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This is responsible work supporting the transportation planning work activities of the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board, the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Madison Metropolitan Area. This includes assistance in preparation of the long-range multi-modal transportation plan, corridor and area plans and studies, public transit and bicycle plans, annual updates to the Transportation Improvement Program, and implementation of the MPO’s Congestion Management Process. It also includes providing staff support to the MPO policy board and MPO advisory committees and assistance with public involvement activities associated with the planning work.

Planner 1 - This is the entry level of the professional planner career progression series. This work is characterized by more structured and/or closely reviewed professional assignments, performed with an increasing level of independence as knowledge of city and MPO policies and professional standards are gained. Employees may be assigned to diverse planning projects and activities based on organizational objectives and priorities. Under limited supervision, employees are expected to exercise professional judgment and discretion within established parameters.

Planner 2 - This is the objective level of the professional planner career progression series. Employees exercise developed expertise in the design and completion of diverse planning projects, as assigned and effectively participate in policy formulation. This work is characterized by acquired expertise in the development and application of multi-modal transportation plans, strategies and standards. Work is performed under general supervision.

This series is structured to provide advancement from a Planner 1 to a Planner 2, as a function of the employee's career development, but generally within 2 years of starting employment as a Planner 1. Progression to a Planner 3 or Planner 4 is dependent upon the incumbent taking on additional duties and responsibilities as well as the needs of the department. Planner 3 and 4 positions may also be filled through competition at the discretion of the department.

The Planner 1 starts at $52,380.64/annually; and the Planner 2 starts at $56,816.24/annually.  Classification at the 1 or 2 level will be determined at the time of hire and will be based on the candidate's relevant work experience and overall qualifications.

Assist in preparation of regional multi-modal transportation plans, corridor and small area studies, analysis of the traffic impacts of development plans, and review of local land use and transportation plans.

Conduct multi-modal transportation needs analyses and evaluate the benefits and costs of different strategies and projects to support development of transportation plans. Conduct literature reviews, best practices research, quantitative analysis, and stakeholder interviews to assist in developing plan recommendations, document findings and prepare reports.

Assist in preparation of local corridor or neighborhood development plans, working with City of Madison and other local community planning staff. Review and provide assistance and comments on local land use/transportation plans and proposals, and evaluate consistency with adopted regional transportation plans.  Provide presentations at work sessions and meetings related to plans and projects.  Participate on interagency staff technical committees for plans and projects.
 
Conduct analyses and develop and maintain transportation planning information systems and data bases to support transportation planning activities, including implementation of the MPO’s Congestion Management Process (CMP). Monitor, assemble, and analyze land use, socio-economic, travel, and other data relevant to transportation planning and travel demand modeling.

Assist in preparing population, housing, and employment forecasts to support travel demand modeling. Assist in collecting, analyzing, and presenting data related to recurring and non-recurring traffic and transit congestion, transit operations, and the impacts of implemented projects for the MPO’s CMP.

Assist in collecting, analyzing, and presenting data on the performance of the regional transportation system in accordance with new federal requirements. Assist in collecting and analyzing motor vehicle crash data to identify high crash rate locations and corridor level safety issues to improve safety investment decision making through the federal safety program.  

Respond to requests for data and information on the MPO’s plans from other agency staff, local officials, and the public. Conduct special research and data collection, as needed. Provide assistance to the MPO’s travel modeler in maintaining the regional travel demand forecast model and using the model to develop traffic and transit use forecasts in support of development of the regional transportation plan, corridor or small area plans/studies, and design of individual roadway projects.

Assist in preparing inputs for the travel model and creating and maintaining the traffic analysis zone system for the model. Assist in analyzing travel model results. Prepare maps, graphics, and reports related to travel forecasts. Assist in preparation of annual update to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). 
 
Assist in public outreach activities in support of MPO’s planning activities. Assist in staffing the MPO Policy Board and advisory committee meetings. Assist in preparation of MPO planning information materials to be presented to the general public and at local government and civic group meetings. Provide information to the public and other governmental agencies. Assist in maintaining and implementing the MPO’s Title VI Plan.

Perform related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the land use and transportation planning process and transportation planning theories, principles, practices and methodologies, including land use/travel relationships, accessibility, travel demand, access management, and roadway capacity and level of service. Knowledge of current transportation trends and technologies.   Knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective relationships. Ability to coordinate and manage planning projects, team activities and citizen group efforts. Ability to collect, manage and critically analyze land use, socio-economic, travel and other data, identify issues and problems and prepare narrative and statistical reports with related graphics.  Ability to assist in transportation policy development.  Ability to create and deliver presentations to large groups of people. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in completing independent projects.   Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Studies, Geography, or other related studies or programs. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.

Ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position.

Ability to attend meetings during the evening or on weekends.

Physical Requirements:

Incumbents must be able to physically access and inspect planned development and transportation project sites throughout the City.  In addition, incumbents will be expected to attend meetings and provide presentations outside the normal work schedule, including evenings and weekends.

*The payroll title is Planner 1 and Planner 2.