Principal Transportation Planner

Lee County is seeking a forward-thinking Transportation Planner to help guide one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions through smart, strategic growth. In this essential role, you’ll use your technical and analytical expertise to shape the future of transportation—building safer, more efficient, and better-connected communities.

This is more than a job—it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impact on regional infrastructure and quality of life in Southwest Florida.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate Traffic Impact Statements (TIS) for proposed developments.
• Lead transportation reviews for zoning changes and Comprehensive Plan Amendments (CPAs).
• Conduct technical research and support the development of planning documents, maps, and policy updates.
• Maintain and update the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and related code sections.
• Prepare the Concurrency Inventory and Projections Report to assess infrastructure capacities.
• Serve as the Department of Transportation’s liaison to the Lee County MPO Technical Advisory Committee.
• Perform transportation modeling and develop cost estimates for Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) priorities.
• Provide expert guidance to internal staff, consultants, public officials, and the community.

Education, Experience, Licensing

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field (or equivalent education and experience).
• 2 years of professional experience in transportation planning, land use planning, or public infrastructure.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications
 

• Experience with traffic impact analysis, transportation modeling, or infrastructure planning.
• Proficiency with transportation software such as Synchro, VISSIM, CUBE, or similar tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to public officials or stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Florida planning statutes and local government processes.
• Professional certifications a plus: AICP, PTP, or PE (or in progress).

Supplemental Information

Why Choose Lee County DOT?

• Established Role: This position is open due to retirement—benefit from mentorship by a seasoned planner with 30+ years of experience.
• Career Development: Access to ongoing training and support for professional certifications.
• Meaningful Work: Be part of high-impact projects that shape regional transportation and infrastructure.
• Supportive Environment: Join a collaborative team culture that values flexibility, respect, and work-life balance.

What Success Looks Like

• First 90 Days: Learn department procedures, complete TIS training, and begin participating in project reviews.
• 6–12 Months: Independently manage review cases, contribute to CIP planning, and support MPO coordination.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.