Sr. Transportation Planner

Summary: This is an administrative position involving professional and supervisory work assisting the Executive Director. Work includes preparing long-range transportation plans, sub-area studies, short-range transportation improvement programs, urban and regional transit planning, annual work programs and other pertinent MPO documents, policies and programs. Performing various travel model activities and reviewing results for technical accuracy and soundness; development of highway and transit forecasts for regional and corridor analysis; analysis of model output for various application serving the MPO's needs, working with team members in updating the model process; preparing and presenting results in both written and electronic formats and interfacing with consultants on a variety of transportation and data collection tasks

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• In cooperation with all MPO staff, conducts research and analysis of information and adherence to specific federal legislation, TxDOT & FHWA requirements to fulfill the mission of MPO.
• Assists with the preparation and administers the planning and special studies sections contained in the UPWP. Provides revisions and assists with contract management.
• Attends Regional Planning Commission meetings and collaborates with Midland Odessa Urban Transit District on urban and regional public transit needs.
• Answers inquiries and disseminates information upon request to other agencies, consultants and the public.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, studies and makes presentations regarding program/project activities; assist in researching and preparing appropriate response for technical assistance requests.
• Reviews and monitors plans and related documents to ensure compliance with applicable state or federal requirements and conformance to acceptable professional standards.
• Monitors and ensures information regarding Motor programs, (UPWP, MTP, TIP and STIP) is accurate and maintained on the Motor website and distributed both externally and internally.
• Monitors and ensures project selection, scope and funding are accurate for highway and transit projects in the MTP and TIP.
• Assists with the planning, development and management of strategic planning efforts related to transit issues
• Assist with planning, coordinating and conducting the community involvement portion of the MPO's Public Participation Plan; assists with preparation and distribution to social media sites.
• Assists with building and maintaining strong working relationships between the urban transit district, TxDOT and other transportation funding entities, including the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Cities of Midland and Odessa.
• Develops planning documents and interprets and develops data analysis.
• Prepares presentations for and attends interagency meetings and local government meetings.
• Assists in carrying out the short and long-range plans and projects in the Metropolitan Area Boundary.
• Manages the collecting and analyzing of data that includes assisting with feasibility studies.
• Development of a regional level operations plan that will include the identification and analysis of transportation of system performance measures and performance problems, gaps and needs.
• Performs drafting and graphics work.
• Collects, maintains, analyzes and prepares data used for travel demand estimates and modeling.
• Assists in monitoring funds through application, contract review and approval, procurement of equipment, billing and reporting.
• Works with consultants, vendors and other external entities.
• Assists in the preparation of agendas, memorandums and official correspondence of Motor.
• Handles inquiries by phone providing general information or referring callers to the appropriate individual and resources as needed.
• Serves as liaison between the Executive Director and other transportation agencies, government entities, legislators and the public at large with strong attention to sensitive or confidential information.
• Takes initiative to perform other duties to maintain Motor operations. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work related contracts.
• Assists with development of quarterly newsletters to keep the public informed about the planning progress of the MPO.
• Supports the MPO operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training & Experience Guidelines: Bachelor's degree in urban planning with an emphasis in transportation planning. A Master's degree is preferred in same areas. Minimum of 3 years of planning experience including 1 year of administrative/supervisory experience. 1 to 2 years' experience with GIS programs, TransCAD, travel demand modeling and metropolitan plans. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered in lieu of Master's degree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal transportation planning regulations pertaining to MPO functions is essential.
• Working knowledge of modeling principles and practices, demographics, concepts, techniques and tools used in planning, designing and implementing database management systems and related technologies, budgeting methods and procedures and transportation funding programs.
• Knowledge in applicable federal and state transportation legislation, policy development methodologies and procedures and the legislative process.
• Skilled in scheduling work assignments, planning methods, techniques and strategies.
• Skilled in research and analysis methodologies, researching, evaluating and interpreting complex information.
• Proficient skills in public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, the use of basic mathematical fundamentals, analyzing and organizing technical documents, prioritizing and organizing work assignments and preparing technical/statistical reports.
• Ability to develop and give technical presentations to small and large groups, establish close working relationships with transportation partners and stakeholders, effectively organize one's time, handle and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to set, attain and meet deadlines, work in an office where re-prioritization or multiple changing events drive the day-to-day activities, support multiple staff members, committees and the public.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using various planning, plotting and mapping software packages such as Autocad, TransCAD, Rinfo, GIS, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer.
• Ability to take initiative to problem solve by researching, suggesting and implementing solutions and to work under short timelines with limited supervision.
• Ability to use basic office equipment.
• Ability to interpret and effectively communicate written and verbal information including rules, regulations, policies and procedures to Motor staff and external stakeholders while verbalizing ideas, communicating, concerns and providing critical analysis in a tactful manner.
• Ability to train others and to promote a unified work environment.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas Driver's License is required.