Transportation Planner I – Transportation Technology and Innovation Program - NCTCOG

Are you looking to join an award-winning organization with a culture built on innovation and public service?

The Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is seeking a Transportation Planner in the Transportation Technology and Innovation Program (TTIP).

TTIP began as an automated vehicles (AV) program about six years ago and has since broadened its scope to include work in a variety of related areas. One focus of this program is on utilizing connected vehicle data to improve roadway safety and operations. For example, TTIP has helped make Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) a national leader in the use of Waze incident data to improve emergency response to roadway incidents. TTIP also has launched a project to use connected vehicle technology to reduce the percentage of red light stops by freight vehicles at signalized intersections to improve roadway safety and operations and reduce emissions. TTIP is also pursuing several projects to improve broadband connectivity as a new transportation mode and as a form of travel demand management.

This position will conduct activities related to seven TTIP initiatives:

• Plan for and implement broadband access as a transportation mode, a way of connecting people to their life activities virtually, supplementing their physical travel to such activities
• Utilize connected vehicle and other transportation data sources to build tools and facilitate data-sharing collaborations that improve transportation system operations and safety
• Plan for and advance the development of micromobility and other emerging vehicle types that utilize automated and connected vehicle technology
• Coordinate activities associated with automated vehicle projects that are funded and will be delivered by NCTCOG
• Collaborate with other program areas on projects of common interest (e.g., vehicle automation on electric vehicle (EV) platforms)
• Engage with regional partners and the public to share the findings of a recently completed study on preparing the region for automated vehicles and related technologies
• Identify strategies that align transportation technology developments with transportation planning strategies that improve the safety, efficiency, affordability, and equity of the transportation system

This posting is for the Transportation Planner I position. Applicants wishing to be considered for this position should apply online at https://www.nctcog.org/Careers. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing work experience, as well as a current resume.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Developing an understanding of the applicable laws, regulations, grant opportunities and policies pertaining to TTIP’s work
• Working collaboratively within NCTCOG and with regional partners on TTIP initiatives
• Monitoring transportation technology developments
• Engaging locally, regionally, and globally in pertinent transportation technology and innovation efforts
• Assisting with the development and implementation of projects that provide improved transportation options for DFW residents and businesses
• Monitoring and providing assistance in the evaluation of transportation data platforms; providing recommendations for their use to manager
• Assisting staff with the development of regional, State, and national data standards and specifications, such as the Work Zone Data Exchange Specification
• Providing technical assistance in the implementation of transportation data platforms and other transportation technology projects
• Assisting staff and regional partners to implement open-data best practices with respect to transportation data
• Monitoring and providing assistance in the evaluation of emerging AV/EV vehicle types
• Assisting in the development and implementation of projects that involve emerging AV/EV vehicle types
• Drafting presentations for supervisor review, with the opportunity to deliver oral presentations to staff and committee members
• Producing and working with supervisor and colleagues to interpret data, charts, maps, and reports
• Drafting memorandums, letters, documentation, progress reports, articles, and annual reports
• Assisting with the maintenance of program area website

Required Skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Detail oriented, highly organized, with an ability to manage multiple assignments/tasks and work well in a deadline-driven environment without diminishing quality of work
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
• Familiarity with data analysis
• Working knowledge of data management best practices
• Basic proficiency in website management tools
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Required Education and Experience

•  
• Bachelor’s degree in analytical, quantitative methods (i.e., Urban and/or Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field)
• One year of job-related experience or less

Starting Salary Range

Minimum of $47,618.00 – $57,141.60 annually

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. Since 1974, NCTCOG has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area and is responsible for developing transportation plans and programs that address the complex needs of the rapidly growing area. The planning area for transportation includes the 12 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise.

The agency offers generous benefits, a friendly atmosphere with open communications for cooperative decision making, and challenging opportunities. The environment encourages both individual and team growth, responsibility, and innovation.

NCTCOG is recognized as a military-friendly employer and values the knowledge, experience, and skills acquired during your military service career.  All qualified veterans are invited to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.

E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.