Multimodal Principal Planner

Full Time Position | Posted September 4, 2024

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) seeks candidates for the full-time (37.5 hours/week) position of Multimodal Principal Planner to join our multi-disciplinary transportation planning team working on a variety of exciting projects with our region.

The ideal candidate will work on various local and regional plans, studies and analysis for Bike/Ped, transit, Trails and other livability planning focus areas. Will lead efforts to partner with communities, MassDOT, Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) and stakeholders, including environmental justice populations to implement various multimodal projects and studies.

About CMRPC

CMRPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in southern Central Massachusetts. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the region. Join our team with supportive colleagues making real impacts in the communities of Central Massachusetts. CMRPC supports the complete team member as we work on meaningful, innovative, and exciting projects while respecting and supporting the individual’s wellness and a balanced and fulfilling work life.

CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified people to apply. CMRPC is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran’s status and/or ancestry. Reasonable accommodation will be provided where needed.

CMRPC’s office includes almost 60 full-time employees located in the Worcester Central Business District in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office, LEED-certified building. Free parking is provided in the attached garage. For further detail on CMRPC, please visit www.cmrpc.org.

Typical Duties

This is a research, writing, facilitation intensive position in which the Principal Planner will seek out data, create visual tools, maps, and planning documents. Additionally, this position requires the ability to compile and analyze a wide variety of data, to communicate (in writing and in-person) in public settings and to facilitate and coordinate public outreach activities. The successful applicant will be a key part of our Transportation team and will also take part in various local and regional planning efforts.

Specific duties will include:

Develop various local and regional plans, studies and analysis for people of all ages and abilities with consideration for all transportation modes.
Work on various topic areas such as transit, safety, accessibility, healthy aging, and downtown initiatives.
Lead efforts to partner with communities, MassDOT, WRTA and local organizations, including environmental justice populations to implement various active – transportation projects and studies.
Support member communities in grant writing for state and federal discretionary grant programs.
Engage and work directly with municipalities on topics related to complete streets, shared streets, traffic calming, transit amenities, placemaking and streetscape.
Create data analysis and mapping tools to identify gaps and opportunities to move the livability program forward.
Support planning analysis using transportation planning procedures, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other tools.
Work with cross-functional teams and public officials to develop solutions to specific transportation problems.

Qualifications

A master’s degree in Transportation planning, urban and regional planning, or other relevant field with at least 5 years of work experience is preferred. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be considered with at least 7 years of relevant work experience.

The successful applicant will demonstrate all or most of the following skills:

Experience in transportation planning, especially in areas of bicycle/pedestrian and transit planning required.
Technical knowledge of transportation planning analysis and study required.
Knowledge and experience in community engagement, workshop facilitation, outreach skills required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must.
Grant writing, resource development and project administration skills are desired.
Experience with MPO planning a plus.
Strong candidates will possess project management skills, organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a team environment.

This is a full-time position with an excellent state employee benefits package. Standard work week is 5 days (37.5 hours/week). Starting salary will range from $64,360.00 to $75,000.00 depending on qualifications and experience. Offers will be commensurate with relevant experience. In addition to competitive compensation, CMRPC offers a great work environment and an excellent benefits package. CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

This position is exempt under the guidelines of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. Candidate must be willing to adhere to all active and future public safety requirements (including mask and/or vaccination mandates). While many CMRPC staff are currently working remotely at least in part, all staff must be available for in-person meetings within the region as needed, and it is expected that staff be available for in-office work as is appropriate for their work assignments.

If you can bring a competitive streak, relevant skills and experience, and a strong work ethic to CMRPC in this capacity, please submit your Resume, Letter of interest, and 3 References to jobinquiry@cmrpc.org. Priority will be given to applications received on or before September 18, 2024. This position is open until canceled or filled.