Planner (Multimodal Transportation Planning)

About the Position of Planner (Multimodal Transportation Planning)

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.

• Researches and analyzes data and information for use in transportation planning;
• Collaborates with regional partners and stakeholders and maintains effective working relationships;
• Makes recommendations on regional planning and implementation initiatives and programs.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional-level planning services in support of a variety of internal and external planning projects and processes;
• Serves as a DRCOG representative on committees and advisory groups;
• Communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders.

• Leads and facilitates meetings with internal and external planning partners;
• Prepares and distributes meeting materials;
• Develops recommendations and reports based on input received.

• Assists in the preparation of transportation plans;
• Led the development of functional plans;
• Prepares maps, charts, and data visualizations;
• Presents findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.

• Provides technical assistance to local governments and other stakeholders;
• Works closely with communities to develop strategies to advance local and regional goals.

• Researches best practices and emerging trends, technologies;
• Identifies potential funding opportunities;
• Makes related recommendations for implementation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment, both through internal and external participation.

Skills

• Principles and practices of urban and regional planning;
• Principles and practices of project/program administration and management;
• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research;
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis;
• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies in local and regional planning;
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment);
• Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences;
• Modern budget practices;
• Knowledge of multimodal transportation planning.

• Understanding of federal metropolitan planning requirements for Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

Requirements

• Gathering and analyzing data, determining findings and recommendations;
• Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial and project-related data and information;
• Writing and public speaking;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
• Providing excellent customer service;
• Communicating with coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, the general public and others, especially when the information is complicated.

• Developing plans or supporting the development of plans.

• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Internet applications, and GIS;
• Facilitating meetings and workshops.

• Proficiency with digital accessibility, such as techniques for presenting, remote meetings, creating documents, developing graphics, and writing web content.

• Project management skills to support multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to collaborate and communicate professionally with a wide variety of people including member governments, community organizations, community members, and planning and engineering consultants.

• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems;

• Databases and geographic information systems.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, public administration, engineering, or directly related field and two to four years of related professional planning experience. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.