Title: Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Planner

Position Classification: CED Planner (possible under-fill as an Assistant Planner)

Department:  Community and Economic Development (CED)

Reports to: Transportation Manager

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

Possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License, or have the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the three-county area is required.

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. 

Under the direction of the Transportation Manager, performs professional transportation planning tasks for the Albany Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Region, which includes cities of Albany, Millersburg, Jefferson, and Tangent, as well as areas of Linn and Benton Counties. AAMPO is a federally mandated and federally funded transportation policy-making organization that works to develop regional plans and policies furthering the collective transportation goals of member jurisdictions. Work includes developing and updating required plans and policies, grant writing and management, meeting preparation and facilitation, internal and external communication, and program administration and budgeting.

The position also supports the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department of OCWCOG.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Performs position duties in a manner that promotes a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive planning process for the Albany Area MPO. Engages in effective working relationships with coworkers, member jurisdiction staff, Oregon Department of Transportation, and other state and federal partners. Demonstrates openness to constructive feedback and suggestions 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.

Program Management
• With direction, 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), the Title VI/Nondiscrimination Plan, and the Public Participation Plan (PPP).
• With direction, prepares, manages, and monitors the AAMPO budget and UPWP, including preparation of quarterly reports. Provides regular updates to the Policy Board on progress of UPWP activities and tasks.
• Evaluates future budgetary requirements and presents funding options to the AAMPO Policy Board with the assistance of the Transportation Manager.
• Confers with local, regional, state, and federal agencies on funding issues, transportation planning issues, project priorities, regulatory mandates and limitations, and coordination concerns.

Transportation Planning Management
• 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.
• Prepares reports and makes presentations to the AAMPO Board, Technical Advisory Committee, member jurisdictions, special interest groups, and the general public.
• Manages amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and allocation and obligation of Surface Transportation Block Grant funding.

Other
• Maintains knowledge of federal and state requirements regarding MPO 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

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 is required to attend various meetings and trainings.

 SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position is directly responsible to the Transportation Manager and routinely reports to the AAMPO Policy Board and Technical Advisory Committee.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  N/A

This recruitment has an underfill option.  We encourage candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the underfill option to apply as we may consider filling the position at the lower level until the selected candidate meets the minimum qualifications for the CED Planner level.  Please note that starting salary for entry level position may be lower ($26.24 - $35.17/hr).  To receive credit, your application materials must clearly demonstrate that you have:

CED Planner ($26.24-$35.17/hr

Experience & Training

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public policy, public transportation, transportation planning, active transportation, or a related field; Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Three years of work experience in urban planning, public policy, public transportation, transportation planning, active transportation, or a related field.  Experience must include communication with the public in a customer service, public education and/or involvement capacity and knowledge of the design of public education programs.

One year transportation planning experience with an MPO agency is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical/professional:

• Knowledge of transportation and land use planning principles and practice; ability to conduct transportation planning activities and studies. 

• Knowledge of MPO regulations and Oregon state transportation regulations and associated land use planning and regulation is desired.

• Skilled use of word processing, spreadsheet, and project management software.

• Ability to effectively represent the MPO in local, state, and federal settings.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and to make effective presentations orally to groups of all sizes.

• Ability to seek, build, and maintain critical partner relationships.

• Ability to assist with development and management of budgets involving multiple funding sources.

Under-fill Option:

Assistant Planner ($21.43 - $28.72/hr)

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.

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.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Starting salary is $26.24-35.17/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 ten and one half (10 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