Assistant Transport Planner

As an Assistant Travel Planner (Travel Planning) in the Influencing Travel Behaviour (ITB) Team you'll thrive on securing effective Travel Plans through the planning process and reviewing their successful implementation. In turn, helping to ensure development in Leeds is accessible, sustainable and that future generations of Leeds residents have an affordable, zero carbon choice in how they travel to meet the vision of our Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy., This is a great opportunity for somebody who is passionate about facilitating sustainable travel, to build or progress your career in Transport Planning and make a real difference to those who visit, live and work in Leeds. You will work with workplaces, schools and residential developments to ensure Travel Plan measures are implemented to a high standard and that developer contributions are secured and funds are spent, As our next Assistant Transport Planner (Travel Planning) you'll play an important role in the Council's Influencing Travel Behaviour (ITB) team and the wider Highways and Transportation Directorate supporting the delivery of the Council's ambitious Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy and Vision Zero Strategy. You will be part of an enthusiastic team who work on a wide variety of programmes and projects, all focused on facilitating more sustainable, healthy and active travel choices and reducing road danger for all who live, work and play in Leeds. You will be assessing and reviewing Travel Plans submitted with planning applications ensuring they meet the standards set out in our Transport SPD, but also working with appointed Travel Plan Coordinators to ensure measures are delivered and funding is spent wisely to maximise the benefit and impact of Travel Plans for end users, as developments are built and occupied. You will build strong working relationships with partnering teams within the Council, appointed Travel Plan Coordinators (in-house and consultants) and transport operators with effective communication skills. You will have some opportunities to get involved in the delivery of projects, campaigns and events of the wider team including School Travel Plans, School Streets, our own Council Travel Plan, Vision Zero and Active Travel projects such as Leeds City Bikes and E-Cargo bike trials. The role will require experience in report writing, analysis of data (including financial), communicating effectively (in person, phone and email) and working well as a team player. You will be supported by your line manager, colleagues and Team Leads., To coordinate and support the delivery of measures to promote safe and sustainable travel through travel planning, education, events and campaigns. The post will carry responsibility for a range of project work with stakeholders, organisations, schools and businesses across the district. Responsibilities The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post. The post holder will work within the Influencing Travel Behaviour team (ITB) and their responsibilities will be focused on the priorities of the group they are allocated to (Travel Planning). However, the post holder should be able to work flexibly to respond to the needs of the wider ITB team as required.

• Assess/review Travel Plans submitted with planning applications against current policy standards and draft consultation responses.
• Request and review Travel Plan implementation and monitoring evidence, providing advice to business, residential and education sites/organisations and provide advice, for example, about appropriate measures, data collection and target setting.
• Assist with the development and implementation of the Council's own Corporate Travel Plan.
• Build and develop new partnerships to assist in the delivery of effective Travel Plans and safe and sustainable initiatives.
• Use and encourage organisations to utilise the Councils preferred Travel Plan monitoring software (Modeshift STARS) to keep up to date records about voluntary and planning required Travel Plans.
• Assist with the administration of funding including S106 contributions and Residential Travel Plan Funds, tracking incoming payments and balances.
• Provide input into the development of policy and strategy, for example supplementary planning documents, SPD, the Sustainable Modes of Travel to School Sustainable Education Travel Strategy.
• The post holder should be able to work flexibly to respond to the needs of the wider ITB team as required, for example: Take a leading role in the development and delivery of safe road user behaviour and sustainable travel events, campaigns and training to children and adults in a range of educational settings, businesses and in the wider community typically including:
• National, regional campaigns
• Education including school assemblies, classroom, playground and off site-based lessons
• Programmes such as School Streets, bike register, e-cargo bike loans
• Assist with the development of educational/engagement resources for a variety of audiences.
• Participate in the preparation of communications and messaging to promote safe and sustainable travel choices and initiatives.
• Build and develop partnerships with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, partner authorities, appropriate networks and organisations to assist in development and delivery of safe and sustainable travel initiatives.
• Assist with delivery of programmes by external partners (such as Bikeability, WYCA, Living Streets, Modeshift, Sustrans etc)
• Assist with data collection and maintaining databases used to record/store/monitor data including:
• The annual Leeds Travel to Work and Travel to School Surveys
• Travel plan activity and planning consultations (e.g. Modeshift STARS)
• Carry out site visits across the district as required.
• Assist with the setup of equipment at events e.g. furniture, materials, small 'pop up' tents / gazeboes and equipment and dismantle and store equipment in a safe and methodical manner.
• Respond to enquiries and liaise with appropriate contacts throughout the department, Council and similar bodies.
• In accordance with staff development procedures supervise Project Assistants/ Apprentices and to provide appropriate support, resources and training for staff.
• Deputise as necessary and undertake any other duties within the team as workloads and priorities demand at a level appropriate to the grade of the post.
• Understand and work within the Council's health and safety policies and practice, taking responsibility for both personal safety and that of colleagues and the public.
• Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement areas, focussing on equality of outcome., Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Be aware of and be able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  As a An Assistant Transport Planner, you will bring to the role:
• Either an HNC/D or equivalent level qualification in a relevant field, or extensive and comparable experience.
• The ability to contribute to projects and programmes that aim to deliver travel behaviour change, facilitate and support safe and sustainable travel.
• Ability to use online platforms and Microsoft 365 software and apps e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams etc.
• Experience developing and implementing travel plans
• Experience using data to inform, develop, implement and review projects., Either an HNC/D or equivalent level qualification in a relevant field, or extensive and comparable experience.
• Meet the criteria to qualify for a Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate.
• Hold a current driver's licence or be able to travel around Leeds effectively.
• Knowledge of relevant national, regional and local strategy policy, strategy and guidance.
• Knowledge of relevant national, regional and local safe road user behaviour and sustainable travel events, campaigns.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Ability to online platforms and Microsoft 365 software and apps e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams etc.
• The ability to contribute to projects and programmes that aim to deliver travel behaviour change, facilitate and support safe and sustainable travel.
• Ability to promote safe sustainable travel initiatives with enthusiasm and persuasion.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to different audiences.
• Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve results.
• Ability to resolve conflict and to solve problems positively and appropriately.
• Experience working in the field of safe and sustainable transport planning.
• Experience developing and implementing safe and sustainable travel initiatives and events
• Experience developing and implementing travel plans
• Experience using data to inform, develop, implement and review projects.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver projects.
• Be flexible, innovative and open to new ideas to changing needs and circumstances.
• Be committed to your own personal development and learning.
• Be enthusiastic about making a difference and improving road safety and reducing road casualties in Leeds.
• Willing to work unsociable hours including evenings and weekends when required.
• Ability to promote a professional image of self, the department and the Council., Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
• Knowledge of the local transport planning process
• An appreciation of the factors which influence decisions about safe and sustainable travel and journey planning
• Have an understanding of the National Curriculum/education system.
• Experience of supervising and motivating others.
• Experience of working with members of the public/schools/businesses or other organisations.
• Experience of project management.
• Experience preparing basic Risk Assessments.
  
  Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
  
  a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further