Transit Planner

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for position of Transit Planner. MAPC is the regional planning agency for Metro Boston, covering 101 cities and towns and roughly half the state’s population. We actively encourage smart growth and regional cooperation through effective planning, technical assistance, research, and advocacy. Our work is guided by our comprehensive regional plan, “MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region” (see www.metrofuture.org).

Job responsibilities include:

• Working with municipal officials, transportation agencies, community development corporations, advocacy groups, and the public to design sustainable transportation plans and transit oriented developments;
• Providing recommendations on how to make public transit work successfully in urban and suburban settings;
• Representing MAPC in working groups, community forums, and advisory committees.
• Creating materials that will help municipal staff to implement sustainable transportation strategies;
• Coordinating and participating in transportation planning projects, corridor studies, and land use analyses;
• Researching best practices in the transit field, and applying those lessons to the Metro Boston region;
• Scheduling and coordinating meetings and events;
• Representing MAPC at national meetings in the transit field.

Assignments may include:

• Conducting research;
• Preparing reports;
• Making public presentations;
• Facilitating public discussions;
• Preventing or resolving disputes;
• Designing public policies, programs, guidelines, or regulations;
• Advocating for public policies and actions.

Candidate should have expertise in the following areas:

• experience in transportation planning with a focus on public transit;
• experience with transportation and land use issues;

In addition, the candidate should possess all of the following:

• strong research, writing, and communication skills;
• strong public process and facilitation skills, flexibility and collaboration skills;
• strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with community groups and government officials;
• ability to work effectively with colleagues from various disciplines in a team approach to planning and project completion;
• knowledge of state and federal transportation issues and programs;

Successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s or higher-level degree in urban/regional planning, environmental planning, engineering, public policy, urban design/architecture or closely related field, supplemented by at least 3 years relevant job experience. Master’s degree, AICP certification and additional job experience preferred. Additional responsibilities will include meetings with local elected officials and boards, often requiring local travel and evening meetings; a valid driver’s license is required.

This position is dependent upon a continuation of federal funding.

Salary range $49,478 to $69,269, depending on qualifications and experience. MAPC generally does not hire above the mid-range of salary classification. Excellent state employee benefit package. Position open until filled. Review of applications begins March 29, 2010. Applicant must have legal (visa) status to work in USA. Reply immediately to: THauenstein@mapc.org. MAPC is an EOE/AA employer. Posted: March 12, 2010.