Description

Are you looking to join an award-winning organization with a culture built on innovation and public service? The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States.

The Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking a Transportation Planner to assist with transit planning activities, which support the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). This position will work with public and private transportation providers, local governments, communities, and other stakeholders to advance planning for high-speed rail, regional rail, and other multi-modal initiatives. 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 relevant work experience, as well as a current resume.

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

• Assisting with the coordination, implementation, and support of technical activities associated with transit system planning, service design recommendations, and analysis for established transit modes, high-speed rail, and emerging technologies
• Assisting with the coordination and participating in the preparation of transit planning and development documentation, including study reports and grant applications to advance project recommendations
• Assisting with major planning and project development activities such as NCTCOG’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, high-speed rail planning projects, regional rail and high-capacity transit corridor studies, and subarea studies
• Assisting with applying transit-related data such as performance, ridership, financial, demographic, land use, Census, travel demand model, and other factors in a planning capacity to support project advancement
• Supporting travel demand forecasting utilizing TransCAD or equivalent modeling methods, with a focus on long-range transit modes
• Coordinating with local governments, transit agencies and public/private interests across the region on transit planning and funding initiatives/needs
• Applying knowledge of transportation planning, principles, and practices into work tasks for review
• Reviewing and assisting with the analyzation and interpretation of federal, state, and local regulations and administrative matters pertaining to public transportation planning and funding 
• Assisting with technical support activities associated with Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and US Department of Transportation grant applications and federally required environmental studies, including fulfillment of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements
• Assisting with long-range transit demand and scenario planning analysis and activities
• Providing technical assistance and support within the agency and to external partners   
• Drafting correspondence, technical reports, maps, charts, and other documents 
• Preparing and delivering oral presentations

Required Skills

• Knowledge of short-term and long-range transportation planning
• Familiarity with quantitative methods and travel demand forecasting, and working knowledge of ArcGIS preferred
• Good communication, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Good problem-solving and critical-thinking 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
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical, quantitative methods (Business, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, Transportation Planning, Urban/Regional Planning, or related field preferred)
• At least one year of work-related experience

Starting Salary Range

Minimum of $55,601.96 - $66,722.35 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. NCTCOG also serves as a designated recipient for Federal Transit Administration funds.

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 a 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.

Statement Concerning Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security:

              NCTCOG participates in a defined contribution plan as an alternative to Social Security. NCTCOG offers mandatory and elective retirement plans that have been developed specifically for public-sector retirement plan participants.

              Be advised if you are hired by NCTCOG, your earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security (i.e., you will not pay Social Security taxes).  This means that you will not earn credits for Social Security retirement or disability benefits in this job. If you retire or become disabled, and you are eligible for a Social Security benefit based on other work, your earnings from        this job will not be used to compute your Social Security benefit. Your earnings from this job are subject to Medicare taxes and will count for purposes of the Medicare program. For more information on how you may qualify for Social Security benefits, visit www.ssa.gov.

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