Senior Planning - Transportation

City of Gastonia•Gastonia, NC

About The Position

The City of Gastonia is seeking a dedicated and innovative Senior Planner for Transportation to lead efforts in developing and implementing comprehensive transportation plans. The position performs complex professional and administrative work in the City of Gastonia’s Transportation Planning Division as staff to the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (GCLMPO). Work includes programmatic and project management-level urban and regional planning, comprehensive and small-area planning, land-use planning and development regulation, transportation and transit planning, and graphic and design planning. The role collaborates with stakeholders to enhance mobility solutions and support the city’s growth. Work is conducted under the moderate supervision of the Principal Transportation Planner/GCLMPO Administrator or the Director of Transportation. The position coordinates with professional, technical, and clerical personnel within the organization and with GCLMPO member local governments. The City is an equal opportunity employer committed to a professional, respectful, and supportive workplace. Final candidates may be required to participate in reference checks, and any offer is contingent upon satisfactory completion and review of a criminal background check and drug screening, consistent with City policy and applicable law.

Requirements

Master’s degree in urban, regional, or transportation planning, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of professional planning experience.
For the master’s-degree pathway, 1–5 years of experience in professional planning.
Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Thorough understanding of city-planning philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to strategies for improving urban and regional transportation systems.
Thorough knowledge of techniques for preparing maps, charts, sketches, and complex graphics.
Comprehensive knowledge of research methodology and standard statistical procedures.
Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and carry out complex programs and projects effectively.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
Experience in public engagement, including facilitating meetings and working with diverse stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

AICP certification and/or PE certification is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Independently develop and analyze the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Work with member local governments and NCDOT to develop and submit projects for NCDOT’s prioritization process.
Advise private-sector representatives, local government staff, and public officials on planning matters and assist with developing and interpreting planning concepts, transportation regulations, laws, and requirements for transportation plans.
Assist member local governments in implementing locally administered projects.
Review planning proposals for conformity with applicable regulations and transportation plans.
Prepare reports and other materials for GCLMPO governing boards and committees and for member local governments in the MPO planning area.
Advise citizens on transportation-planning matters.
Prepare notices and announcements for public meetings and other planning efforts.
Prepare planning elements covering social, economic, physical, transportation, transit, and facility planning, including research, analysis, design, and graphics.
Comply with established policies, procedures, safety practices, training, and instructions; properly wear and maintain required personal protective equipment; and promptly report unsafe practices or conditions and on-the-job injuries or illnesses.