PLANNER TRANSPORTATION
To land Planner Transportation in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
A master's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it. The FY2026 range lands between $61,510 and $89,810.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the direction of a Principal Planner, Transportation or other supervisory officer in the Department of Transportation, performs technical work as part of the state Transportation Planning or Project Development Program; participates in more complex work; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Applies planning theory and techniques to analyze transportation operations and facilities data. Participates in the development of efficient, integrated, and balanced comprehensive transportation plans to include all modes of transportation. Participates in the correlation of state transportation plans and programs with those of municipalities, counties, neighboring states, and other agencies. Prepares for and presents technical briefings, reports, studies, and surveys. May participate in the preparation of environmental documents for transportation projects to comply with state and federal environmental reviews and regulations. May prepare or assist in the preparation of technical reports to assess the social, economic and land use consequences of transportation projects; recommends mitigation measures when required. Prepares and participates in meetings. Reviews technical reports prepared by outside consultants . Maintains files of records, reports, plans and related materials. Participates in preparing work programs, and contracts for transportation planning activities, maintains fiscal documentation, and monitors financial expenditures. Provides information to consultants preparing technical studies. Provides instruction to technical and drafting staff. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the theories and practices of transportation planning the data collection, the assessment of travel demand and transportation system deficiencies, the identification and evaluation of alternative transportation solutions, and the investigation of appropriate demand management strategies. Knowledge of the varied transportation problems occurring with the growth of urban centers, the movement of goods and people, the different modes of travel, the social and economic considerations attendant with a modal choice, and other contemporary conditions affecting the transportation status of the state. Knowledge of transportation trends as they relate to and affect solutions to problems in New Jersey's transportation system. Ability to participate in the development of state transportation plans and programs. Ability to keep current trends of thought and significant developments in present day transportation planning activities including technical advances and innovative approaches to problem solving. Ability to analyze, and interpret laws, regulations, and procedures related to transportation planning, land use management, transportation financing and environmental analysis, and apply them to specific situations. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate maps, charts, graphs, and plans. Ability to assess the social, economic, and land use consequences of transportation projects. Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing at meetings, conferences, and hearings. Ability to provide technical advice to local communities and to coordinate the development of plans at the state, county, and local levels. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to prepare reports, containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to learn and utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in a planning discipline including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration. OR A valid license as a Professional Planner issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Planners; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. Possession of a current and valid credential as a Certified Planner issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.