Title: Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Planner

Position Classification: CED Planner 

Department:  Community and Economic Development (CED)

Reports to: Transportation Program Manager and CED Director

This position is open until filled with pulling the first set of applications Wednesday February 1, 2023, if you would like to be considered in the first round of interviews please apply before that deadline.

Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications, they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience. Bilingual English/Spanish Encouraged.

ABOUT OREGON CASCADES WEST COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCWCOG)

The Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) is governed by a Board of Directors, with one locally elected official, representing each member government. OCWCOG was formed in 1970 as a voluntary association of governments. Our members include the three counties, 20 cities, the Port of Newport, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Geographically, OCWCOG spans a region from the crest of the Oregon Cascade Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean. OCWCOG helps communities collaborate to solve problems and connects member governments, businesses, and individuals with a wide array of resources.

As an Oregon intergovernmental entity, OCWCOG carries out a variety of local, State, and Federal programs. OCWCOG can provide for, or on behalf of, its member governments any service that they are authorized to provide. A few examples include helping businesses find appropriate capital, helping seniors and persons with disabilities plan for independent living, or coordinating local road improvement priorities. Most of its funding is provided by way of contracts to administer specific services. More information is available at OCWCOG’s website, www.OCWCOG.org.

Currently, OCWCOG employs a staff of about 200. Non-management employees are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). OCWCOG maintains offices within each of our counties, with the administrative staff and the majority of employees working out of the OCWCOG- owned Cascades West Center in Albany. The OCWCOG facility in Toledo is home to our Senior and Disability Services (SDS) staff that serves clients in Lincoln County. A leased space in Corvallis houses both the Benton County Veterans Services and staff that support the Corvallis Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Under the direction of the Transportation Manager, program manager, facilitates the majority of work for the Corvallis Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), including staffing Technical Advisory Committee and Policy Board meetings, leading tasks in the work plan, and ensuring regular communication with internal and external stakeholders.  Additional duties include development of annual work plan and reports, attending meetings of interest to CAMPO and collaborating among transportation staff in the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) region.

This position also supports the Albany Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) and Community and Economic Development (CED) Department of the OCWCOG.

Performs position duties in a manner that promotes the cooperative and collaborative nature of the Corvallis Area MPO. Engages in effective working relationships with member agency and staff of the Cascade West Area Commission on Transportation and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Demonstrates positive acceptance of constructive feedback and suggestions, in an effort to strengthen work performance. Contributes to a positive, respectful and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Program Management (50%)

• With support, prepares and manages the MPO’s adopted plans and policies, including the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Public Participation Plan (PPP).
• With support, prepares, manages, and monitors the CAMPO budget and UPWP, including preparation of quarterly reports. Provides at least quarterly updates to the Policy Board on progress on UPWP activities and tasks.
• Acts as liaison with local, regional, state, and federal agencies, and community groups on funding issues, transportation planning issues, project priorities, regulatory mandates and limitations, and coordination concerns.
• Coordinates with Transportation Manager and CED Director to reflect CAMPO budget as part of overall departmental budget.
• Evaluates future budgetary requirements and presents funding options to the CAMPO Policy Board with the assistance of the transportation manager.

Transportation Planning (30%)

• Prepares and assists with implementation of the RTP and other planning programs or project initiatives for the MPO, including surveys, studies, estimates, forecasts, and modeling.
• Analyzes and verifies compliance with federal, state and local mandates impacting program and project implementation and completion.
• Prepares long-range planning studies for transportation facilities.
• Participates in multi-jurisdictional planning projects and programs related to transportation and community development.
• Advocates for the interests of CAMPO and participates in the development of state policies and procedures, as appropriate.
• Prepares reports and makes presentations to the CAMPO Board, committees, member jurisdictions, special interest groups and the general public.

Other (20%)

• Maintains knowledge of federal and state requirements regarding CAMPO responsibilities.
• Develops agendas in consultation with Transportation Manager.
• Serves as a liaison with and keeps the Policy Board informed of activities of the Oregon Metropolitan Planning Organization Consortium, Area Commissions on Transportation, and other transportation-related organizations.
• Serves as a liaison with ODOT, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), and other state, federal and local agencies as relevant to MPO activities.
• May serve as spokesperson for CAMPO at the direction of the Policy Board or Transportation Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: This position is directly responsible to the Transportation Program Manager and routinely reports to the CAMPO Policy Board.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  N/A

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an office environment utilizing a personal computer, telephone and a variety of office equipment.  Position requires sitting for long periods of time and performing extensive computer work.  Significant travel to various meetings and trainings is also required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience &Training

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements

Possession of a Valid Oregon Driver’s License, or have the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the three-county area.

If you are offered employment, the offer will be contingent upon the outcome of a criminal records check, and the information will be shared with Human Resources. Any criminal history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities.  To successfully perform this job, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Starting salary is $28.32-$37.97/hourly DOQE. A step increase will be awarded upon successful completion of a probationary period (typically six months), and then annually thereafter to the top of the range. OCWCOG offers an attractive benefits package including:

Retirement – OCWCOG pays both the employer’s percentage, and employee’s six percent (6%) contribution into the Oregon Public Employees System (PERS). In addition to PERS, OCWCOG pays into Social Security. 

Insurance – For select plans, OCWCOG currently pays one hundred percent (100%) of the insurance premiums for the employee and their eligible dependents. The insurance package includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, alternative care, life, accidental death and dismemberment, as well as long-term care.

Holiday Leave – OCWCOG provides eleven and one half (11 ½) fixed holidays, plus two (2) personal days during each fiscal year.

Additional Benefits – Deferred compensation options, Long-term care Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Credit Union memberships, and options to participate in pre-tax Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.

Sick Leave – Full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave each month.

Vacation Leave – Full-time employees accrue vacation leave each month according to the following schedule:

           0-36 months              -   8 hours/month

         37-72 months              - 10 hours/month

         73-144 months            - 14 hours/month

       145 months and above   - 16 hours/month

TO APPLY
You must submit the following application materials to be considered as a viable candidate:

• A current resume that clearly describes your experience, skills, and/or knowledge related to the requirements of the position and demonstrates that you meet qualifications of the position listed above.
• A cover letter explaining how your background, experience and training qualify you for this position. Please describe your experience and training specifically as they relate to the Desired Attributes.

If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans’ preference points AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the points will be added to your score. To receive veterans’ preference points, you MUST attach to your application materials the following required documentation:

• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept of Veteran’s Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference.
• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veteran’s disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs for the ten (10) point preference.

OCWCOG provides veterans’ preference in employment to all eligible veterans.  For more information, please go to the State website:  

Veterans Information

OCWCOG is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce.  Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance.  Please call (541) 967-8720 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.