Assistant Planner - Transportation (Multiple Locations)

SupportFinity™; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Assistant Planner for on-site work in Dallas or Austin to support transportation planning and public engagement efforts for public-sector clients. You will assist with studies, policy documents, data collection, and grant applications while collaborating with engineers, environmental staff, and project managers.

The role emphasizes strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and proficiency with ArcGIS and Adobe Creative Suite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning (urban, regional, transportation, or related field) required.
• Entry-level position; internship or coursework in transportation or infrastructure planning preferred.
• Adobe InDesign and other Adobe Creative Suite programs preferred.
• Experience with ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development of transportation planning studies, policy documents, and related materials for public-sector clients.
• Support public engagement efforts, including materials prep, attending public meetings, documenting feedback, and managing inquiry logs.
• Contribute to data collection, mapping, and analysis using ArcGIS and Excel.
• Prepare written reports, presentations, and graphic materials for internal and external audiences.
• Support the development and submittal of transportation-related grant applications.
• Coordinate project meetings and prepare summaries and next-step docs.
• Maintain organized project files and share information among team, clients, and stakeholders.
• Ensure deliverables align with brand standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with policies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Teams

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Burns & McDonnell

Full-time

Austin

Unknown

Negotiable

Description

The Assistant Planner will assist in planning, policy, and public engagement efforts for primarily public-sector clients and projects in the transportation and infrastructure industries. This position supports projects across all aspects of transportation improvements, including roadway, ports/maritime, active transportation, and multimodal initiatives. The Assistant Planner will contribute to both technical and communication-focused tasks, working closely with engineers, environmental staff, communications specialists, and other project managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the development of transportation planning studies, policy documents, and related materials for public-sector clients.
• Support public engagement efforts, including preparation of materials, attending public meetings, documenting feedback, and managing public inquiry logs.
• Contribute to data collection, mapping, and analysis using ArcGIS and Excel to support transportation planning and policy development.
• Assist in the preparation of written reports, presentations, and graphic materials for internal and external audiences.
• Support the development and submittal of transportation-related grant applications.
• Participate in coordination of project meetings, preparing summaries and next-step documentation for internal teams.
• Maintain organized project files and support the exchange of planning and engagement information among project managers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Assist in ensuring consistency with company and client brand standards in all project deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all company policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning (urban, regional, transportation, or related field), communications, public policy, public relations, or marketing from an accredited program required.
• Entry-level position; prior internship or coursework in transportation or infrastructure planning preferred.
• Preferred experience in Adobe InDesign and other Adobe Creative Suite programs.
• Required experience with ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.
• Knowledge & Abilities:
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyze transportation data and policy information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Soft Skills: Curiosity, adaptability, teamwork, communication, and a proactive attitude.
• Certifications: AICP or AICP Candidate preferred but not required.
• Other Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must meet company standards to qualify for and maintain driving privileges as outlined in the Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.
• Occasional travel required for meetings or public engagement events.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States (without sponsorship).
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 strongly preferred.
• Involvement in campus or community activities preferred.Position is on-site in either the Dallas or Austin office.
• Primarily office-based with occasional travel for meetings, site visits, or engagement events.
• This position offers opportunities for professional growth into Transportation Planner, Senior Planner, and Project Manager roles as the employee gains experience and demonstrates leadership.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Urban Planning

Primary Location US-TX-Dallas

Other Locations US-TX-Austin

Schedule Full-time

Travel Yes, 20 % of the Time

Job Hire Type Experienced #TRN N/A