Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Deputy District Director of Planning and Local Assistance, the Principal Transportation Planner is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing the district's planning and modal programs outcomes in transportation improvement projects. This includes the planning functions of complete streets, transit planning, climate change, local development review, regional planning, multi-modal system planning, freight planning, investment planning, feasibility studies, sustainability, equity, and community engagement. The incumbent integrates the planning efforts with the development of project initiation documents and project delivery efforts to support a sustainable, clean and multi-modal transportation system that is safe, equitable and beneficial for communities, and is resilient to climate change. This includes a focus on an accessible and multi-modal network of travel options, active transportation (bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access), livable communities, freight planning, and the integration of these options into transportation investments. The incumbent works with various divisions within the District to ensure that Caltrans' policies, priorities, goals, and strategies are implemented and that all projects are planned, programmed, designed, constructed, and maintained accordingly.
This work requires strong public outreach and engagement, maintaining a network of active stakeholders, and establishing collaboration with internal programs, federal, state, local and regional agencies, non-profit organizations, and advocacy and advisory groups. The incumbent must be a strong leader and effectively collaborate with Caltrans' functions, local, regional, state and federal transportation agencies, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit stakeholders, and have the political acumen to ensure effective delivery of planning products and services. The incumbent must support the Department's strategic goals and vision, based on the foundational principles of safety, equity, climate action, and economic prosperity for communities through all efforts. The desired outcome is to develop a portfolio of multi-modal projects that address safety for all users, equity, climate resiliency, and prosperity for communities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-527721
Position #(s):
907-162-4723-001
Working Title:
Planning and Modal Program Implementation Manager
Classification:
PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER
$11,600.00 - $13,171.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Caltrans Director’s EEO Policy and EEO Policy Statement:
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Email will be the primary form of communication for this position. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
Special Requirements
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations § 549.90, this position will be filled via the California Department of Transportation Managerial Selection Program (MSP) process.
This process provides for examination and job-selection specific to each position and consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the classification.
Please read the entire job posting before applying for this position.
This is a Caltrans Promotional examination.
Applicants must have a permanent civil service appointment with the Department of Transportation and meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date to participate in the examination.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Either I
One year of experience in the California state service performing transportation or environmental planning duties in a class comparable in level ofresponsibility to Supervising Transportation Planner or Supervising Environmental Planner.
Or II
Five years of supervisory or administrative transportation or environmental management experience with regional or statewide impact. (At least oneyear must have been comparable in level of responsibility to work performed by a Supervising Transportation Planner or a Supervising Environmental Planner in the California state service.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of oneyear of experience equal to one year of education.)
Examination Information:
This examination will utilize an evaluation of each candidate’s experience and education (E&E) compared to a standard developed from the Class Specification. For this reason, it is especially important that each candidate take special care in accurately and completely filling out his or her State application (STD. 678). List all experience relevant to the “Minimum Qualifications”.
This examination will not establish a civil service list; therefore, candidates will not have the ability to transfer their eligibility to other departments. Candidates will be notified of their examination results.
Note: If using Out of Class (OOC) experience, you must submit a copy of your signed and approved OOC documentation. Failure to do so may result in your OOC experience not being considered during the evaluation process of this examination.
Education: If using your college education to meet the minimum qualifications, college transcripts must be submitted with your application andSOQ. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for entrance into the examination; however, official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date:
9/1/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.
If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
MSP
Attn:
Katie Wong (26MSP076)
Managerial Selection Process (MSP) MS-86
1727 30th Street, 6th Floor
Sacramento,
CA
95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
MSP
Katie Wong (26MSP076)
Managerial Selection Process (MSP) MS-86
1727 30th Street, 6th Floor
Sacramento,
CA
95816-8036
08:00 AM
-
05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position. - Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - Candidates must provide detailed and specific examples from their professional education, experience, and training that directly answer each of the SOQ questions. Each question will be scored individually, therefore, candidates must provide specific examples to each question. Responses to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted on the Department of Transportation's MSP Statement of Qualifications Form (PM-0504).Submit your competed PM-0504 in the “Additional Documents” section. Select “Other” from the drop-down menu for Type of Document and enter SOQ for the Description. Upload your completed PM-0504, then Save & Review Application.- 26MSP076 PM-0504
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Statement of Qualifications
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted along with your State application. The SOQ is a discussion of how an applicant’s education and experience meet the evaluation criteria below and qualify them for the position.
Responses to the SOQ must be submitted on the Department of Transportation's MSP Statement of Qualifications Form (PM-0504). Any SOQ responses that are not submitted on the PM-0504 will not be scored. Each box provided for your response has been limited to 2000 characters.
Each question will be scored individually, therefore, candidates must provide detailed and specific examples, from their professional experience, education, and training, that directly answer each of the SOQ questions. The SOQ will be utilized as screening criteria for the hiring interview only and will not be used for the purposes of examination. Additional documents to supplement the PM-0504 will not be reviewed during the SOQ scoring. To learn about the Statement of Qualifications form (PM-0504) and screening process, click here: https://youtu.be/Wi1RbhBY0Ao
The PM-0504 SOQ Form can be found in the Required Application Package Documents section of this advertisement. If you have difficulty opening the form, please try using Mozilla Firefox. Please make sure the number of SOQs on the Form are the same as the number of SOQs below.
The Statement of Qualifications must address the applicant’s qualifications relative to the following:
1. Demonstrated experience taking the lead in resolving sensitive and complex issues.
2. Demonstrated experience working with internal and external partners, including collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve consensus.
3. Demonstrated experience verbally conveying complex project information and conducting internal and public meetings.
4. Demonstrated experience balancing multiple priorities and meeting strict deadlines under pressure.
Additional Information
Please include MSP#26MSP076 and the title of the position you are applying for on the STD. 678 application form.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment Survey to tell us how you found out about this job! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMQ7LDR
Effective January 1, 2009, Government Code Section 18991 was enacted which permits persons retired from the United States military, honorably discharged from active military duty with a service-connected disability, or honorably discharged from active duty, shall be eligible to apply for promotional civil service examinations, for which he/she meets the minimum qualifications as prescribed by the class specification. Persons applying who qualify as a Veteran under Government Code Section 18991 must submit a copy of their DD214 with their Examination Application (STD. 678).
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.