Transportation Planner

Boston, MA, United States

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Transportation Planner to join the Multimodal Transportation Planning and Design team. The Transportation Planner will work on multimodal transportation planning projects and, at times, lead tasks that improve accessibility, safety, multimodal connections, and economic development throughout the Boston metropolitan region. Projects may include targeted technical assistance projects, regional corridor and intersection studies, and innovative multidisciplinary efforts that cut across the agency’s focus areas: safety, equity, climate resilience, and uncertainty. Contribute to shaping the roadmap for designing a regional multimodal transportation system that meets the MPO’s vision, complies with federal requirements, and improves cross-modal integration and connectivity.

Assist with multimodal transportation planning projects and adhere to task timelines and task constraints.

Coordinate with state agencies, transit agencies, municipalities, MPO Board members, members of the public, advocates, and other stakeholders.

Participate in developing transportation plans and policies and applying tools to help answer project- and policy-related questions.

Translate data summaries and model outputs to assess implications and provide insights for project- and policy-related decisions.

Help identify transportation needs and analyze the use and effectiveness of existing transportation systems.

While the following sections describe required and desirable qualifications, candidates who believe that their particular experience and skills fulfill the requirements are encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience and skills: At least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in transportation engineering, transportation planning, urban or regional planning, or another field that would support the candidate’s ability to carry out the above responsibilities A bachelor’s degree in a similar field may substitute for three years of experience

A master’s degree in a similar field may substitute for five years of experience

Knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of the transportation planning process

Experience in multimodal transportation planning

Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency in working with diverse data sources and types, as well as analytical applications such as ESRI GIS software

Excellent verbal and written presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative information into concise, well-organized narratives and effectively communicate to a variety of audiences

Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

Knowledge of design guidelines and standards (AASHTO, NACTO, FHWA, and ITE)

Proficient with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Familiarity with and interest in sustainable transportation, emerging technologies and data sources, and equity and social justice

Knowledge of the following is desirable: Knowledge of how transportation systems interact with land use and housing

Familiarity with one or more traffic analysis programs (e.g., Synchro, VISSIM, or HCS)

Understand the processes and practices of MPOs

Proficiency with analytical applications such as RStudio

Familiarity with the Boston region and its transportation systems

Experience working with Asana and other related project management software

This is a full-time position and the starting salary range is $60,000–$70,000 annually, 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.

Additional Information

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization 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 Central Transportation Planning Staff’s 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 States and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. All employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent to the Central Transportation Planning Staff and legally employs the staff. Both organizations are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that take pride in the diversity of their workforces and encourage all qualified people to apply. MAPC participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility.

How to Apply

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 governmentjobs.com/careers/ctps or bostonmpo.org. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or a work product.

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