill multiple vacancies for the Senior Transportation Specialist with the Traffic Safety and Vision Zero, and Planning and Policy teams.
As part of our Vision Zero efforts to reduce fatal and severe injuries on our roadways, we are piloting speed cameras under AB 645. This initiative is a proven and effective tool to address speeding, one of the leading causes of severe crashes. We are proud to be one of the pilot cities selected to implement and test this innovative program, which aims to make our streets safer for everyone.
Traffic Safety Team
This position is responsible for the daily support, management, and operation of the City’s automated speed enforcement program. Reporting to the Division Manager, the Senior Transportation Specialist will collaborate with the vendor to ensure the successful deployment of speed cameras, compliance with bill requirements, and adherence to grant conditions. The role also involves ensuring the vendor fulfills the scope of work, overseeing program reporting, and analyzing data to assess program effectiveness and outcomes.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and lead the speed safety camera system program
- Collaborate with the other 5 pilot cities
- Ensure all provisions meet the legislative bill and meet all reporting requirements
- Work with vendor on the citation processing for speed safety camera
- Analyze crash data and other traffic safety statistics to identify high crash intersections and corridors and classify risks and trends where Speed Safety Camera system are most appropriate
- Develop and prioritize the delivery of the speed safety system where data shows the most speed and incidence of severe and fatal injury crashes
- Coordinate with the council office/community on locations and represent City at community meetings and other public outreach activities
- Manage grant funds and ensure all requirements are met
- Provide effective project management to ensure on time and within budget project delivery
- Assist in the selection of vendor, including contract negotiation, preparation, and administration
- Lead and supervise technical team
Vision Zero Team
This position is responsible for managing the San Jose’s Vision Zero and Walk n Roll Programs. Reporting to the Division Manager, the Senior Transportation Specialist will oversee delivery of the 2025 Vision Zero Action Plan, which details the 5-year program delivery workplan striving to reduce all fatal and severe injury roadway crashes by 30% by 2030, while ultimately aiming to eliminate these serious crashes by 2040. The role will take independent lead in seeking innovative roadway safety treatments, pursuing all applicable grant opportunities, and managing myriad traffic data (including crash data) to monitor the program’s progress, including numerous before/after studies for completed projects.
The Senior Transportation Specialist will also collaborate with their Walk n Roll staff and school leadership to provide walking and bicycling educational outreach at over 260 K-12 campuses across San Jose. This role will also oversee staff scheduling and program organization to deliver roadway safety student assemblies and Bike Roadeos to provide bicycle safety training to students in a hands-on environment.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Develop delivery plan to align with target deliverables in the 2025 Vision Zero Action Plan
- Oversee crash data analysis and other traffic safety statistics to identify high crash locations and corridors and identify trends and contributing behaviors
- Coordinate before/after studies to provide tangible conclusions regarding safety improvements’ effectiveness
- Pursue grant opportunities and manage existing grant funds to ensure all requirements are met
- Develop and administer contracts and agreements with vendors, contractors and consultants
- Collaborate with Vision Zero partners and stakeholders, community public health partners, and community groups
- Represent the City, Department and Division Manager in a variety of interdepartmental, intergovernmental, and community matters
- Assist with advocating policies at the State and National level that can have significant influence on improving traffic safety
- Lead and motivate technical team, including engineers and transportation specialists
Planning and Policy Team
The Department of Transportation is currently recruiting to fill the Legislative and Policy Senior Transportation Specialist position in the Transportation Planning and Project Delivery Division. The incumbent of the position develops, analyzes, and influences transportation federal, state policy on behalf of DOT and the City. The position performs work of considerable sensitivity in transportation policy management, planning, and analysis at the City, regional, state and federal level. The successful candidate will work closely with management to lead Division activities, prepare technical report and memorandum, participate in public outreach efforts, and represent the Department and City with internal and external stakeholders, including other Departments in the City, consultants, other jurisdictions and agencies, elected officials, and the community.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
-Represent the DOT at meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including by presenting and/or facilitating public meetings
-Coordinate with Intergovernmental Affairs, the City Attorney’s Office, the City’s lobbyists in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and others to strategize and articulate positions and memorandum
-Analyze legislation and other policy proposals with impacts to transportation outcomes and/or funding and coordinate responses with relevant DOT and other city staff
-Write and edit memorandum, letters, presentations, and other communications analyzing and explaining policy options and recommendations
-Track and influence Federal, State and regional legislation and/or policies, including through regularly monitoring relevant news and reports, providing timely and digestible information to decision-makers, providing testimony, engaging with relevant associations (for example, the California Big Cities Transportation Coalition, National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), League of California Cities or Transportation for America), and participating in meetings and events
-Identify and influence the development of funding opportunities at all levels of government
-Proactively connect the dots and build partnerships among DOT staff, other City departments and organizations outside of the City to advance mutually beneficial goalsEducation: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in transportation planning, city and regional planning, urban studies, civil engineering, or closely related field. A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university is desirable.
Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in transportation development programs including two (2) years of project management.
Acceptable Substitutions: None
Form 700: This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office.The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
JOB EXPERTISE: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
CONSTRUCTIVE ENERGIES: A demonstration of energy and drive that comes from within, and a willingness to approach all aspects of work with a generally positive attitude; possessing the inclination to take appropriate action rather than waiting to be told what to do; examples of Constructive Energies include but are not limited to: enthusiasm, honesty, integrity, empathy, dedication, reliable, proactive, respectful, confidence, ethical, and a willingness to help others
ANALYTICAL THINKING: Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
COLLABORATION: Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.
COMPUTER SKILLS: Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
DECISION MAKING: Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.
FISCAL MANAGEMENT: Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.
POLITICAL SKILL: In taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.
PROBLEM SOLVING: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.
SUPERIVISION: Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.
TEAMWORK & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jasmine Medrano at jasmine.medrano@sanjoseca.gov.
As part of our Vision Zero efforts to reduce fatal and severe injuries on our roadways, we are piloting speed cameras under AB 645. This initiative is a proven and effective tool to address speeding, one of the leading causes of severe crashes. We are proud to be one of the pilot cities selected to implement and test this innovative program, which aims to make our streets safer for everyone.
Traffic Safety Team
This position is responsible for the daily support, management, and operation of the City’s automated speed enforcement program. Reporting to the Division Manager, the Senior Transportation Specialist will collaborate with the vendor to ensure the successful deployment of speed cameras, compliance with bill requirements, and adherence to grant conditions. The role also involves ensuring the vendor fulfills the scope of work, overseeing program reporting, and analyzing data to assess program effectiveness and outcomes.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and lead the speed safety camera system program
- Collaborate with the other 5 pilot cities
- Ensure all provisions meet the legislative bill and meet all reporting requirements
- Work with vendor on the citation processing for speed safety camera
- Analyze crash data and other traffic safety statistics to identify high crash intersections and corridors and classify risks and trends where Speed Safety Camera system are most appropriate
- Develop and prioritize the delivery of the speed safety system where data shows the most speed and incidence of severe and fatal injury crashes
- Coordinate with the council office/community on locations and represent City at community meetings and other public outreach activities
- Manage grant funds and ensure all requirements are met
- Provide effective project management to ensure on time and within budget project delivery
- Assist in the selection of vendor, including contract negotiation, preparation, and administration
- Lead and supervise technical team
Vision Zero Team
This position is responsible for managing the San Jose’s Vision Zero and Walk n Roll Programs. Reporting to the Division Manager, the Senior Transportation Specialist will oversee delivery of the 2025 Vision Zero Action Plan, which details the 5-year program delivery workplan striving to reduce all fatal and severe injury roadway crashes by 30% by 2030, while ultimately aiming to eliminate these serious crashes by 2040. The role will take independent lead in seeking innovative roadway safety treatments, pursuing all applicable grant opportunities, and managing myriad traffic data (including crash data) to monitor the program’s progress, including numerous before/after studies for completed projects.
The Senior Transportation Specialist will also collaborate with their Walk n Roll staff and school leadership to provide walking and bicycling educational outreach at over 260 K-12 campuses across San Jose. This role will also oversee staff scheduling and program organization to deliver roadway safety student assemblies and Bike Roadeos to provide bicycle safety training to students in a hands-on environment.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Develop delivery plan to align with target deliverables in the 2025 Vision Zero Action Plan
- Oversee crash data analysis and other traffic safety statistics to identify high crash locations and corridors and identify trends and contributing behaviors
- Coordinate before/after studies to provide tangible conclusions regarding safety improvements’ effectiveness
- Pursue grant opportunities and manage existing grant funds to ensure all requirements are met
- Develop and administer contracts and agreements with vendors, contractors and consultants
- Collaborate with Vision Zero partners and stakeholders, community public health partners, and community groups
- Represent the City, Department and Division Manager in a variety of interdepartmental, intergovernmental, and community matters
- Assist with advocating policies at the State and National level that can have significant influence on improving traffic safety
- Lead and motivate technical team, including engineers and transportation specialists
Planning and Policy Team
The Department of Transportation is currently recruiting to fill the Legislative and Policy Senior Transportation Specialist position in the Transportation Planning and Project Delivery Division. The incumbent of the position develops, analyzes, and influences transportation federal, state policy on behalf of DOT and the City. The position performs work of considerable sensitivity in transportation policy management, planning, and analysis at the City, regional, state and federal level. The successful candidate will work closely with management to lead Division activities, prepare technical report and memorandum, participate in public outreach efforts, and represent the Department and City with internal and external stakeholders, including other Departments in the City, consultants, other jurisdictions and agencies, elected officials, and the community.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
-Represent the DOT at meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including by presenting and/or facilitating public meetings
-Coordinate with Intergovernmental Affairs, the City Attorney’s Office, the City’s lobbyists in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and others to strategize and articulate positions and memorandum
-Analyze legislation and other policy proposals with impacts to transportation outcomes and/or funding and coordinate responses with relevant DOT and other city staff
-Write and edit memorandum, letters, presentations, and other communications analyzing and explaining policy options and recommendations
-Track and influence Federal, State and regional legislation and/or policies, including through regularly monitoring relevant news and reports, providing timely and digestible information to decision-makers, providing testimony, engaging with relevant associations (for example, the California Big Cities Transportation Coalition, National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), League of California Cities or Transportation for America), and participating in meetings and events
-Identify and influence the development of funding opportunities at all levels of government
-Proactively connect the dots and build partnerships among DOT staff, other City departments and organizations outside of the City to advance mutually beneficial goalsEducation: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in transportation planning, city and regional planning, urban studies, civil engineering, or closely related field. A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university is desirable.
Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in transportation development programs including two (2) years of project management.
Acceptable Substitutions: None
Form 700: This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office.The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
JOB EXPERTISE: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
CONSTRUCTIVE ENERGIES: A demonstration of energy and drive that comes from within, and a willingness to approach all aspects of work with a generally positive attitude; possessing the inclination to take appropriate action rather than waiting to be told what to do; examples of Constructive Energies include but are not limited to: enthusiasm, honesty, integrity, empathy, dedication, reliable, proactive, respectful, confidence, ethical, and a willingness to help others
ANALYTICAL THINKING: Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
COLLABORATION: Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.
COMPUTER SKILLS: Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
DECISION MAKING: Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.
FISCAL MANAGEMENT: Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.
POLITICAL SKILL: In taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.
PROBLEM SOLVING: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.
SUPERIVISION: Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.
TEAMWORK & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jasmine Medrano at jasmine.medrano@sanjoseca.gov.
Salary : $146,000 - $183,434
