Assistant/Associate Transportation Planner

Metro COG has one open position for a Transportation Planner at either the Assistant or Associate Transportation Planner level.

The position will remain open until filled.  Resumes are being accepted at this time.

The hiring level of the position will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful applicant.    

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis as we are currently not able to sponsor visas.

GENERAL DUTIES

Assistant Planner:

General activities include: public interaction, research for special studies, data collection/retrieval, analyses of technical data, computer analysis, transportation planning efforts, and coordination with Metro COG’s GIS Coordinator. This position may be called upon to assist with compiling the annual Metro Profile and conducting analysis on the performance measures required by the FAST Act, and will be involved in many other aspects of Metro COG’s work program, including: 

• interaction with the public,
• planning and implementing on-line and in-person public engagement events,
• preparing special studies,
• assisting with and building skills in project management,
• collection/retrieval of socio-economic data,
• staffing of diverse committee assignments,
• assisting with traffic and bike/pedestrian counts,
• completion of community development/environmental/transit planning and transportation planning       efforts, and
• coordination with local city and county staff and stakeholders on matters related to transportation and land use planning

Associate Planner:

General responsibilities include:

• project management of consultant-led transportation planning projects such as transportation plans, corridor studies, bicycle and pedestrian plans, and transit plans;
• project management and/or contributions to transportation plans and other types of planning efforts carried out internally by Metro COG staff;
• planning, organizing and carrying out public engagement activities;
• interaction with and responding to local/state/federal officials and the public;
• coordinating with internal project teams as a leader or contributor;
• conducting research for special transportation and land use studies;
• data collection and retrieval and analyses of technical data;
• working with GIS to carry out analyses and to prepare maps for planning documents;
• preparing written communication in the form of plans, letters, memos and general correspondence with committees, boards, other local/state/federal agencies and the public; and
• preparing and making presentations to Metro COG’s Transportation Technical Committee, Policy Board, and various other committees.

Both positions require strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to facilitate planning efforts between multiple jurisdictions in and around the metropolitan area.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Assistant Transportation Planner

A bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, urban planning, transportation planning, landscape architecture or a related major is the minimum qualification. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in community development, urban planning, transportation planning, and/or the use of GIS. Metropolitan and/or regional planning experience is preferred.

An employee in this position is responsible for performing technical and analytical work in GIS.  Desirable skills include: a growing understanding of inter-jurisdictional planning principles; familiarity or experience with the use of ArcMap, ArcGIS, and ArcGIS Online; strong ability to effectively communicate both in writing and orally; a proficiency in basic research and computer techniques; growing competency in community, transportation, and transit planning issues; and the desire and ability to coordinate on-line and in-person public engagement methods and committee functions.  An employee should also have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with engineers, transit directors, planners, public officials, committee members, private organizations, and the general public.

Associate Transportation Planner

A bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, urban planning, transportation planning, landscape architecture or a related major plus a minimum of four years of professional experience in transportation planning, transportation engineering, or a combination of land use and transportation planning. Past experience and education should include training and experience in community development, urban planning, or transportation planning; including experience Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (ESRI ArcGIS software and related spatial/data analysis software). Metropolitan and/or regional planning experience is preferred.

Desirable skills include: strong and effective writing skills; strong verbal communication and presentation skills; a growing understanding of inter-jurisdictional planning principles; working skills in the use of computer programs including  ArcMap, ArcGIS, and ArcGIS Online; a proficiency in basic research and computer techniques; growing competency in addressing community development, environmental, transportation, and transit planning issues; and the desire and ability to lead and facilitate on-line and in-person public engagement methods and committee functions.  An employee should also have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with engineers, transit directors, planners, public officials, committee members, private organizations, and the general public.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The 2023 starting salary range for the Assistant Transportation Planner position ranges from $65,431 to $71,409, with future salary steps exceeding this amount commensurate with experience.  The 2023 starting salary range for the Associate Transportation Planner position ranges from $70,659 to $77,068.  Metro COG reserves the right to hire at an appropriate level. Employees receive an annual step raise upon a satisfactory annual performance evaluation.

• Metro COG offers the following benefits:
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Life/AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employer match for retirement savings
• Health savings account contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities and payment of professional membership dues
• Flexible work hours, work from home hybrid