Associate Transportation Planner

Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates is seeking a motivated, inquisitive, and organized transportation planner for its Portland office to support the firm’s nationally recognized work in planning for more equitable and livable communities. A strong interest in and some understanding of transportation planning or policy is a must.

About Us

For over 35 years, Nelson\Nygaard has led the transportation planning field with our values and innovation. We’ve always been guided by the principle of putting people first—designing transportation systems for people, not just cars. This principle also extends to how we operate as a firm. We were founded by two women who believed in the benefits of a more egalitarian workplace, where leadership and creativity can blossom at all levels and where diversity is a core strength. Today, we are 150 talented and dedicated people in thirteen offices across the country who continue to live by those values. What unites us at Nelson\Nygaard is the belief that transportation can change the world and our steadfast commitment to make the world more just, more sustainable, more connected, and more beautiful.

About You

You’re passionate about how sustainable transportation can make the world a better place and delivering plans that seek to eliminate roadway-related deaths, reduce our carbon footprint, and heal the harms transportation infrastructure has caused in our communities.

• You are interested in working with our diverse clients and communities across the U.S. and Canada to create more equitable, livable, and sustainable mobility systems.
• You understand the connection between transportation and equity and are committed to incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into your work.
• You’re resourceful, inquisitive, communicative, and enthusiastic. You don’t just find problems, you suggest solutions. You take initiative.
• You actively seek new opportunities to deepen your skills and explore new analysis techniques.
• You bring energy and a commitment to your teams and clients to do great work, together.
• You use data and analysis to tell a story.
• You’re a clear writer. You get to the point.
• You have a keen eye for design and are able to turn content into compelling graphics and visual stories that make sense to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

Our associate transportation planners focus on planning for municipalities, agencies, universities, and private clients. Depending on your skills and our project needs, responsibilities include research, data collection and analysis, mapping, visual communications, writing and editing technical and public-facing reports, developing presentations and outreach materials, conducting public engagement activities, and supporting limited business development tasks. You will work both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must have one of the following prerequisites:

• A master’s degree in planning or an equivalent degree with a specialization in transportation planning and 0-5 years of relevant experience, OR
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1-6 years of experience in transportation planning; other relevant degrees and concentrations include, but are not limited to, civil/traffic engineering, transportation operations, urban/city/regional planning, public health, urban design, geography, and landscape architecture

The ideal candidate will demonstrate skills in at least three of the following areas:

• Excellent skills in writing and storytelling, oral presentation, data analysis, and/or problem solving
• Experience incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into academic and/or professional work
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Expertise with mapping platforms (ArcGIS)
• Ability to produce high-quality graphics using Illustrator, InDesign, Photshop, or SketchUp.
• Background in street design. Knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D is a plus.
• Data analysis skills. Knowledge of R is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and communicate effectively with project managers, colleagues, and project partners
• Proficiency in Spanish or other foreign languages

Strong candidates will have a passion for advancing equity through community-based efforts, including engagement with BIPOC communities, and will demonstrate an ability to work effectively with diverse communities.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary range equivalent for this position depends on qualifications and years of experience.

• Associate Planner I: $61,880 - $80,080
• Associate Planner II: $72,072 – $88,088
• Associate Planner III: $79,560 - $97,240

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax transit and bicycling benefits; a 401k program; life insurance; and paid time off. Additionally, we offer opportunities for in-person and in-office collaboration as well as flexibility for work from home for part of the week.

Applying for the Position

To apply, please click on the 'Apply Online' link. Qualified and interested candidates must submit the following items:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Work samples that highlight your skills. There is a 6MB limit for work samples. If they exceed 6 MB, please provide a link (e.g., via Dropbox or a similar service).

At Nelson\Nygaard we believe that inclusion spurs creativity, and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people and ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status, we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities. We’re committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to hear from anyone who is passionate about our work.