Assistant Planner

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a motivated and organized self-starter to provide administrative and technical support to the MPO board and its staff. The Assistant Planner will be responsible for the administrative tasks associated with planning and conducting MPO meetings and supporting the members of the MPO board. The Assistant Planner, with the guidance of planning staff, will also take part in the work of the MPO to study and answer transportation planning and policy questions related to the Boston region. The MPO work includes the development of long- and short-term planning and capital documents as well as programs focused on performance-based planning, climate resilience, and transportation equity, among others. This position reports to the Manager of MPO Activities, and it is an excellent opportunity for new planners looking to expand their skillset and gain valuable formative professional experience.

• Host virtual public meetings and webinars, as needed, and provide technical support during each meeting 

• Attend and record all meetings of the MPO board and its committees to ensure they are conducted in accordance with relevant laws and governance standards 
• Prepare meeting minutes

• Assist project and program managers with research and analysis to support development of recommended plans, policies, and actions; writing reports; and presenting findings

• Support work by program managers in their development of the MPO's Long-Range Transportation Plan, five-year rolling capital plan, and annual work plan for the planning activities conducted by MPO staff as well as performance-based planning, climate resilience, and equity program work
• Perform other related tasks as needed

Candidates who believe that their particular experience and skills are well suited to the position are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in an office environment and the ability to carry out the responsibilities listed above, or a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, civil or environmental engineering, political science, government or public policy, environmental science, or a related field
• A professional commitment to working toward transportation equity, environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, safety, and economic vitality

• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse individuals

• Skills in conveying information in understandable and accessible ways, both in writing and verbally
• Ability to organize and analyze information and perform research 
• Quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency working with and maintaining spreadsheets and databases
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Word) and Google Suite 
• Knowledge of virtual meeting technologies and resources
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively to ensure deadlines are met on a consistent basis
• Attention to detail and in applying quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities

 Knowledge of the following is desirable:

• MPO processes and practices
• General knowledge of transportation planning

• Applications such as ESRI’s GIS software or RStudio

This is a full-time position, and the starting salary range is $50,000–$60,000, 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.

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization is a public agency made up of a passionate group of transportation planners, analysts, modelers, programmers, and engineers working to address the Boston region’s transportation challenges. The agency’s deep transportation knowledge is an essential asset to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), regional transit authorities, cities and towns within the region, as well as other agencies and stakeholders.

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.

Our organization is a public agency and is made up of a passionate group of transportation planners, analysts, modelers, programmers, and engineers working to address the Boston region’s transportation challenges. The agency’s deep transportation knowledge is an essential asset to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), regional transit authorities, cities and towns within the region, as well as other agencies and stakeholders.

This position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 21 days. When applying for this position, please upload both a resume and cover letter via www.bostonmpo.org. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or a work product.

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000