Principal Planner

About Houston-Galveston Area Council

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is one of the largest regional planning commissions in the country with a diverse service area of 13 counties and more than 7 million people. We are the pulse of our region addressing issues that cross city limits and county lines every single day.

We make decisions that affect our transportation system, ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors, connect people to jobs, help families recover from natural disasters, preserve water quality for our children, and so much more. We work to make the region a great place to live, work, and thrive.

What will I be doing?

• Do you like a challenge? The Principal Planner will encourage and promote active transportation throughout the region by leading the implementation and coordination of the Regional Active Transportation Plan for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which identifies long-term bicycle and pedestrian transportation needs of the region.
• Are you looking for growth and continual development of your skills? This role will work with a diverse group of regional planners developing transit studies, resiliency plans, autonomous vehicles studies, subregional planning studies, and educational outreach programs.
• Do you like to solve puzzles? The Principal Planner role identifies solutions for regional active transportation needs using feedback from the communities, partners, colleagues, and external agencies.
• Lead and provide guidance to active transportation staff, including pedestrian/bicycle counters, active transportation planning studies, and active transportation safety.
• Lead efforts to increase implementation of recommendations within planning studies to viable local, state, and/or federally funded active transportation infrastructure projects.
• Assist with the maintenance of H-GAC transportation planning project information databases, including GIS data.
• Facilitate quarterly Pedestrian/Bicyclist subcommittee meetings and associated workgroup meetings as needed, including setting agendas, providing background papers, and developing presentations.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in development and execution of transportation plans, policy recommendations, and investment priorities that garner broad stakeholder and public support.
• Experience in data analysis, public input, management of consultant teams, transportation finance and funding sources, review of invoices and reports, and implementation of transportation planning studies consistent with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Strong teamwork abilities and passion for improving the quality of life for our citizens.
• Experience with project management, communication and presentation skills to be able provide professional and timely feedback to a variety of audiences.

Do you have…

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable academic discipline or related field of study
• 5 years experience working with local government, nonprofit programs, school or in job related duties

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the transportation planning field on planning studies, policy development, or transportation funding strategies
• Comprehensive understanding of transportation policies, best practices, and federal and statewide planning regulations
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field of study
• 8 years of experience working in transportation planning and related project management
• Experience working with Metropolitan Planning Organizations

H-GAC is an equal opportunity/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or protected veteran status.