Transportation Planner

Transportation Planner

The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Transportation Planner to help develop the MPO's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a five-year rolling capital investment plan that allocates federal funds to transportation projects that serve the region. This role requires analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills as the Transportation Planner will be part of a forward-thinking and ambitious team of policy and planning experts committed to helping support a robust, equitable, and resilient transportation system for the Boston region.

The Transportation Planner will work with the TIP Manager to identify, evaluate, and recommend transportation projects for funding. This individual will lead the Bikeshare Support, Community Connections, and Transit Transformation funding programs, provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of proposed projects, and summarize public comments to provide input and feedback on recommended projects. The TIP budget tracks roughly $6.4 billion in investments overall for the five-year program.

Responsibilities include evaluating and prioritizing transportation projects for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program using established project-selection criteria and analytical methods. Support the development of new evaluation frameworks and funding programs in partnership with the TIP Manager. Track the scope and status of TIP projects by coordinating with the TIP Manager and state and local partners. Assist in communicating these technical project updates to the MPO board and the public by updating the TIP Project Dashboard, an online ArcGIS application, with accurate project geometry and spatial information. Communicate program and policy information to the MPO board and public stakeholders through presentations and reports. Work with the Communications and Engagement team to engage the community and emphasize historically marginalized voices in the TIP development process. Manage the production of the TIP document by coordinating contributions from various authors, layout, and graphics. Drive data-informed MPO investment decisions through the development of rigorous performance standards, accountability frameworks, and project oversight tools such as project status summaries and data visualizations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support agency initiatives, manage assigned projects and tasks within established schedules and work program objectives, and perform duties consistent with agency policies and procedures while maintaining professional standards.

Required Skills/Abilities include quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency working with and maintaining spreadsheets and databases. Ability to research and analyze historical project data, identify trends, and distill clear insights that drive better decision-making. A professional commitment to working toward transportation equity, environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, safety, and economic vitality. Excellent written and verbal presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, including boards of directors, elected officials, technical staff, and members of the public. Strong project management and organization skills. Attention to detail and in applying quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities. Ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues, members of the public, board members, and representatives from other agencies.

Preferred Skills/Abilities include experience with ESRI's ArcGIS Online dashboards, StoryMaps, or other interactive applications. Fluency with ArcGIS software and experience with spatial analysis and map production. Experience working with financial data. Experience with Excel macros. Familiarity with regional and local transportation issues in the Boston region. Knowledge of MPO processes and practices. Knowledge of federal transportation legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Experience working with Asana and other related project management software.

Required Education and Experience include three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, civil or environmental engineering, public policy, program/project administration, environmental science, or another field that would support the candidate's ability to carry out the above responsibilities. A bachelor's degree in a similar field may substitute for two years of professional experience. A master's degree in a similar field may substitute for professional experience.

This is a full-time position and the starting salary range is $66,000 - $76,000 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience. The agency offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; a flexible, supportive work environment; and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

The benefits package includes 75% employer paid medical insurance premium, low cost basic and optional life insurance, Retirement Savings plans, reasonable dental and vision plans, paid vacation time starting at 15 days per year, paid sick time - 15 days per year, 13 paid holidays, up to 5 paid discretionary days per year, up to 40 paid days for FMLA qualifying events, including parental leave, Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care, transit commuter subsidy up to $225, discounted Blue Bikes membership, tuition assistance, Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), professional development, professional membership dues assistance, short-term Disability coverage, optional Long-Term Disability coverage, Mass4You Wellness Programs and Employee Assistance Program.