Transportation Planner

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a planner to join a forward-thinking and ambitious team of policy and planning experts committed to building a robust, equitable, sustainable, and resilient multimodal transportation system for the Boston region. This key role is responsible for developing and managing the MPO’s performance-based planning and programming work, which directly guides the MPO’s investment decision-making. Working with the MPO board and key stakeholders, the planner will develop, track, and report regional transportation performance measures and targets. The planner also will play a critical role in developing the MPO’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and five-year capital plan, the Transportation Improvement Program.

The individual in this position will serve as a key member of the team leading federally required transportation planning processes and supporting agency programs and projects. This position requires the ability to build successful relationships and effectively communicate data and findings to technical and nontechnical audiences. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage the development, evaluation, monitoring, and reporting of transportation performance measures for the Boston region.
• Collect, analyze, and manage data related to transportation performance metrics, transportation trends, and transportation projects to support decision-making.
• Propose metrics, data sources, and target-setting methods for performance-based planning and programming activities.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and implementation of the program work plan, including directing and coordinating staff, setting deadlines, monitoring progress, and managing the budget.
• Stay informed of, and satisfy, current federal and state requirements and best practices related to the program.
• Coordinate with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, regional transit agencies, municipalities, and other partner agencies to advance planning and capital programming.  
• Support the maintenance of an online performance dashboard and other digital assets to effectively communicate regional transportation performance data to internal and external stakeholders, including members of the public.
• Participate actively in the creation of MPO plans—such as the Long-Range Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program—including analyzing data, drafting text, and developing data visualizations.
  

While the following sections describe desirable qualifications, CTPS welcomes candidates who believe that their experience and skills support their ability to successfully complete the responsibilities listed above.

Required qualifications include the following:

• Education and experience:

·       At least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, civil or transportation engineering, public policy, or another relevant field

·       A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus three years of relevant professional experience

·       A master’s degree in a relevant field plus one year of relevant professional experience

• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency working with spreadsheets and databases, and applications such as ESRI’s GIS software
• Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate with varied audiences, including the MPO board, elected officials, technical staff, diverse stakeholders, and members of the public
• Strong relationship-building skills and proven ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, lead tasks, and instruct and supervise the work of others
• A professional commitment to advancing the MPO’s goals for the region as relates to transportation equity, clean air and sustainable communities, safety, system preservation and modernization, capacity management and mobility, and economic vitality
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently with strong personal initiative and on multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines

Knowledge of the following is desirable, but not required:

• Familiarity with MPO practices and federal transportation legislation
• Knowledge of the Boston region and its transportation system
• Proficiency with RStudio and using data to conduct impact analyses and analyze trends in housing, land use, demography, and local and regional markets
• Familiarity with key transportation data sources and metrics and US Census data

This is a full-time position, and the starting salary range is $70,000–$80,000 contingent upon qualifications and experience. The agency offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; a flexible, supportive work environment; and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

The Boston Region MPO is a public agency made up of a passionate group of transportation planners, analysts, modelers, programmers, and engineers working to address the Boston region’s transportation challenges. The agency’s deep transportation knowledge is an essential asset to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), regional transit authorities, cities and towns within the region, as well as other agencies and stakeholders.

The agency has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from the Boston Region MPO office, which is located in downtown Boston, in a transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly area.

Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent and legal employer of the Boston Region MPO staff. Both organizations are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that take pride in the diversity of their workforces and encourage all qualified persons to apply. MAPC participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility. MAPC and the Boston Region MPO may consider sponsorship on a case-by-case basis.

This position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 21 days. When applying for this position, please upload both a resume and cover letter via www.bostonmpo.org. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or a work product.