Transportation Planner

OPEN IN-HOUSE 5 DAYS

Position: Transportation Planner

Department: Transportation

Reports To: Director of Transportation

Salary Range: $54,000+ (DOE - Depending on Experience)

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Opening Date:  January 29, 2026

Closing Date:  February 04, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Transportation Planner manages the Hualapai Tribe's transportation planning and project development under the federal Tribal Transportation Program (TTP). Working under the supervision of the Director of the Department of Transportation (DOT), this position ensures the Tribe's transportation system meets community needs while maintaining compliance with all federal requirements for planning, environmental review, safety, and reporting. The planner's recommendations directly influence project prioritization, funding decisions, and implementation strategies across the reservation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning & Program Development

· Develops and maintains the Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP) in accordance with federal requirements

· Leads development and regular updates of the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)

· Assesses long-term impacts of transportation policies on infrastructure development, safety, and mobility across the Hualapai reservation

· Supports preliminary engineering activities, including development of comprehensive project packages

· Maintains the Tribal roads database as required by the USDOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Tribal Transportation Program

Project CoordiTribe & Implementation

· Coordinates all aspects of project development following 25 CFR 170 standards for specifications, quality assurance, and quality control

· Manages environmental compliance requirements under the Tribeal Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws during project planning

· Coordinates Right-of-Way (ROW) and utility requirements for transportation projects

· Ensures the Road Inventory Field Data System (RIFDS) and TTP strip maps are current and obtain necessary approvals for project programming, funding, and construction

· Travels to work sites to gather data, perform field investigations and surveys, and provide construction oversight of contractors

Stakeholder Engagement & Data Collection

· Serves as liaison with state and county transportation departments and federal agencies, including FHWA and BIA

· Conducts public outreach to inform Tribal members about transportation system conditions and identify community transportation needs

· Coordinates and conducts traffic surveys to collect data on traffic volume, composition, and current road system usage in cooperation with agencies, including the BIA Office of Indian Services (OIS)

· Conducts community surveys, field evaluations, and transportation assessments

· Participates in planning meetings and conferences as directed

Asset Management & Technical Support

· Facilitates and maintains GPS maps as an inventory of road signage, light poles, and other traffic control features necessary to protect roads and ensure public safety

· Collaborates with consultants and interns on tribal transportation projects

· Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Technical Knowledge

· Understanding of transportation research methodologies, policy analysis, and data presentation techniques

· Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, particularly NEPA compliance

· Familiarity with 25 CFR 170 standards and Tribal Transportation Program requirements

· Proficiency with computer office software and GIS applications related to transportation planning and road inventory management

Professional Skills

· Ability to evaluate transportation alternatives based on cost, environmental impact, and community needs

· Strong capability to manage multiple projects and issues simultaneously

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reports and community engagement

· Attention to detail while maintaining focus on strategic, big-picture goals

Competencies

· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in team environments

· Capacity to create graphic designs, development strategies, and site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics (highly desirable)

· Strong organizational and time management skills

· Cultural sensitivity and commitment to serving the Hualapai community

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Office-based work with regular field visits to project sites across the reservation and travel required for site inspections, surveys, stakeholder meetings, regional conferences, and planning meetings (up to 25%)

· Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including remote and rugged terrain, occasional extended hours during project deadlines or community meetings

· Ability to conduct field inspections on uneven surfaces and construction sites, operate 4-wheel drive vehicles on unpaved roads, and lift and carry field equipment up to 25 pounds occasionally

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

· Minimum: High School Diploma or equivalent

· Preferred: Associate's or bachelor’s degree in Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field

Licenses & Certifications

· Valid Arizona Driver's License required

· Must be eligible for Hualapai Tribe insurance coverage

· Must successfully pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and comply with random testing requirements

The Hualapai Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Preference given to qualified Native American candidates in accordance with applicable law