Regional Transportation Planner

About the position

The Regional Transportation Planner is a position in the GPCOG Transportation Department that supports our agency's role as the area's metropolitan planning organization (MPO). We pride ourselves in managing an excellent transportation planning process in collaboration with our municipalities, transit agencies, and the Maine Department of Transportation. The Regional Transportation Planner interacts with internal staff, external stakeholders, clients, consultants, vendors, elected and appointed officials, and local residents in support of the agency's mission.

Responsibilities

• Manage a variety of transportation plans and studies, overseeing budgets, collaborating with team members and external partners, communicating with multiple stakeholders, and regularly reporting on progress.
• Manage consultant work as needed.
• Assist with the development of the two-year Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
• Work with team members on annual processes to identify, evaluate, and recommend projects for funding.
• Research best practices and emerging trends, technologies; identify potential funding opportunities; make related recommendations for implementation.
• Participate in committee and board meetings, including preparation and presentation of staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Prepare maps, charts, and data visualizations; present findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Participate in various interagency, local, regional, and state meetings and activities.
• Support the overall operation and administration of GPCOG's transportation work with consideration for regional goals and priorities.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (including Civil Rights and Title VI) and alignment with the four-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
• Perform other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Assist, as needed, with other agency activities such as regional transit, clean transportation, housing, and land use planning.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in regional planning, transportation planning, public transit, transportation engineering, public policy, program/project administration, or another field that would support your ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to understand challenges, think strategically, and identify/implement solutions.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, including the MPO board, elected officials, external stakeholders, technical staff, and the public.
• Strong organizational, program/project management, and analytical skills (both qualitative and quantitative).
• Proficiency in document and PowerPoint presentation design.
• Proficiency in working with spreadsheets and databases.
• Attention to detail and in applying quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities.
• A professional commitment to working towards the metropolitan planning organization's goals for the region.
• At least four (4) years' experience in a professional setting or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Benefits

• Flexible schedules and remote work options.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employer paid short-term disability coverage.
• Participation in a Defined Contribution retirement plan.
• Deferred Compensation Plans for additional retirement funding.
• Opportunities for career advancement through tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.