Senior Transportation Planner- Highway

Anoka County • Andover, MN

1d • $85,363 - $119,496 • Hybrid

About The Position

At the Anoka County Transportation Division, our vision is to enhance and protect life by delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions. We are seeking an experienced Senior Transportation Planner to lead critical planning efforts that shape the future of our transportation infrastructure. In this role, you will help lead the department’s highway planning initiatives, oversee consultant studies and serve as a point of contact for major highway planning projects. You will also develop technical reports and studies that guide departmental decisions and inform the public, ensuring that our transportation strategies are data-driven and forward-thinking. As a Senior Transportation Planner, you will manage complex projects—including environmental reviews and grant applications—while actively participating in project meetings and public engagement sessions. You’ll serve as a vital liaison between the department and the community, ensuring transparency and collaboration throughout the planning process. A central responsibility of this position is securing funding for roadway improvements and overseeing the successful implementation of those projects. If you're passionate about creating safer, more efficient transportation systems and thrive in a collaborative, public-facing role, we invite you to apply. This is a full-time, exempt position based primarily in the office. Interviews will take place the week of 10/19/2026 for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of job-related experience.
• In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience writing grant and project proposals for transportation funding.
• Knowledge of public participation techniques and mediation of issues among project stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including speaking, presenting, and field questions for large groups.
• Knowledge of highway transportation planning and related environmental regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Urban Studies, Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, or closely related field.
• Possess or able to obtain either American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) from the American Planning Association or Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) from Institute of Transportation Engineers.
• Experience working with consultants/engineers, environmentalists and experts in natural and cultural resources, the general public, and local units of government in the state of Minnesota.
• Knowledge of Minnesota and federal transportation funding programs.
• Knowledge in the metropolitan councils planning process and competitive funding programs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage submittals for federal and state funding solicitations, oversee the Requests for Proposal (RFP) process for transportation projects, including developing project scopes, drafting RFP documents, evaluating proposals, interviewing consultants, participating in selection committees, negotiating contracts and budgets, and presenting final recommendations to the Transportation Committee and board members. This is a primary function of this position and securing funding for critical transportation projects is a key area where efforts will be focused.
• Prepare, review, and provide expert comments on technical analyses and reports, maps, memos, and other high-priority highway documents, including highway improvement plans and traffic studies, especially those relevant to transportation planning, and communicating project impact to the local community.
• Attend and participate in meetings with government agencies, committees, and public forums, and lead discussions on select topics. Work as part of the project delivery team on highway projects to offer planning expertise during the project scoping and plan development.
• Manage and lead planning projects by reviewing the work of consultants for accuracy and political implications; manage project budget by monitoring expenditures and invoices, making budget adjustments as needed, or seeking additional funds through grants or other opportunities for Anoka County Transportation Division.
• Facilitate open houses and public meetings with members of the general public regarding assigned projects, including planning and setup of events; preparing information; arranging for guest presenters, including elected officials; and talking with members of the public and the media to explain the project and answer questions.
• Overseeing the ADA transition plan,
• Coordinate with local agencies to conduct studies to support the County’s 5-year Highway Improvement Program.
• Participate in Met Council Technical Advisory Committee or other committees as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of regional and state transportation policies and practices and funding requirements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group.

Benefits

• 24 days of paid flexible time off
• up to 12.5 paid holidays
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits, and more
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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