Associate Transportation Planner in Washington, District of Columbia at Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is seeking an Associate Transportation Planner to support the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) in the Plan Development and Coordination Team. The TPB is the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization and prepares plans and programs to enable federal transportation funding to flow into the region, provides data to decisionmakers, and serves as a forum for coordination. It is staffed by the Department of Transportation Planning at the COG.

The Associate Transportation Planner will support the development and maintenance of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program. Fundamental to this role is working with external colleagues/members to maintain accurate transportation project data in the TPB’s Project InfoTrak database (powered by EcoInteractive), writing memos, and contributing to the content of both these documents. Key skills will include writing and spreadsheet skills, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn and contribute to key regional transportation products.

In this role, you will focus on ensuring the efficient implementation of TPB’s regular work activities, including monthly meetings and the board’s annual schedule of key milestones. The Associate Transportation Planner supports regional coordination and the development of plans, studies, analyses, and reports in support of TPB priorities. In addition, the Associate Transportation Planner will also monitor laws, regulations, and policies that affect the TPB at the federal, state, and local levels, and help ensure compliance with those requirements. The Associate Transportation Planner will provide support to TPB’s special projects, including research on best practices, public outreach activities, and other activities as directed.

This position receives considerable immediate supervision from senior planners and focuses on executing tasks, receiving high guidance, and learning core competencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the development, analysis, and implementation of transportation plans and projects.
• May compile and interpret data related to travel patterns, transportation system characteristics and usage, and infrastructure needs to assist in creating efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions.
• Works closely with senior staff to prepare reports, maps, and presentations.
• Assists in supporting monthly meetings for technical committees and project meetings including development of meeting materials and writing minutes and other documentation of committee actions.
• Supports tasks under UPWP Task 1 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and UPWP Task 2 Transportation Improvement Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, public administration, civil engineering or a closely related field.

Required Competencies:

Transportation Planning Knowledge

• Introductory knowledge of transportation planning principles and practices will be considered a plus

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to troubleshoot and quickly solve problems to keep projects moving
• Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and adjust processes for efficiency
• Ability to interpret complex instructions and deal with abstract/concrete variables
• Ability to compute percentages, rates, ratios, and interpret charts/graphs
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents

Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills:
• Ability to prepare and deliver oral briefings to internal teams
• Ability to write memos and reports using clear and concise language
• Strong interpersonal skills:
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and secure cooperation of others

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Experience with ArcGIS, InDesign, Microsoft Access, or other database software and/or graphic design is a plus

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.

Working Relationships

The Associate Transportation Planner works closely with senior planning staff, transportation professionals, local government representatives, partner agencies, and regional stakeholders to support the successful delivery of transportation planning initiatives throughout the National Capital Region.

Why Join Us?

This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to transportation planning decisions that impact millions of residents, workers, and visitors throughout the Washington metropolitan region. You will gain valuable experience working with transportation agencies, elected officials, technical experts, and regional stakeholders while developing your professional planning skills in a collaborative and mission-driven environment.

COG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.