Planning Lead - WSP USA

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Planning Lead for our Boston, MA /New England offices.  The following locations will also be considered: Merrimack, NH, Glastonbury, CT, Shelton, CT, Worcester, MA and Providence, RI. Be involved in projects with our New England Advisory & Planning Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. 

The primary need is in the New England market, and leading Bus Priority projects, enhancing client contacts and growing business in Boston and New England will be the main focus for the successful candidate. The successful candidate may also support business development and project delivery in other Northeast offices/market.  

WSP employees actively champion Inclusion & Diversity programs and initiatives throughout the country at the national, regional, and local levels. Here in the Northeast region, we act on the company’s inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging principles through a variety of committees that partner with professional organizations, lead STEM outreach in our communities, facilitate regular learning opportunities through Lunch & Learn discussions and weekly “Inclusion & Diversity Moments,” and promote Inclusion & Diversity throughout the office through a variety of initiatives designed to reduce bias and raise awareness. Upper management supports these initiatives and all employees are invited to join their local councils or apply to become an “Inclusion & Diversity Ambassador,” which brainstorm and implement the various initiatives and programs.  

Your Impact

• Grow and diversify  project portfolio – the successful candidate will bring a clear vision and plan to grow the portfolio of projects, while also expanding into new areas. 
• Identification of opportunities and a prioritized and specific approach to deliver them:
  • Grow and maintain a large professional network through professional organizations and the attendance of client commission and committee meetings
  • Network and grow relationships at both a technical and policy level, considering both perspectives on behalf of our clients
  • Identify and pursue project opportunities 
  • Identify and include junior staff in meaningful roles in client meetings and business development 
  • Identify and encourage opportunities for junior staff to grow in project management, strategic and business planning, and business development 
• Responsible for the financial health of the planning practice in the New England area. 
• Lead project teams and manage projects:
  • Manage project scope, schedule and budget of assignments provided by clients
  • Prepare and assure the quality of reports, publications, maps, presentations, memos, letters, and other project materials
  • Analyze data and model results for their impact on public policy, project alternatives, and suitability
  • Deliver major Transit projects in the region
  • Maintain familiarity with and conduct project activities in compliance with appropriate federal, state, and local regulations
  • Lead public meetings and project events
  • Manage client relations and serve as primary contact between clients and WSP, for project assignments and planning services
• Participate in local American Planning Association and WTS organizations and activities
• Maintain ongoing familiarity with trends and emerging issues related to transportation, land use, economic development, and demographic shifts
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide “trusted advisor” service and future ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Planning/Engineering, Environmental Planning, Urban Planning,or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
• 12+ years of experience in the transportation planning/engineering field; advanced degrees may substitute for one or more year of experience  
• Knowledge of planning principles and practices 
• Experience in transit planning studies, conceptual design, transit corridor analyses
• Knowledge of principles and practice of research and data collection
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Excellent analytical, written, oral, and visual communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and critically about planning issues
• Proven track record of successfully managing a pipeline of work for staff
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of how to leverage existing skillsets and an ability to incorporate existing staff into the pursuit of new projects
• Project management expertise
• Ability to demonstrate a consistent track record of delivering work on-time, on-budget, and can show repeat business with a client – ideally in increasing amounts and/or responsibility
• Strong understanding of relevant transportation planning issues, including transit planning, resiliciency, multimodal planning, transit-oriented development, Vision Zero, and Complete Streets 
• Ability to establish partnerships with internal and external project management, client representatives, government agencies, and other organizations.
• Experience preparing planning studies and technical reports for a variety of transportation and transit agencies
• Good organizational skills, multi-tasking capabilities, and attention to detail
• Ability to work well independently and in a group setting
• Experience working with MassDOT, MBTA, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), regional planning organizations and other local and regional private entities and public sector agencies
• Member and active participant in industry organizations such as WTS, ULI, or APA
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening. 
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Strong ability to quickly adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications 

• M.A., M.S., or other advanced degree
• Currently an Officer or Chair in Professional Organization
• Completion of Leadership or Advanced Management Training
• Familiarity with the other New England DOTs, MPOs RPOs, etc
• Proven business development track record 
• Professional licensures and accreditations, such as: AICP, P.E., etc.

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