Regional Transportation Planner

ABOUT GPCOG

As the regional council for Maine’s Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes areas, GPCOG is an association of cities and towns serving rural, suburban, and urban areas. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region. We do this through a variety of programs, services, projects and initiatives – all with the goal of improving the lives of our community members and making our region the best in the country.

GPCOG is an equal opportunity employer and embraces all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and welcomes all applicants for employment and employees regardless of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical conditions, age, disability or other handicap, genetic information, marital/familial status, veteran status, military status, or income or status with regard to public assistance.

GPCOG recognizes the value of a healthy work/life balance for our team members and as such, we provide a variety of benefits to promote that balance. GPCOG encourages opportunities for career advancement through tuition assistance and professional development opportunities, leadership programs, and participation in local and national organizations. GPCOG also offers flexible schedules and remote work options as well as paid time off and holidays. GPCOG employees also may be eligible for health, vision and dental insurance, employer paid short-term disability coverage, participation in a Defined Contribution retirement plan and Deferred Compensation Plans that employees can opt into for additional retirement funding.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Regional Transportation Planner is a position in the GPCOG Transportation Department that supports our agency’s role as the area’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO). We pride ourselves in managing an excellent transportation planning process in collaboration with our municipalities, transit agencies, and the Maine Department of Transportation. The Regional Transportation Planner interacts with internal staff, external stakeholders, clients, consultants, vendors, elected and appointed officials, and local residents in support of the agency’s mission.

What you’ll do

• Manage a variety of transportation plans and studies, overseeing budgets, collaborating with team members and external partners, communicating with multiple stakeholders, and regularly reporting on progress. Manage consultant work as needed.
• Assist with the development of the two-year Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
• Work with team members on annual processes to identify, evaluate, and recommend projects for funding.
• Research best practices and emerging trends, technologies; identify potential funding opportunities; make related recommendations for implementation.
• Participate in committee and board meetings, including preparation and presentation of staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Prepare maps, charts, and data visualizations; present findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Participate in various interagency, local, regional, and state meetings and activities.
• Support the overall operation and administration of GPCOG’s transportation work with consideration for regional goals and priorities.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (including Civil Rights and Title VI) and alignment with the four-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Assist, as needed, with other agency activities such as regional transit, clean transportation, housing, and land use planning.

What you bring

• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in regional planning, transportation planning, public transit, transportation engineering, public policy, program/project administration, or another field that would support your ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to understand challenges, think strategically, and identify/implement solutions.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, including the MPO board, elected officials, external stakeholders, technical staff, and the public.
• Strong organizational, program/project management, and analytical skills (both qualitative and quantitative).
• Proficiency in document and PowerPoint presentation design.
• Proficiency in working with spreadsheets and databases.
• Attention to detail and in applying quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities.
• A professional commitment to working towards the metropolitan planning organization’s goals for the region.
• At least four (4) years’ experience in a professional setting or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

What to know

• Driving or access to reliable transportation is needed as occasional travel and extended hours are required including occasional nights and weekends for events and conferences.
• GPCOG offers competitive benefits, a fun, family-friendly, and creative work environment, and an annual salary in the low sixties to mid-seventies for the right well-qualified candidate.
• GPCOG offers a flexible hybrid work model, allowing remote work while retaining its offices in Portland; however, in-person meetings and events will be required of this position and is not fully remote.
• Work hours are generally flexible, up to 40 hours per week, with some adjustments possible based on your needs and contributions.
• People of color, people with disabilities, members of traditionally underrepresented groups, and veterans are welcome and encouraged to apply.

What to do now

• Go to https://tinyurl.com/3wvwnjws to provide your contact information, then:
• Upload your cover letter telling us why you want to join GPCOG’s team as a Regional Transportation Planner.
• Upload your résumé, highlighting your education, relevant experience, and skills, and
• Submit all of these no later than April 16, 2025.
• All applications must be submitted using this application portal to be considered.

More to know

Visit us at www.gpcog.org