What are the responsibilities and job description for the Transportation Planner position at Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization?
Description
The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a transportation planner to help develop the MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program, a five-year rolling capital investment program that allocates federal funds to transportation projects that serve the region. This role requires analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills and is 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 Transportation Improvement Program (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. In federal fiscal year 2023, nearly $2 billion was allocated through the TIP; the budget tracks roughly $6.3 billion in investments overall for the five-year program.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and prioritize transportation projects by applying the Boston Region MPO’s existing project-evaluation criteria and methods, and develop new or revised project-selection methods in partnership with the TIP Manager as required.
- Understand the scope and status of projects in the TIP by coordinating with the TIP Manager and state and local partners, and assist in communicating this information to the MPO board.
- Engage stakeholders, in tandem with the TIP Manager and the agency’s Communications and Engagement team, in the annual TIP development process and emphasize historically marginalized voices in capital planning conversations.
- Present project and program updates to the MPO board and public stakeholders.
- Manage the production of the TIP document by coordinating contributions from various authors, layout, and graphics.
- Collaborate with the TIP Manager to develop frameworks and partnerships to implement new project funding programs.
- Provide policy, process, and technical support for other MPO work.
Qualifications
- At least 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 the professional experience.
- 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, organization, and analytical skills—both qualitative and quantitative
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue with diverse stakeholders, including prior experience in public engagement
- Proficiency in working with spreadsheets and databases
- Attention to detail and in applying quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities
- Familiarity with regional and local transportation issues in the Boston region
- Processes and practices of MPOs
- Federal transportation legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
- Spatial analysis and map production using ESRI’s ArcGIS software
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position, and the starting salary range is $50,000–$61,000, 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.
Additional Information
The agency has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from the Central Transportation Planning Staff’s office, which is located in downtown Boston, in a transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly area.
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. All employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination status. All employees are required to provide proof of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series and at least one booster.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent to the Central Transportation Planning Staff and legally employs the staff. Both organizations are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that take pride in the diversity of their workforces and encourage all qualified persons to apply. MAPC participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility.
How to Apply
The information below is a general overview of the benefit programs offered by CTPS. The benefits package is subject to change.
- 75% CTPS paid medical insurance premium
- Low cost basic and optional life insurance
- Retirement Savings plans: Defined Benefit Pension plan through Mass. State Employees Retirement Board System (MSERB) and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
- Reasonable dental and vision plans
- Paid vacation time
- Paid sick time
- 12 paid holidays
- Up to 5 paid discretionary days per year (based on hire date)
- 20 CTPS-paid days for FMLA qualifying events, including parental leave
- Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care
- Transit commuter subsidy up to $225
- Blue Bikes subsidy
- 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