Sustainable transport planner
Sustainable transport planners help to create transportation systems that are environmentally friendly, efficient and safe.
Also known as: transport planner
About the job
What it's like
As a sustainable transport planner, you’ll play a key role in creating transportation systems that are environmentally friendly, efficient and safe. You’ll develop and implement transportation solutions that reduce reliance on cars and promote walking, cycling and public transport.
Some tasks might include:
working on projects, from initial design through to completion and review
designing and interpreting transport and travel surveys
developing transportation plans and strategies, promoting sustainable modes of transportation
designing and implementing new transportation infrastructure, like bike lanes, bus rapid transit systems and pedestrian walkways
writing reports and presenting options and recommendations on transport systems to clients
using data and analytics to examine travel or accidents
educating the public about the benefits of sustainable transportation
liaising and negotiating with different parties, including planning authorities, councillors, residents’ groups, developers and transport providers
writing bids for the funding of projects
Green job
In this job you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You’ll typically work full-time hours, Monday to Friday. Some overtime may be required to meet deadlines.
Environment
You’ll usually work in an office but may also spend time in the field conducting site visits or attending meetings.
Travel
Travel may be required to attend site visits or meetings.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Transport Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- feasibility studies
- traffic engineering
- transport engineering
- bidding
- transyt
- network analysis
- public consultation
- paramics (traffic simulation software)
- urban planning
- mobility management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- working with numbers
- time management
- problem solving
- managing resources
- innovative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- adaptability
- analysing
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Maths (Mathematics)
Geography
Physics
Design and Manufacture
Environmental Science
Computing Science
Engineering Science
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Modern Studies
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification for this job. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or by getting an apprenticeship.
University
For many roles, you'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification.
Most transport planners are graduates with relevant degree subjects in subjects like:
Civil Engineering
Economics
Environmental Sciences
Geography
Mathematics
Social Sciences
Town Planning
Environmental Management
What you need to enter a degree course depends on the subject and university. For minimum entry requirements, you’ll likely need at least four Highers at BBCC. These must include maths and a science subject.
Some universities will have more difficult entry requirements – these are what you'll need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or move on to more advanced study. Subjects at college could include:
Environmental Management
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Built Environment
Social Sciences
What you'll need for a college course depends on the qualification level, subject and college. As a guide, for a HNC in Environmental Management, you'll likely need a minimum of one Higher at C in a science or maths-based subject. You should also have National 5 Maths and English.
Apprenticeship
You could start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
You might want to consider an FA in Civil Engineering.
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry, and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you break into the engineering sector. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Find more volunteering through:
Have you ever heard of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES)? Joining an engineering body can help you make contacts in the industry and find training opportunities.
You may improve your career prospects by completing the Transport Planning Professional qualification, or by getting chartered status with a relevant professional body.
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