Transportation Planner

Northern Middlesex Council of Governments; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional planning agency in Massachusetts is seeking a motivated planner to assist with transportation projects. The role involves supporting transportation planning, analyzing travel data, and preparing various reports. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong analytical and communication skills. Familiarity with GIS is preferred, and there is an opportunity to work on diverse projects with multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, transportation, engineering, public policy, geography, or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while working with technical information.

Responsibilities

• Serve as staff support to the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization.
• Assist with transportation planning, programming, and compliance activities funded by MassDOT.
• Analyze data related to travel, safety, equity, and emissions for transportation projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Transportation planning knowledge

Collaborative mindset

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

What You’ll Do

Serve as staff support to the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization (NMMPO). Assist with transportation planning, programming, and compliance activities funded by MassDOT and other local, state, and federal partners. Support development of transportation plans, studies, and analyses, including safety, active transportation, transit, and roadway projects. Analyze data related to travel, safety, equity, emissions, and system performance. Prepare reports, technical memoranda, presentations, and public‑facing materials. Coordinate with municipal staff, MassDOT, LRTA, consultants, and other regional partners. Support public engagement and committee processes, including meeting preparation and facilitation. Track project schedules, funding sources, and implementation status. Attend meetings during the day and occasionally evenings.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a motivated, adaptable planner who is curious, collaborative, and comfortable juggling multiple projects. We welcome candidates at different experience levels and will consider placement at Planner I or II based on qualifications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, transportation, engineering, public policy, geography, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge of transportation planning principles, policies, and practices.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Comfort working with data and technical information.

Preferred (but not required):

• Experience working with MPOs, MassDOT, or transportation agencies.
• Familiarity with GIS and transportation datasets.
• Experience supporting public or stakeholder engagement processes.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license or ability to arrange transportation within the region.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.