Associate or Senior Planner

Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission • Columbus, OH

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

As Central Ohio’s regional council, MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships, counties and regional organizations and serves rural, suburban, and urban areas. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region. We do this through a variety of programs, services, projects and initiatives – all with the goal of improving the lives of our residents and making Central Ohio stand out on the world stage. One of Central Ohio’s greatest strengths is the diversity of our communities, and to best serve our region, MORPC assertively values diversity and inclusion and strives to reflect those values in our team, our work, and our positive impact for the region. Our work progresses when our team can draw on a wide range of personal experiences and backgrounds, and when each member is open to learning from the experiences of others, both internally and externally. As an equal opportunity employer, we fully support all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and do not discriminate against applicants for employment or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical conditions, age, disability or other handicap, genetic information, marital/familial status, veteran status, military status, or income or status with regard to public assistance in any aspects of our personnel policies, working conditions, or hiring and recruitment. To create and nourish a workforce as diverse as the Central Ohio region, MORPC encourages members of groups traditionally underrepresented in local government and professional positions to apply for our open career opportunities. MORPC recognizes the value of a healthy work/life balance for our team members and as such, we provide a variety of benefits to promote that balance. Eligible employees receive a free system-wide transit pass and discounted access to other alternative transportation modes to provide options for commuting to work. MORPC encourages opportunities for career advancement through generous tuition and professional development incentives, leadership programs, and participation in local and national organizations. For eligible permanent positions, MORPC also offers flexible schedules and remote work options as well as paid time off and holidays. MORPC employees may also be eligible for excellent health, vision and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, employer paid short-term & long-term disability coverage, employer paid life insurance in the amount of $50,000 coverage, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, plus two Deferred Compensation Plans that employees can opt into for additional retirement funding. More info can be found in the benefits link within the online posting.

Requirements

• Associate Planner: A bachelor's degree and two (2) or more years' experience in Planning, Public Policy, or a Related Field. A master's degree may be substituted for two (2) years' experience.
• Senior Planner: A bachelor's degree and four (4) years' experience in Planning, Engineering, Public Policy, or a Related Field. A master's degree may be substituted for two (2) years' experience.
• Knowledge of the principles, best practices, and techniques of transportation planning and engineering, with an emphasis on transportation safety
• Knowledge of tools, technologies, and resources used in transportation and safety planning activities
• Skill in applying qualitative and quantitative research method
• Skill in statistical analysis and analytical problem‑solving
• Skill in data collection, management, and validation
• Skill in data visualization methods to effectively present findings
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Essential functions of this position include the ability to effectively use a telephone, computer, and standard office technology; communicate clearly and professionally in person, by phone, and through virtual platforms; and participate in meetings, trainings, and work activities both in person and virtually.
• This position requires performing work primarily in an office and community‑based setting, with regular in‑person attendance at MORPC offices and meetings, and limited remote work consistent with organizational policy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in supporting multi-disciplinary teams of technical and/or analytical-focused members across interagency departments in completing projects is strongly preferred.
• A Master's Degree and professional certifications- such as Professional Engineer or membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Carry out the Federal Highway Administration’s continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative (3C) Transportation Planning Process for Central Ohio
• Maintain partnerships with ODOT, ODPS, ODH, FHWA, and other key federal, state, and local stakeholders related to active transportation and safety efforts and initiatives
• Participate in state-led committees and special studies or activities related to active transportation and safety.
• Provides summaries to other staff and MORPC Committees
• Monitors federal and state regulations to ensure compliance and consistency across all active transportation and safety related policies, plans, and programs
• Supports the development and maintenance of the Regional Active Transportation Plan
• Supports the facilitation of the MORPC Active Transportation Committee meetings including preparing agendas, minutes, communications, and presentations
• Coordinates and conducts the annual Regional Transportation Safety Forum
• Leads all Safety Planning and Programming Activities
• Leads the development and maintenance of Regional Transportation Safety Plan
• Conducts data and GIS analyses related to transportation safety and active transportation in coordination with the Data & Mapping Team
• Supports the non-motorized volume data collection program
• Assists with MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan and CORPO Transportation Plan related tasks relating to active transportation and safety
• Reviews local active transportation and safety planning activities and assist with identification of candidate projects
• Assists in strategy and project development as they relate to Active Transportation and Safety
• Supports and assist activities for the Technical Assistance Grants Program
• Facilitates implementation of transportation projects in Central Ohio
• Assists in obtaining funding for active transportation and safety projects
• Supports the development and maintenance of MORPC’s Complete Streets Policy
• Coordinates with Infrastructure Programming Team on enforcement of Complete Streets Policy
• Conduct plan reviews for Complete Streets elements
• Leads safety related needs for OPWC program
• Assists and support staff in active transportation and safety section of the department
• Assists as needed in transportation studies conducted by MORPC.
• Provides timely assistance and information to co-workers and coordinates transportation projects with other planning activities
• Makes routine reports succinctly and in a timely fashion.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Eligible employees receive a free system-wide transit pass and discounted access to other alternative transportation modes to provide options for commuting to work.
• MORPC encourages opportunities for career advancement through generous tuition and professional development incentives, leadership programs, and participation in local and national organizations.
• For eligible permanent positions, MORPC also offers flexible schedules and remote work options as well as paid time off and holidays.
• MORPC employees may also be eligible for excellent health, vision and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, employer paid short-term & long-term disability coverage, employer paid life insurance in the amount of $50,000 coverage, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, plus two Deferred Compensation Plans that employees can opt into for additional retirement funding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level