Technical Transportation Planner

The Mid-Region Council of Governments seeks an analytical-minded professional to join our dynamic team at the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

The Technical Transportation Planner supports regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) planning throughout the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area (AMPA). This position also coordinates the MPO’s travel demand modeling and forecasting efforts, long range roadway system updates, freight planning, transit planning and the asset management program. The Technical Transportation Planner oversees professional services contracts and enhancements to the MPO’s technical environments. In addition, this position frequently coordinates with partner agencies and stakeholders, facilitates MPO committees, and helps ensure multimodal transportation planning activities are consistent with federal and state regulations and planning procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate regional TSMO and ITS planning and implementation with local, state, and federal agencies and transportation partners.
• Support the development and maintenance of regional ITS planning documents.
• Serve as lead staff for MPO committees such as the ITS Subcommittee, Roadway Access Control Committee and Freight Committee, as assigned.
• Support short- and long-range transportation systems planning, including functional classification, freight planning, asset management, and long-range roadway systems.
• Lead travel forecasting and applications of the regional travel demand model.
• Lead enhancements to the travel model including overseeing travel surveys and model calibration.
• Supports the Congestion Management Process (CMP) including transportation data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Utilize ESRI GIS applications for transportation analysis, mapping, and decision-making.
• Prepare technical analyses, reports, maps, presentations, and other materials for committees, partner agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
• Develop and maintain transportation data, documentation, and technical information, and perform other related planning duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban or Regional Planning or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in planning, engineering, transportation, or a closely related field.

Candidate must possess the following skills:

• Understand transportation systems management and operations and travel demand modeling and forecasting.
• Ability to analyze large and complex datasets and prepare and communicate technical information clearly to agencies, committees, stakeholders, and the public.
• Strong technical writing skills and the ability to document methods and findings.
• Excellent project management skills, setting and adhering to budgets and timelines.

Applicants will be given preference who demonstrate:

• Experience with desktop geographic information systems (GIS) such as ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS.
• Experience in Python or other coding languages
• Experience with statistical models and concepts
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations for MPO’s including 23 CFR Part 450.
• Knowledge of AMPA Regional ITS Architecture and Transportation Incident Management Plan (ATIM)
• Knowledge of FHWA’s Organizing and Planning for Operations framework.

Work is performed in an office setting. Occasional travel for meetings, agency and site visits, conferences, training, and public engagement. Regular coordination with local, state, and federal transportation agencies and regional stakeholders. The staff at MRMPO are welcoming and supportive, and value quality of life as well as a social and professional work environment. Located west of downtown, MRCOG is in an amenity-rich area, walkable to restaurants, parks, and shopping. Transportation options include bus rapid transit, bike lockers, and free on-site parking.