Transportation Engineering & Operations Bureau Chief

NOTE: This is a re-opening to expand the pool of qualified candidates. If you have already applied for this position under former job number 1513, there is no need to re-apply unless you wish to update your application.

Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an experienced and innovative Transportation Engineering & Operations (TE&O) Bureau Chief to shape the future of mobility. This senior‑level role provides strategic and operational leadership for the programs and systems that keep a complex, multimodal urban street network safe, efficient, and reliable every day. The Bureau Chief directs the planning, implementation, and performance of critical transportation assets; advances County priorities such as Vision Zero, mobility, equity, sustainability, and innovation; and plays a central role in ensuring a balanced transportation system that serves people who walk, bike, drive, and use transit.

Major responsibilities include:

• Providing enterprise-level leadership for Arlington County’s transportation engineering and operations programs, setting strategic direction and ensuring alignment with County priorities related to safety, mobility, equity, sustainability, and innovation;
• Overseeing the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of critical transportation systems and assets, including traffic signals, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), street lighting, traffic signs, pavement markings, parking systems, and curb-space management infrastructure;
• Advancing roadway safety and Vision Zero goals through data-driven analysis, engineering judgment, and the identification and implementation of multimodal safety improvements for intersections, corridors, and neighborhoods;
• Overseeing transportation design, traffic engineering analysis, and development review activities, including evaluation of traffic patterns, crash data, site plans, right‑of‑way permits, civil engineering plans, and traffic control devices and residential parking requests;
• Leading parking and curb-space management programs, including all on‑street and selected off‑street parking operations, parking meters, residential parking permit programs, parking policy development, and coordination on parking requirements for development;
• Providing bureau-wide administrative and program management oversight, including supervision of professional and technical staff; management of operating, capital, and enterprise budgets; contract oversight; and review of plans and proposals affecting the County’s transportation systems;
• Serving as a key departmental and County leader during special events and emergency response activities, coordinating transportation operations with the Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, Police, Fire, and other internal and external partners; and
• Performing related duties as assigned to support transportation program and organizational needs.

The ideal candidate is a progressive, people‑centered leader with effective communication skills, who brings strong technical judgment, a systems‑level perspective, and an understanding of how transportation decisions shape daily life in a dense, urban community.  In addition, they will possess demonstrated experience in the following:

• Navigating complexity with confidence, communicating clearly across diverse audiences, and building trust through collaboration while making sound decisions in high‑visibility and time‑sensitive situations;
• Building professional relationships, leading and coordinating others and addressing issues or complaints with diplomacy and sound judgement;
• Demonstrating expertise in transportation engineering and multimodal planning, including the application of complete streets principles and the delivery of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit-supportive infrastructure projects; and
• Leading transportation program planning and policy development, including interpreting and applying applicable regulations, standards, and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field;
• Significant and progressively responsible experience in Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, or Parking Administration; and
• Registered as a Professional E