Regional Transit Planner I or II – Northern Middlesex COG

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Title:  Regional Transit Planner I or II
Category:  Full Time Professional (Exempt)
Supervisor:  The Regional Transit Planner I or II works under the general direction of the Executive Director and the supervision of the Transportation Director
Salary Range: $55,000-$85,000 depending on qualifications and experience

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions: Employee will have primary responsibility for carrying out transit planning duties as outlined in the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Unified Planning Work Program and through a contract with the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA).

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical support as staff to the MPO
  • Provide technical assistance to the LRTA in capital planning activities, data collection for grant applications, and federal and state reporting requirements
  • Assist with development of the MPO’s federally required certification documents Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Long Range Transportation Plan (RTP)
  • Responsible for transit planning activities including but not limited to:
    1. Conducting route and fare structure analysis to ensure the public transit system serves the region’s population;
    2. Preparation of ridership samples for National Transit Database passenger reporting;
    3. Review of the LRTA’s Transit Asset Management Plan and Public Transit agency Safety Plan, and presenting to the MPO for approval, and maintaining LRTA bus stop and route data;
    4. Development of the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan for the MPO;
    5. Development of the MPO’s Annual Title VI Plan;
    6. Compliance with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise FTA Requirements including plan preparation, data collection and reporting;
    7. Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements including review of Paratransit ADA applications; and
    8. Assembling and analyzing LRTA Fixed Route and Paratransit monthly ridership, revenue and safety reports, and develop quarterly and annual monitoring reports.
  • Participate in transportation-related technical committees, advisory committees, working groups and task forces, as appropriate
  • Respond to inquiries from the public, local communities, and state and federal agencies regarding NMCOG’s transportation planning projects
  • Collaborate with other NMCOG staff on projects in housing, economic development, land use planning/ zoning, environmental planning when needed
  • Maintain and develop relationships with the LRTA, member communities, Councils on Aging, human service agencies, advocacy groups, consultants, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required Skills

  • Well-developed knowledge of transit planning principles and practices
  • Knowledge of transportation programs, policies, and funding sources
  • Familiarity with the MPO and transportation planning processes
  • Familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis software programs and applications
  • Strong technical skills in the areas of transportation planning, including systems and performance management
  • Strong technical, writing, and oral communication and public presentation skills
  • Knowledge of statistical and data analytics
  • Knowledge of computer programs and applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, econometric modeling, and database management
  • Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
  • Ability to work effectively with community groups and government officials, especially local elected and appointed officials
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
  • Group facilitation skills for use at community meetings and workshops

Education and Experience

Candidates must have either a Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, public policy/management, or a closely related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in one of the above listed fields plus at least 2 years of relevant experience. A Master’s degree and/or significant additional experience is required for the Planner II position. Ideal candidates will have three to five years of professional experience in planning or engineering, with regional planning or MPO-related experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment

  • A valid driver’s license is required
  • AICP certification preferred but not required

The position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Jennifer Raitt, jraitt@nmcog.org. Candidates selected to interview may be asked to submit a sample of relevant writing or work product. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the US and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. NMCOG participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States.

NMCOG offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment. NMCOG is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.