Transportation Planner

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Relocation assistance

Overtime/Comp time

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in Helena is recruiting for a Transportation Planner to join the Statewide Planning team. You will help ensure a well-planned transportation system that supports mobility, safety, and economic vitality for Montana's communities through early and continued collaboration with local governments, MPOs, and the public.

The role analyzes transportation data to support investment decisions guided by safety, system preservation, economic vitality, and mobility

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field; 1 year of related work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field; 1 year of directly related experience (Planner 4) or more.
• Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist in long-range transportation planning and provide technical coordination.
• Coordinate with local officials and stakeholders on planning processes and prepare reports for the Legislature and agency leadership.
• Analyze transportation data to support investment decisions aligned with safety, mobility and economic vitality.

Skills

Collaborative relationships

Policy understanding

Creative problem solving

Education

Associate degree in Economics/Planning/Business Admin

Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Planning/Business Admin

Job description

Job Description - Transportation Planner (26141993)

Position Title:

Transportation Planner - ( 26141993 )

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Transportation Planner to join the Statewide Planning team and help ensure a well-planned transportation system that supports the mobility, safety, and economic vitality of Montana's communities. Our Transportation Planners partner with local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and the public to align statewide goals with local needs while addressing Montana's rapid growth and change through early and continued collaboration. Responsible for providing technical assistance and coordination to communities across Montana on long-range transportation plans. Will analyze transportation data to support investment decisions guided by our priority goals of safety, system preservation, economic vitality, and mobility. Coordinate with local officials and stakeholders on planning processes, prepare reports and recommendations for the Legislature and agency leadership, and manage planning programs that determine cost-effective ways to address transportation needs. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities. Reports to the Statewide Planning Section Supervisor and does not supervise others.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available

Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families

State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)

Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek

Benefits apply on first day of employment

Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

Required Education and Experience:

Planner 2 - $31.24

Associate Degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 1 year of related work experience.

Other combinations of related experience and education may be considered. Such as 3 years of related experience.

Planner 3 - $33.86

Associate Degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 2 years of related work experience.

Other combinations of related experience and education may be considered. Such as 4 years of related experience.

Planner 4 - $35.72

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 1 year of directly related experience.

Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Such as 5 years of directly related experience.

Planner 5 - $38.79

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field, and 2 years of directly related work experience.

Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Such as 6 years of directly related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to establish productive, collaborative working relationships with co-workers, management, and customers.

Understand and adhere to policies, procedures, rules, and laws related to transportation plans.

Creative and forward-thinking problem solver.

Other Information

Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable

Salary

32.24 - 39.79 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Primary Location

Helena

Agency: Department of Transportation

Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Employee Status : Regular

Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type : Standard

Shift : Day Job

Travel : Yes, 15% of the Time

Posting Date: Oct 16, 2026, 7:28:14 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Nov 2, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Alycia Gereg | Contact Email: [e-mail] | Contact Phone: [phone] | Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.