What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Transportation Planner position at Ramsey County, MN?

Salary : $90,812.80 - $136,240.00 Annually

Location : (Public Works Admin Bldg) Arden Hills, MN

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2025-00079

Department : Regional Rail Authority

Division : Admin

Opening Date : 01 / 31 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 5 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

Union : Unrepresented

FLSA Status : exempt

Basic Function

Ramsey County Public Works is seeking to hire two (2) Senior Transportation Planners. These planners will have separate job focuses with the one focusing on roadway side of multi-modal planning and the other focusing on the transit and bicycle-pedestrian side of multi-modal planning. Both positions have the option to follow a hybrid work schedule with two days in office and three days working from home.

The transit-focused position will office out of the Ramsey County Courthouse in Saint Paul. Work tasks will include, but not limited to :

Manage development of multimodal transportation plans and projects.
Managing the implementation of Ramsey County's 2050 All Abilities Transportation Plan and potential reallocation of sales tax and regional railroad authority levy funds to county-wide projects.
Coordinate internally with Ramsey County staff and with external project partners on information sharing and technical analysis in developing and advancing transportation projects.
Meet and confer with elected officials, technical experts, media, public groups, and the community to explain and promote the County's interests concerning transportation projects, plans, proposals, and pending legislation.
Provide relevant information and communication for elected officials and the public during projects, including the creation of fact sheets, reports, and maps.
Prepare and manage the process for the issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFP's) related to transportation projects, including development of work scope, RFP documentation, proposal evaluation, and selection.
Present information to elected officials, agency partners, and the community. Prepare staff reports for county board action.
Prepare grant applications for transportation plans and projects.

An ideal candidate will possess knowledge of multi-modal planning with experience in developing transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects as well as working with a wide range of agency and community partners, including the Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Transportation, cities, and counties. Ability to multi-task while working independently or in a group setting with excellent organization and communication skills is key. This position will report to the Transit Projects Manager.

The roadway-focused position will work out of Public Works in Arden Hills and work will include, but is not limited to :

Managing the implementation of Ramsey County's 2050 All Abilities Transportation Plan and potential reallocation of sales tax and regional railroad authority levy funds to county-wide projects.

County State Aid Highway designation changes and Metropolitan Council Functional Classification updates for Ramsey County.

Federal and State solicitations preparation and submittals for Ramsey County.

Lead staff for transportation-related committees and study teams for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, neighboring counties, cities, Metro Transit and others.

Integration of multi-modal planning into county roadway projects consistent with the 2050 All Abilities Transportation Plan including multi-use paths, sidewalks, safe routes to school and transit (transitways, arterial bus rapid transit and local route service).

Coordination with various divisions in Public Works including Program Delivery and Planning.

Meet and confer with elected officials, technical experts, media, public groups, and the community to explain and promote the County's interests concerning transportation projects, plans, proposals, and pending legislation.

Prepare and manage the process for the issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFP's) related to transportation projects, including development of work scope, RFP documentation, proposal evaluation, and selection.

Prepare staff reports for county board action.

Prepare grant applications for transportation plans and projects.

An ideal candidate will possess knowledge of multi-modal planning, roadway classification systems, have experience working with the Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Transportation, cities, and counties, and have the ability to multi-task while working independently or in a group setting with excellent organization and communication skills. This position will report to the Deputy Director of Public Works - Multimodal Planning.

The current vacancy is in the Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

To supervise the development of multi-modal transportation plans and establishment of priorities for Ramsey County improvement projects; to represent and promote the County's interests with respect to transportation projects, plans and proposals; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Flexible Workplace This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to : .

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to : Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

Meet and confer with elected officials, technical experts, media representatives and public groups to explain and promote the County's interests concerning transportation projects, plans, and proposals and pending legislation.

Supervise and participate in the development of plans for County projects by researching, organizing and presenting information to elected officials for use in establishing transportation policies.

Prepare and manage the process of Requests for Proposal (RFP) issuance and selection related to transportation projects; assist in the development of the project scope, draft RFP documentation, evaluate proposals, interview consultants, participate with selection committees on final recommendation, negotiate contracts and budgets, and present final recommendations, contracts and budgets to the Ramsey County Board or the Regional Rail Authority Board.

Manage and lead planning projects by reviewing the work of consultants for accuracy and political implications; managing project budget by monitoring expenditures and invoices, making budget adjustments as needed, or seeking additional funds from the Ramsey County Board, the Regional Rail Authority Board or other bodies.

Serve as primary liaison and staff support to various committees including policy committee, technical committee; serve as primary staff member on other studies where Ramsey County is a partner and another agency manages the project. Policy Committee support involves preparation of agenda and supporting materials, attending meetings, making recommendations to policy members, and coordinating miscellaneous policy committee assignments. Technical Committee support involves chairing meetings, preparing agenda and supporting materials, and developing recommendations for presentation at the Policy Committee.

Present study updates and findings to elected officials, including the Ramsey County Board, or the Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority Board, for approvals and next steps if needed.

Facilitate open houses and public meetings with members of the general public regarding assigned projects, including planning and set up of events; preparing information; arranging for guest presenters, including elected officials; talking with members of the public and the media to explain the project and answer questions.

Provide relevant information and other communication for elected officials and the public during projects, including the creation of fact sheets, reports and maps; completion of grant applications, funding forms, and miscellaneous federal and state legislative forms; preparation of draft correspondence for Ramsey County and / or Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority board members' signatures to federal and state elected officials for projects; development of ideas and initiatives with county lobbyists

Prepare Board documentation for action, discussion and information, including Board resolutions and presentations.

Attend various Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Board committee meetings and advocate for Ramsey County transportation projects, as prescribed by federal funding requirements. Track the status of federal funding through the TAB process.

Attend various transitway and transportation project technical and policy level meetings to advocate for Ramsey County where Ramsey County is project sponsor, but not a project lead. Communicate with Ramsey County staff and elected officials to ensure that projects utilizing county funds or impacting Ramsey County are completed are completed consistent with Ramsey County board direction.

Prepare grant applications for transportation work by analyzing requirements, coordinating information retrieval and writing applications to obtain funds for projects.

The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Bachelor's Degree in transportation planning, urban studies, regional planning, urban geography, or a closely related field.

Experience : Six years of experience in transportation planning and managing multi-modal transportation projects and studies.

Substitution : Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications / Licensure : None.

Preferred : A Master's Degree.

Exam / Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following sections with each section weighted as indicated :

Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for the Senior Transportation Planner will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List : The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination / screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Senior Transportation Planner. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 60 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and of their status.

Veteran's Preference : This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks : All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation : Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and / or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer : Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

It is preferred that you apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you can print a paper application for this posting by clicking . To apply with a paper application, you will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work / life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status / contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at

Medical, dental and vision insurance

The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium

Employees choose from four enrollment tiers : Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20 / month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity

MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered

VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

Pre-tax Benefit Program

Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option

Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

Paid time off

Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)

11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays

Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below

Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)

Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

Retirement benefits

Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments

New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years

Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match

Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

Transit and parking

Fully funded Metropass.

Transportation / parking expenses reimbursement account

Employee well-being

Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.

Wellness programming

Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

Life Insurance and Disability leave

County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available

Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum

Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

Career development

Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year

Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center

County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit :

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in transportation planning, urban studies, regional planning, urban geography, or a closely related field. Degree must be earned prior to the closing date of this posting.

High school diploma or GED

College credits that total less than 2 years (60 credits in a related field)

Associate's degree

College credits that equal two years, (60 credits or more in a related field)

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree or higher

None of the above

If you indicated in the previous question, that you have a degree or college credits, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance / completion, type of degree / name of courses, and number of hours or credits and whether they were quarter or semester credits. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree / college credit, please write N / A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.

Which best describes your full-time equivalent experience in transportation planning and managing multi-modal transportation projects and studies or related experience?

No experience in this area

Less than 1 year of experience

1 year or more, but less than 2 years of experience

2 years or more, but less than 3 years of experience

3 year or more, but less than 4 years of experience

4 years or more, but less than 5 years of experience

5 years or more, but less than 6 years of experience

6 years or more, but less than 7 years of experience

7 years or more, but less than 8 years of experience

8 years or more of experience

Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N / A in the space below."

The work performed by the Senior Transportation Planner requires daily interactions and problem solving with individuals from a variety of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Describe your work, training, volunteer and / or life experiences that demonstrate your cultural awareness in working with a diverse community. You may include any experience in working with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds other than your own. Do not write "see resume" or "see application".

Describe your experience working on multi-modal transportation projects (pedestrians, bikes, transit, roads), community engagement, data analysis, grant applications or other initiatives including your interactions with internal and external staff. Please give examples. If you do not have experience, describe any relevant training and / or skills that you possess that would make you successful in completing this task. Do not write "see resume" or "see application".

Describe your experience preparing or evaluating request for proposals (RFPs) as well as evaluating and / or preparing responses to RFPs for consultant contracts related to land use, environmental review, transportation planning or similar projects. Include in your response any experience you have working with the consultant selection process. If you do not have experience, describe any relevant training and / or skills that you possess that would make you successful in completing this task. Do not write "see resume" or "see application".

Describe your experience in working with elected officials and local and state governmental units (for example, city / county / state departments of transportation and / or regional planning organizations). Include your role representing your employer / agency. If you do not have experience, describe any relevant training and / or skills that you possess that would make you successful in completing this task. Do not write "see resume" or "see application".

Describe your management experience in managing a high profile and / or politically sensitive project(s), including how decisions are made, critical items, complementary and competing interests and ensuring a successful outcome to the project. If you do not have experience, describe any relevant training and / or skills that you possess that would make you successful in completing this task. Do not write "see resume" or "see application".

Required Question

Salary : $90,813 - $136,240

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Senior Transportation Planner job openings

Senior Transportation Planner

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Transportation Planner position at Ramsey County, MN?

What is the career path for a Senior Transportation Planner?

Job openings at Ramsey County, MN

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Senior Transportation Planner jobs in the Saint Paul, MN area that may be a better fit.

We don't have any other Senior Transportation Planner jobs in the Saint Paul, MN area right now.

AI Assistant is available now!