Transportation Planner II – Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Transit Planning)

Are you looking to join an award-winning organization with a culture built on innovation and public service?

The Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking a Transportation Planner to assist with transit planning activities, supporting the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. This position will work with public and private transportation providers, local governments, communities, and other stakeholders to advance planning for high-speed rail, regional rail, and other multi-modal initiatives. Applicants wishing to be considered for this position should apply online at https://www.nctcog.org/Careers. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing relevant work experience as well as a current resume.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinating, implementing, and supporting technical activities associated with transit system planning, service design recommendations, and analysis for established transit modes, high-speed rail, and emerging technologies
• Coordinating and participating in the preparation of transit planning and development documentation, including study reports and grant applications to advance project recommendations
• Participating in major planning and project development activities such as NCTCOG’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study, regional rail and high-capacity transit corridor studies, and subarea studies
• Applying transit-related data such as performance, ridership, financial, demographic, land use, Census, travel demand model, and other factors in a planning capacity to support project advancement
• Assisting with travel demand forecasting utilizing TransCAD or equivalent modeling methods, with a focus on long-range transit modes
• Coordinating with local governments, transit agencies and public/private interest groups across the region on transit planning and funding initiatives/needs
• Applying knowledge of transportation planning, principles, and practices into work tasks for review
• Assisting with the analysis and interpretation of federal, state, and local regulations and administrative matters pertaining to public transportation planning and funding
• Assisting with technical support activities associated with Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and US Department of Transportation grant applications and federally required environmental studies, including fulfillment of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements
• Assisting with long-range transit demand and scenario planning analysis efforts
• Providing technical assistance and support within the agency and to external partners
• Drafting correspondence, technical reports, maps, charts, and other documents
• Preparing and delivering oral presentations

Required Skills

• Familiarity with quantitative methods and working knowledge of ArcGIS and travel demand forecasting preferred
• Good communication, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Good problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Detail oriented, highly-organized, with an ability to manage multiple assignments/tasks and work well in a deadline-driven environment without diminishing quality of work
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical, quantitative methods (e.g., business, economics, finance, public administration, transportation planning, urban/regional planning, or related area)
• At least one year of job-related experience

Starting Salary Range

Minimum of $54,009.00 - $64,810.80 annually

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. Since 1974, NCTCOG has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area and is responsible for developing transportation plans and programs that address the complex needs of the rapidly growing area. The planning area for transportation includes the 12 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise. NCTCOG also serves as a designated recipient for Federal Transit Administration funds.

The agency offers generous benefits, a friendly atmosphere with open communications for cooperative decision making, and challenging opportunities. The environment encourages both individual and team growth, responsibility, and innovation.

NCTCOG is recognized as a military-friendly employer and values the knowledge, experience, and skills acquired during a military service career. All qualified veterans are invited to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.

E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.