Transportation Planner & Program Manager

Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments•Gallup, NM

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments (COG) is seeking to fill several positions headquartered in Downtown Gallup, New Mexico. This role involves managing the Northwest New Mexico Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) under a contract with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The position facilitates and coordinates rural and regional transportation, including developing and implementing long-range transportation plans, using data for funding applications, supporting project prioritization and financing, leading special projects like trails and transit planning, and managing program requirements and reporting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, or actively pursuing such a degree, preferably including areas of study related to planning and community development. Equivalent knowledge, experience or expertise as applicable to this position may be substituted for academic credentials.
At least two years of experience in professional and/or internship work related to community planning & development, public administration, grantsmanship, project management or related fields.
Strong writing skills: Ability to independently compose and self-edit correspondence, reports, summaries, and proposals; ability to develop appropriate written products based on general information, direction and intent; ability to represent workshop and meeting results in narrative, tabular and other report formats.
Good analytical skills: Ability to read, comprehend and evaluate a wide range of professional material; ability to research, interpret and report information across a range of topics and applications.
Sense of organization: Ability to organize various/numerous projects, schedules, activities, materials and information in an efficient and productive manner; good multi-tasking skills.
Fluent computer/word processing skills: Ability to efficiently utilize current computer software to compose, edit, format and print presentation-quality documents; ability to utilize, or to learn and master, telecommunications, database, spreadsheet, graphical and statistical programs; strong working familiarity with Windows-based applications.
Must reside within commuting distance of Council of Governments headquarters in Gallup, New Mexico.
Appropriate professional business attire is required.
Professionalism is expected in communications with fellow employees, governmental clients and associates, and the public.
Strong interpersonal skills: Good teamwork and cooperative skills are needed for success in this position, including a positive, flexible and constructive attitude, and a mature approach to conflict resolution.
Mature self-direction: Ability to respond effectively to specific and general direction, as well as to show initiative in solving problems and seeking answers from a variety of sources.
High energy: Ability to sustain high levels of performance, enthusiasm, flexibility and productivity, to handle productive stress, and to meet deadlines.
Professional commitment: Commitment to meet high professional standards, as well as demonstration of ongoing professional interest and learning in the work of regional and community development.
Ability to efficiently operate a passenger vehicle, to independently conduct local, regional, in-state and out-of-state travel, including field visits to office and land sites throughout the region, and to operate standard office equipment is required.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid New Mexico driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

Web page development, social media, and GIS/mapping skills preferred.
Compatible academic coursework and technical skills may be substituted for past experience.
Multicultural experience will be positively considered.
Experience, knowledge and working relationships in the northwest New Mexico region will be given preference.

Responsibilities

Manages the Northwest New Mexico Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO).
Facilitates and coordinates rural and regional transportation.
Develops and implements the regional long-range transportation plan.
Utilizes data, mapping, and visualization to support data-driven decisions and applications for funding.
Supports the prioritization, development, and financing of transportation projects.
Leads on special projects and multi-modal development including trails, transit, and scenic byway planning and development.
Manages program requirements, reporting, and deliverables in the Annual Work Program and the State's Planning Procedures Manual.
Provides overall management of the annual work programs as adopted for the Northwest Regional Transportation Planning Organization.
Develops and manages specific projects or events as assigned.
Participates as a team member on local and regional initiatives as needed.
Conducts research on a variety of topics as required by the organization’s programs, projects and services.
Compiles, interprets and applies statistics.
Utilizes statistical analysis software.
Prepares research reports as needed.
Prepares technical reports, grant proposals, and correspondence for internal and external use as assigned.
Designs and prepares for a variety of meetings and workshops.
Provides and/or supports group leadership and facilitation.
Provides documentation of meetings and workshops as needed.
Assists with inter-agency communications and liaison tasks on behalf of the COG and in support of various client services, projects and events.
Prepares and delivers written, verbal and public reports as needed and assigned to governmental and other groups.
Provides legislative technical assistance and liaison services to local governments.