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How a transportation planner can use AI, task by task

O*NET 19-3099.01: Transportation PlannersMedian pay $101,110/year (BLS, May 2025)22 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Planner, Program Officer, Transportation Analyst, Transportation Data Programs Manager, Transportation Planner.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 27%AI-assist 69%Stays human 4%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 5 AI-ready, 15 AI-assist and 2 human-led tasks out of 22. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.Explain it clearly · Weekly
Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.Crunch the numbers · Weekly
Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.Coordinate & message · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Direct urban traffic counting programs.Lead people · A few times a year
Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.Be there for people · A few times a year

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 5

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.

Weekly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.

Context: We use SAS and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare reports or recommendations (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.

Weekly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 52% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Study or test: [what was measured and why]
Results: [paste de-identified data or summary]

Explain what the results show, how confident we can be, possible confounders, and what to report or follow up. Say where expert judgment is needed.

10-minute exercise: Interpret study or lab data

Step 1Take one set of results you need to interpret.

Step 2Fill in [Study or test] and [Results] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare its reading with your own and note where you disagree and why.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Interpret research or operational data..

Analyze information from traffic counting programs.

Monthly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to analyze information from traffic counting programs.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Traffic type: [network, road, web]
Data: [paste counts, logs or waveforms]

Find patterns, peaks and anomalies, and explain possible causes. Give code or formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Traffic data analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze information.

Step 2Fill in [Traffic type] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Investigate one anomaly in the raw data.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze traffic data.. Also involves: Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables..

Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 57% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
Permit: [type, agency]
Project details: [describe]

List required documents and draft the narrative sections. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Permit application pack

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals.

Step 2Fill in [Permit] and [Project details] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check requirements on the agency's current form. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare documentation for permits or licenses..

Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.

Monthly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 47% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.

Context: We use SAS and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.

Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

AI can help you prep these 15

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.

Context: We use Python and Microsoft Visual Basic.
Issue: [product, construction]
Specialists: [engineers, experts]

Draft questions and data to share. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical problem collaboration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with engineers (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Specialists] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems..

Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.

Context: We use SAS and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Policy or practice: [regulation, land-use change]
Area: [ecosystems, region]

Summarize likely environmental impacts, evidence for each, and data to collect. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Policy environmental impact review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze information to transportation (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Policy or practice] and [Area] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies..

Collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies at the local, regional, or national level.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies at the local, regional, or national level.

Context: We use Python and Microsoft Visual Basic.
Issue: [product, construction]
Specialists: [engineers, experts]

Draft questions and data to share. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical problem collaboration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Specialists] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems..

Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.

Monthly

AI suggests causes to test; the hands-on fix is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can suggest likely causes and a diagnostic order to try. Hands-on testing and the final fix are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.

Context: We use Transportation management system TMS software; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Problem: [process upset, failure, fire]
Evidence: [readings, observations, timeline]

List likely causes ranked, tests to confirm, and how to prevent recurrence. Rank causes from most to least likely with a quick test for each, and flag safety risks.

10-minute exercise: Find the cause

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.

Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Evidence] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Did it reach your cause? Use that to judge it next time.

Never follow AI repair steps that bypass safety procedures, lockout/tagout or manufacturer guidance.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine causes of operational problems or failures.. Also involves: Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems..

Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Phenomenon: [describe]
Data: [observations]

Suggest models and simulation code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Physical model or simulation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop computer models.

Step 2Fill in [Phenomenon] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop theories or models of physical phenomena..

Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.

Context: We use Transportation management system TMS software; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Issue: [environment, climate, other]
Audience: [policymakers]

Write a short brief with options and recommendation. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Policy advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you recommend transportation system improvements or projects and based.

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on matters of public policy..

Evaluate transportation project needs or costs.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 34% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to evaluate transportation project needs or costs.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and SAS; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Design or project: [describe]
Costs and benefits: [paste]

Build a cost-benefit table with formulas. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Cost-benefit analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate transportation project needs or costs.

Step 2Fill in [Design or project] and [Costs and benefits] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects..

Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Issue: [hazard, wildlife, conservation]
Audience: [public, property owners]

Draft clear public information and FAQs. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Public environmental information

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in public meetings or hearings.

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate with the public on environmental issues..

Review development plans for transportation system effects, infrastructure requirements, or compliance with applicable transportation regulations.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to review development plans for transportation system effects, infrastructure requirements, or compliance with applicable transportation regulations.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Policy or project: [describe]
Evidence: [paste data, costs, outcomes]
Criteria: [effectiveness, cost, equity, feasibility]

Evaluate against each criterion, list trade-offs, and draft a recommendation paragraph. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Policy or project evaluation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review development plans for transportation system effects.

Step 2Fill in [Policy or project], [Evidence] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every figure against the source before it goes in a brief. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate civic projects or public policies..

Design transportation surveys to identify areas of public concern.

A few times a year

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to design transportation surveys to identify areas of public concern.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Study: [protocol, selection program]
Goals: [what to measure]

Draft methods, sampling and evaluation. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Social or health research method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design transportation surveys.

Step 2Fill in [Study] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop methods of social or economic research..

Develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.

A few times a year

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Phenomenon: [describe]
Data: [observations]

Suggest models and simulation code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Physical model or simulation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.

Step 2Fill in [Phenomenon] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop theories or models of physical phenomena..

Evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.

A few times a year

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Policy or project: [describe]
Evidence: [paste data, costs, outcomes]
Criteria: [effectiveness, cost, equity, feasibility]

Evaluate against each criterion, list trade-offs, and draft a recommendation paragraph. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Policy or project evaluation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.

Step 2Fill in [Policy or project], [Evidence] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every figure against the source before it goes in a brief.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate civic projects or public policies..

Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.

A few times a year

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Topic: [impact, project]
Findings: [paste]

Draft the report with summary and technical sections. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Environmental report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you produce environmental documents.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Findings] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues..

Design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.

A few times a year

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator; the work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
System: [transport, treatment plant]
Requirements: [capacity, site]

Generate design options. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Civil system design concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design new or improved transport infrastructure.

Step 2Fill in [System] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design civil structures or systems..

Define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.

A few times a year

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
Matter: [order, decree, guidance]
Technical facts: [paste]

Draft the technical sections in plain language. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Technical input for legal documents

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you define or update information.

Step 2Fill in [Matter] and [Technical facts] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters..

These stay human 2

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Dealing with the public: very important · Impact of decisions: important results

Direct urban traffic counting programs.

A few times a year

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to direct urban traffic counting programs.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Lab or project: [describe]
Priorities: [list]

Plan priorities and team briefing. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Directing lab or science work

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct urban traffic counting programs.

Step 2Fill in [Lab or project] and [Priorities] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Direct scientific activities..

Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a transportation planner. Part of my job is to represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and law and government.
Matter: [tax, land development, case]
Client's position: [summary]

Prepare arguments, anticipated objections and responses. Then play the other side. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Representing a client

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you represent jurisdictions.

Step 2Fill in [Matter] and [Client's position] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.. Also involves: Represent the organization in external relations..

Get the full prompt pack for Transportation Planners

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Learning Strategiesimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Critical Thinkingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
Writingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Logisticians42% human-led · Same preparation · $82,320/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Monitoring, Management of Personnel Resources, Social Perceptiveness
Urban and Regional Planners10% human-led · Needs more preparation · $89,320/yr · usually master's degree
Skills to build: Social Perceptiveness
Transportation Engineers13% human-led · Same preparation · $100,840/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Management of Personnel Resources, Science, Mathematics
Chief Sustainability Officers20% human-led · Needs more preparation · $213,990/yr · usually master's degree
Skills to build: Management of Personnel Resources, Social Perceptiveness, Learning Strategies

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (55% of workers)

Bachelor's 55%
Graduate degree 45%

On-the-job training: 3–6 months
Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStationESRI ArcGIS softwareIBM SPSS StatisticsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software