Transportation Planner

Job Summary/Scope
Responsible for the daily administration of the metropolitan planning organization (MPO), departmental modal studies and support and related federal/state mandated urban area planning activities as assigned. No supervisory responsibilities. Budgetary responsibilities for the MPO program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develops and manages the annual Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
Develops and manages the annual update of the Transportation Improvement Program, along with required amendments thereto.
Develops and monitors the Long Range Transportation Plan, coordinating with consultants and other entities in the update of this document as assigned.
Provide support for local governments represented by the metropolitan planning organization, ranging from bicycle and pedestrian planning to general transportation planning.
Administers the metropolitan planning program for the urban area, coordinating and organizing monthly meetings of both the Technical and Coordinating Committees, including agenda development and general communication.
Organizes the transportation modeling program for the MPO and City.
Assists coordination efforts with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDot) programs and grant procurement activities with the City.
Conduct environmental planning programs required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), relative to federally funded capital improvement programs in the City.
Assists the Asst. Director in acting as a liaison with MO DOT, FTA, FHWA, FRA and FAA concerning federal/state agency requirements.
Compiles and makes available census data for staff and public use, including demographic profiling, projections, and general analysis dealing with environmental justice, disadvantage enterprise, Title VI and related analysis.
Supports and provides and conducts studies regarding all facets of transit planning.
Submits various financial reports required by federal/state agencies.
Assists Asst. Director with projects as assigned by the Department and MPO.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Presents information to various groups using Power Point and other illustrative software and media tools.

Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Experience in a planning agency, preferably a municipal environment.
A working knowledge of transportation planning and its component parts.
Familiarity with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Missouri Department of Transportation assistance programs, including procurement, reporting, and procedural policies.
Strong analytical and communication skills, both written and oral.
Ability to participate and lead discussions with various boards, commissions as well as complimentary organizations outside the City.
Must have strong writing skills and proven experience in public speaking.
Valid driver’s license required.

Material and Equipment Directly Used
Operates a personal computer, printer and various software packages, and other general office materials and equipment such as a copier and fax. Computer and various other office equipment. Familiarity with TransCAD transportation modeling and ESRI geographic information systems software desired. There may be times when use of personal vehicle may be required.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Majority of work is performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. Seldom needs to lift more than 10-20 pounds. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.

Education
Bachelor's Degree in the field of transportation planning (urban planning, political science, planning or related degree) or engineering.

Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.