New Sidewalks Project Development Lead (Senior Transportation Planner)

Full Job Description

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

SDOT's Project Development Division has an exciting opportunity for a talented and goal-oriented New Sidewalks Project Development Lead (Senior Transportation Planner) who will initiate, execute, and complete complex, highly visible multimodal projects and programs.

This key planning leader will work across multiple disciplines, sections and agencies to help build a safe and connected pedestrian network on behalf of the Seattle public.

The position reports to the Pedestrian & Neighborhood Projects Manager and works on a team of dedicated transportation and project management professionals who are working to provide the safest pedestrian environment possible.

Requirements

• Coordinates and participates in the selection, planning, scope development, conceptual design, and outreach of sidewalk and walkway projects within priority neighborhoods that connect to key daily destinations.

Manages one direct report and matrix manages two other team members, coordinates staff workloads, and coaches team members to ensure New Sidewalk program deliverables are met.

Serves as project developer for New Sidewalk crew-delivered projects and prepares 0-30% project development deliverables for capital projects, including gaining an approved project scope, schedule, and budget.

• Coordinates with internal stakeholders by using the Complete Streets Checklist to identify opportunities and conflicts with SDOT-delivered projects and transportation operations.

Serves as a project manager on projects involving several design specialties; monitors scopes, schedules, and budgets; and takes corrective actions to address emerging issues.

Employs a working knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of transportation planning with an emphasis on walking, biking, and rolling.

• Serves as the Pedestrian subject matter expert in the development and implementation of new pedestrian improvement policies.
• Plans and implements community outreach efforts with diverse communities to identify pedestrian realm deficiencies and develop plans to address concerns.
• Responds to stakeholder and citizen inquiries, explains policies and/or investigates issues, and works to resolve conflicts.
• Supports department goals in promoting diversity and social justice in keeping with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, transportation planning, urban planning, or related field.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience with transportation planning or transportation development.

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Experience with ArcGIS, Bluebeam, and Asana or comparable software.
• Compelling and engaging written and verbal communication skills and experience supporting public involvement processes.
• Previous experience managing multiple projects and monitoring the progress of schedules to meet milestones and budget expenditures.
• Hands-on knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian facility design, including arterial and non-arterial street design. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification a plus.
• Experience directly managing the work of others to accomplish team goals.
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of the work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of the work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $60.55 - $70.40 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.