Transportation Planner

State of Montana • Helena, MT

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting a Transportation Planner for its Statewide Planning team. The position helps ensure a well-planned transportation system that supports mobility, safety, and the economic vitality of Montana communities. Planners work with local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and the public to align statewide goals with local needs through early and continued collaboration. The role provides technical assistance and coordination to communities across Montana on long-range transportation plans, analyzes transportation data to support investment decisions, coordinates planning processes with local officials and stakeholders, prepares reports and recommendations for the Legislature and agency leadership, and manages planning programs focused on cost-effective responses to transportation needs. Investment decisions are guided by safety, system preservation, economic vitality, and mobility. This position is part of a career ladder with advancement opportunities, reports to the Statewide Planning Section Supervisor, and does not supervise others. A potential hybrid remote work arrangement may be available. Driver’s records will be verified; selected applicants must authorize access to their permanent driving records. Compliance with state vehicle-use rules and MDT policy is a condition of employment. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States is required if selected; work authorization sponsorship is generally unavailable through the State of Montana. Effective May 26, 2026, MDT participates in E-Verify.

Requirements

• Planner 2: Associate degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 1 year of related work experience; other combinations of related education and experience may be considered, such as 3 years of related experience.
• Planner 3: Associate degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 2 years of related work experience; other combinations of related education and experience may be considered, such as 4 years of related experience.
• Planner 4: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 1 year of directly related experience; other combinations of related education and experience may be considered, such as 5 years of directly related experience.
• Planner 5: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 2 years of directly related work experience; other combinations of related education and experience may be considered, such as 6 years of directly related experience.
• Ability to establish productive, collaborative working relationships with co-workers, management, and customers.
• Ability to understand and adhere to policies, procedures, rules, and laws related to transportation plans.
• Creative and forward-thinking problem-solving ability.
• A resume detailing qualifications and work history, and a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing qualifications, are required.
• A driver’s record will be verified, and a signed release authorizing the Department to obtain permanent driving records is required of successful applicants.
• Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, “State Vehicle Use,” and MDT Policy #6.03.001, “State Vehicle Use Policy,” is a condition of employment.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and coordinate with communities across Montana on long-range transportation plans.
• Analyze transportation data to support transportation investment decisions.
• Coordinate planning processes with local officials and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Legislature and agency leadership.
• Manage planning programs that identify cost-effective ways to address transportation needs.
• Collaborate with local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and the public to align statewide goals with local needs.

Benefits

• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities through deferred compensation
• Overtime compensation or compensatory time for time in pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Benefits apply on the first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer
• Work/life balance commitment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree