SENIOR PLANNING - TRANSPORTATION

City of Gastonia; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Gastonia is seeking a dedicated and innovative Senior Planner for Transportation to lead our efforts in developing and implementing transportation plans. This role involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders, enhancing mobility solutions, and contributing to sustainable growth of the city.

The position supports the Transportation Planning Division as staff to the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO, coordinating with local government, NCDOT, and public officials.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban, regional, transportation planning, civil engineering, public administration or related field.
• 1-5 years of experience in professional planning or a Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in professional planning.
• AICP and/or PE certification is beneficial, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
• Collaborate with local governments and NCDOT for project prioritization.
• Advise stakeholders on planning concepts, regulations, and requirements for transportation plans.
• Assist local governments in implementing locally administered projects.
• Review planning proposals for conformity with regulations and plans.
• Prepare reports for governing boards and committees within the MPO planning area.
• Advise citizens on matters relating to transportation planning.
• Prepare notices for public meetings and other planning efforts.
• Develop elements relating to social, economic, physical, transportation, transit, and facility planning, including research, analysis, design, and graphics.

Education

Master’s degree in urban, regional, transportation planning, civil engineering, public administration or related field

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in professional planning

AICP and/or PE certification is beneficial

Job description

The City of Gastonia is seeking a dedicated and innovative Senior Planner for Transportation to lead our efforts in developing and implementing comprehensive transportation plans. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, enhance mobility solutions, and contribute to the sustainable growth of our city.

This position performs complex professional and administrative work in the City of Gastonia’s Transportation Planning Division as staff to the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (GCLMPO) involving programmatic and project management level urban and regional planning, comprehensive and small area planning, land use planning and development regulation, transportation and transit planning, and graphic and design planning. Work is conducted under the moderate supervision of the Principal Transportation Planner/ GCLMPO Administrator or the Director of Transportation. The position also requires coordination with professional, technical, and clerical personnel within the organization and all GCLMP unit members of local government.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Perform independent work in the development and analyses of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - 15%
• Work with member local governments and NCDOT to develop and submit projects for NCDOT’s prioritization process - 10%
• Advise the private sector, local government staff, and public officials on planning matters and assist them with the development and interpretation of planning concepts, transportation regulations, laws, and requirements for the development of a transportation plan - 15%
• Assist member local governments in the implementation of locally administered projects - 5%
• Review planning proposals for conformity with applicable regulations and transportation plans - 10%
• Prepare reports and other materials for governing boards and other committees of the GCLMPO and member local governments in the MPO planning area - 10%
• Advise citizens on matters relating to transportation planning - 15%
• Prepare notices and announcements for a variety of public meetings and other planning efforts - 5%
• Prepare elements relating to a wide variety of social, economic, physical, transportation, transit, and facility planning, including research, analysis, design, and graphics - 15%

• Thorough understanding of the philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques of City planning as they pertain to the development and implementation of strategies to improve urban and regional transportation systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches, and complex graphics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of research methodology and standard statistical procedures.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, supervise, and carry out complex programs and projects effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public.
• Experience in public engagement, including facilitating meetings and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in urban, regional, transportation planning, civil engineering, public administration or related field
• 1-5 years of experience in professional planning
• or a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in professional planning
• AICP and/or PE certification is beneficial, but not required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid North Carolina driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

The City of Gastonia is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and supportive workplace. We welcome qualified applicants who are interested in serving our community. Final candidates may be required to participate in reference checks, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon completion and satisfactory review of criminal background check and drug screening, consistent with City policy and applicable law.