Transportation Planner 2 or 3*

General Description

This position is responsible for professional transportation planning work within the Regional Transportation Planning Section of the City of Madison’s Planning Division, which provides staff for the Greater Madison MPO under the policy direction of the MPO Policy Board. The work implements the MPO’s adopted vision, mission and goals as reflected in the MPO’s long-range Regional Transportation Plan and other plans and documents, such as the Public Participation Plan.  As a regional transportation agency, MPO’s work extends beyond the City of Madison limits, helping numerous communities with transportation planning. The MPO operates as an independent organization with a separate budget, comprised of federal and state planning funds. Although the City of Madison provides essential support in terms of Human Resources, Information Technology, and technical services, the MPO remains focused on regional transportation planning and development. Come join a dynamic team working to accomplish the MPO’s vision of a sustainable, equitable regional transportation system that connects people, places, and opportunities to achieve an exceptional quality of life for all!

This is senior level transportation planning work characterized by a high level of initiative, discretion, and leadership, preparing plans and special studies and annual performance measure monitoring. Under general supervision of the Transportation Planning Manager, the work requires a high degree of independence, and involves leadership in program, plan, and policy development and internal process improvements. The position also assists the MPO Director in coordinating the activities of the MPO in carrying out the federally mandated continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive metropolitan transportation planning and programming process, including administrative, outreach, and technical tasks. This includes assistance in developing the Work Program, staffing the MPO Policy Board and Technical Committee, developing and leading the public outreach and stakeholder engagement, serving as liaison to state agencies, and assuring compliance with federal planning regulations.  

Initial placement in the Planner 2 - 3 class series is determined for each employee based on their training and experience at time of hire. Starting pay is negotiable within the range and will be commensurate with the selected candidate's experience.  Progression to a Planner 3 is not expected for every employee, and is dependent upon the employee taking on additional duties and responsibilities as well as the needs and budget of the agency. 

This is senior level work characterized by accountability for complex activities in the Planning Division or MPO Work Plans necessitating initiative, judgment, and discretion. Planners at this level have ongoing responsibility for one or more planning activities, strong and proven project management capabilities for team-based projects and programs, and often serve as lead staff for City or MPO committees. Under general supervision, work requires a high degree of independence, and typically involves leadership in program, plan, and policy development and internal process improvements.