Transportation Planner

The Transportation Planner performs professional planning, administrative, and technical work in support of the Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and regional transportation initiatives. This employee updates long range transportation plans and assisting with the administration and oversight of the region’s Locally Administered Projects Program (LAPP), including coordination, compliance monitoring, project tracking, and technical assistance to member governments; and supports transportation planning activities related to transit, roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, and multimodal projects.

Locally Administered Projects (LAPP) Coordination

• Assist in administering the Locally Administered Projects Program (LAPP) for roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit projects.
• Coordinate between project sponsors, MPO staff, NCDOT, and USDOT.
• Guide local governments through project development, procurement, design, right-of-way, and construction phases.
• Assist with preparation and review of contracts, special provisions, and bid documentation.
• Review quantities, reimbursement requests, and financial documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor projects to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Maintain and update the LAPP handbook and guidance materials.
• Develop and maintain a project tracking system, including funding status and reporting milestones.
• Host annual calls for projects and supplemental funding applications.
• Oversee the application review and selection process.
• Provide periodic reports to TCC/TAC regarding program and project performance.
• Coordinate and assist with Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments related to LAPP projects.
• Assist with EBS portal coordination and reporting requirements.
• Host trainings for member governments regarding LAPP implementation and compliance.
  

• Prepare and update short- and long-range transportation plans and studies.
• Conduct transportation-related analyses and prepare reports, maps, and data summaries.
• Utilize GIS and data management tools to support regional planning initiatives.
• Present planning information to elected officials, boards, committees, and the public.
• Analyze ordinances, policies, and regulations and develop recommendations.
• Support transit planning activities and coordination with regional transit providers.
• Participate in regional coordination meetings and project development discussions.

• Additional job duties may be required as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state transportation regulations.
• Experience with procurement processes and consultant coordination.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop practical solutions.
• Experience tracking compliance and reporting requirements for federally funded projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple jurisdictions and agencies.

• A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban studies, geography, public administration, political science, or related field.
• Preferably experience in municipal, county, or regional transportation planning and GIS exereicence (ArcGIS Pro). 
• Preferably strong experience with Locally Administered Projects.
• Preferable experience with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) or Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted.

Work is performed in both office and field environments.

Thank you for your interest in the Western Piedmont COG! We are in the process of reviewing all applications, and if we need any additional information, we will contact you.