Senior Transportation Planner

Olsson • Kansas City, KS

2d

About The Position

The Senior Planner acts as an advisor on complex transportation planning projects and applies knowledge and experience to independently make recommendations and decisions about multimodal transportation systems, mobility improvements, safety initiatives, corridor studies, comprehensive transportation planning, and related planning efforts. The role develops innovative, implementable solutions, leads project delivery, mentors staff, and helps shape transportation networks that improve quality of life and support thriving communities.

The position provides technical leadership for transportation planning projects, which may include corridor studies, transportation master plans, active transportation plans, safety studies, transit planning, and related mobility initiatives. It also supports or leads project management, conducts complex research, oversees quality control, advises staff, contributes to team standards, and supports the growth of Olsson’s transportation planning practice.

Olsson is an engineering and design firm specializing in client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental work. The company describes itself as people-centric and focused on responsive, transparent, results-oriented service. It offers employees career development opportunities, possible flexible work arrangements, wellness programming, and community-impacting work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, public policy, geography, political science, or a related area of study.
• At least eight years of planning experience with increasing responsibility, including experience leading complex projects or major project components.
• Strong understanding of transportation planning principles, multimodal transportation systems, transportation safety, and emerging mobility trends.
• Ability to identify client needs and develop practical transportation planning solutions.
• Effective leadership and interest in contributing to team growth and organizational success.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and offices.
• Thorough familiarity with Olsson’s Quality Management Program.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding client expectations through technical work.
• Excellent client-service orientation.
• Solid interpersonal and decision-making skills and ability to generate innovative, effective solutions to complex problems.
• In-depth knowledge of and ability to diligently research applicable requirements and regulations.
• Understanding of the relationship between technical quality, client service, project financial performance, staff development, and long-term business success.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving history.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, public administration, public policy, engineering, or a related discipline.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for transportation planning projects, including corridor studies, transportation master plans, active transportation plans, safety studies, transit planning, and related mobility initiatives.
• Serve as a technical specialist, applying advanced planning concepts and developing approaches to address complex challenges.
• Lead or support project management activities, including developing and managing scopes, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, deliverables, and client communications.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control and ensure reports, policies, and studies meet quality standards and project objectives.
• Conduct research in areas of considerable scope and complexity.
• Advise and direct staff on design approaches to fulfill project requirements.
• Collaborate with others to promote efficiencies and produce high-quality work.
• Contribute to developing standards and guidelines for planning activities within the team.
• Mentor, supervise, and develop planning staff while supporting the growth and expansion of the transportation planning practice.
• Supervise and review technical assignments of less experienced staff.
• Represent Olsson professionally.

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) match.
• Tailored career development paths.
• Possibility of flexible work arrangements.
• Work that positively impacts communities.
• Wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles.
• Full-time employees receive a traditional benefits package, including health care, vision, dental, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to participate in a performance-rewarding bonus system.

What This Job Offers

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