Job Description

The Chief Transportation Planner is responsible for general oversight and management of the metropolitan planning organization, or transportation planning, program. As the lead member of the transportation planning team, the Chief supports development, implementation and management of multi-modal and long-range infrastructure goals and projects subject to Federal and state requirements of metropolitan transportation planning and coordinates this with the bi-county planning responsibilities.

Under the direction of the Director of Regional Planning, the Transportation Chief administrates transportation planning products. Key duties of this position include conducting various transportation planning studies and project development activities, coordinating with internal LVPC staff and external partner agencies, and assist in development and maintenance of the federal requirements of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) transportation planning documents. The Transportation Chief supervises a team of planners. This position provides general support to the Director of Regional Planning and Executive Director.

The Chief Transportation Planner will be a strategic thought-partner and be hands-on, working as both a planner and a participative manager. This position also works closely with the community, Lehigh Valley Planning Commissioners and Lehigh Valley Transportation Study Board. As such, possessing excellent communication and time management skills, and the ability to analyze, write, and produce plans and projects, manage programs, support training initiatives and the work of others is key. Communication is a critical skill for the Chief, whether conveying concepts to an audience or writing technical analyses.

Responsibilities

• Typical tasks and duties of the Chief Transportation Planner may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Ensure that the timelines and deadlines of the Unified Planning Work Program are met, including coordination with the Administration.
• Manage long-range transportation issues daily.
• Develop and coordinate elements of the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) /transportation integration with the Regional Comprehensive Plan including regulatory compliance, research and analysis of roads, bridges, public transportation, air, rail, freight, and non-motorized transportation.
• Innovate and advance congestion management, safety, air quality, environmental justice and equity, climate resiliency, multi-modal and active transportation, freight, road and bridge classification systems, transportation systems management and operations (TSMO), carbon reduction and alternative fuels deployment planning, among other key initiatives and factors affecting the transportation system and its relationship to the community.
• Coordinate transportation aspects of land development review with the LVPC Community and Environmental Planning Sections, municipalities, developers, Lehigh, and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANta), Lehigh and Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and United States Department of Transportation.
• Manage the development, monitoring, and maintenance of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
• Handle multi-modal transportation issues including meeting with local and regional partners concerning transportation infrastructure from roadway systems and rail networks to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, reviews grant requests and assists local agencies in leveraging project grant funding.
• Support the development of population projections, maps, and financial forecasts for the LRTP and analyses environmental and societal impacts. For projects and developments, present plan aspects to citizens and government officials at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Oversee the work of consultants retained to work on transportation projects.
• Work with state and federal officials to advocate for transportation equity across all modes of travel.
• Serve as staff liaison to the US Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
• Serve as staff liaison to LANta, the regional transit-agency. Provide agreed transit planning services, coordinate with LANta in the development of the LRTP and TIP and advocate for effective coordination between the agencies.
• Coordinate the public involvement process for the transportation planning program with the Communications Section, including staging public appearances and announcements, organizing public meetings, giving presentations, and generally educating the public concerning transportation issues.
• Serve as LVPC liaison to the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, various citizen traffic advisory committees.
• Serve as lead program staff to the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study, providing project updates, presenting aspects of the transportation program and other information.
• Supporting the Executive Director, who also serves as the LVTS Secretary, to manage the operations of the MPO.
• Manage the work of the Transportation Team.
• Assure compliance with and ensure accurate and consistent application of policies and regulations and uphold required obligations from the United States Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and other regulatory agencies.
• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with the public, businesses, individuals, and organizations interested in the work of the LVPC.
• Collaborate with the Environmental, Community Planning, Data, Communications and Administrative Sections of the LVPC, as well as the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study Technical and Coordinating Committees and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commissioners to facilitate planning functions.
• Collaborate with Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Lehigh Valley communities and other organizations to further LVPC objectives.
• Prepare and support the preparation of planning documents and projects in conjunction with the LVPC Team.
• Ensure that the mission, brand, and brand integrity of the LVPC are maintained in all publications, projects, communications, and presentations related to the planning work program.
• Represent the LVPC and its policies to elected officials, organizations, and the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Please visit Employment | Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (lvpc.org) for full job description, including:

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
• Working Conditions and Special Demands
• Qualifications
• Salary
• How to Apply

Team Commitment

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The LVPC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format may call (610) 264-4544.

Further Information

In Compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, applicants hired by LVPC must show acceptable proof of identity and evidence of authorization to work in the United States.

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