Regional Planner Jobs in Denver, CO

Summary

The hiring salary range for this position is $6,000.00 - $7,497.08/month or $3,000.00 - $3,748.54/semi-monthly depending on qualifications.

The Transportation Planning and Operations division is growing and we’re looking for motivated and creative people to join our team. DRCOG is the largest metropolitan planning organization in the mountain west and is leading exciting and innovative regional transportation initiatives. DRCOG plans for and allocates funding to transformative transportation projects that support multimodal mobility for residents and visitors throughout the Denver region. Come join our dynamic team of transportation professionals focused on projects like regional Vision Zero, active transportation, bus rapid transit corridors, complete streets, air quality and climate, mobility analytics, emerging mobility, and regional transportation operations and technology.

We are currently recruiting for a Planner to support regional transportation planning initiatives, including participating in the development of the Regional Transportation Plan. This position will also support regional planning and implementation work related to transit, freight, Vision Zero, and Complete Streets activities. Additional primary duties include managing the region’s federal performance management program and participating in other transportation planning activities as needed.

The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do. Employees are rewarded with competitive compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!

Description of Work

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.

• Researches and analyzes data and information for use in transportation planning; collaborates with regional partners and stakeholders and maintains effective working relationships; makes recommendations on regional planning and implementation initiatives and programs.
• Provides professional -level planning services in support of a variety of internal and external planning projects and processes; serves as a DRCOG representative on committees and advisory groups; communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leads and facilitates meetings with internal and external planning partners; prepares and distributes meeting materials; develops recommendations and reports based on input received.
• Assists in the preparation of transportation plans; leads the development of functional plans; prepares maps, charts, and data visualizations; presents findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Provides technical assistance to local governments and other stakeholders; works closely with communities to develop strategies to advance local and regional goals.
• Researches best practices and emerging trends, technologies; identifies potential funding opportunities; makes related recommendations for implementation.
• Demonstrates a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment, both through internal and external participation.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Lead activities related to performance-based planning and programming;
• Lead activities related to Complete Streets planning and implementation;
• Support the development and maintenance of DRCOG’s Regional Transportation Plan: including but not limited to drafting text, coordinating with stakeholders and partners, and working with DRCOG’s GIS team and graphic designers.
• Support the planning and implementation work of the Regional Transportation Planning team, including planning and project analysis for transit, human services transportation, freight, safety, Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and similar planning activities;
• Support the planning and implementation work of the Transportation Planning and Operations division, including planning and project analysis for active transportation, emerging mobility, transportation demand management, operations and technology, corridor planning, or community planning;
• Participate in meetings and review plan materials for project, corridor, community and other multimodal transportation studies initiated by local governments, CDOT, RTD, and other stakeholders;
• Participate in other transportation planning activities as needed, including research activities, field surveys, and data analysis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Principles and practices of urban and regional planning;
• Principles and practices of project/program administration and management;
• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research;
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis;
• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies in local and regional planning;
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment);
• Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences;
• Modern budget practices;
• Knowledge of multimodal transportation planning.
• Understanding of federal metropolitan planning requirements for Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
• Gathering and analyzing data, determining findings and recommendations;
• Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial and project-related data and information;
• Writing and public speaking;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
• Providing excellent customer service;
• Communicating with coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, the general public and others, especially when the information is complicated.
• Developing plans or supporting the development of plans.
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Internet applications, and GIS;
• Facilitating meetings and workshops.
• Proficiency with digital accessibility, such as techniques for presenting, remote meetings, creating documents, developing graphics, and writing web content.
• Project management skills to support multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate professionally with a wide variety of people including member governments, community organizations, community members, and planning and engineering consultants.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems;
• Databases and geographic information systems;

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography, public administration, engineering, or directly related field and two to four years of related professional planning experience. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Status:
Full-time, Exempt

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Employee benefits (Download PDF reader)