Transportation Project Manager Jobs in North Carolina
Transportation Project Manager jobs in North Carolina are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in highway and transit infrastructure, NCDOT-funded corridor development, and private-sector freight and logistics projects, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinator through senior program manager. The heaviest hiring is in Raleigh, Charlotte, and the Research Triangle, where firms such as AECOM, WSP, and Kimley-Horn maintain significant North Carolina operations and consistently bring on transportation project managers. The most sought-after specialties include STIP project delivery, transit planning, and traffic operations management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Transportation Project Manager jobs
Transportation Planner & Project Manager
Job Description
Department: Economic and Community Development
Reports to: MPO Director
General Statement
The Transportation Planner & Project Manager supports regional transportation planning activities for the French Broad
River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Land of Sky Regional Council, with a particular focus on managing
transportation planning studies and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, grant, and contractual
requirements.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class will manage consultant-led planning studies from initiation through completion, including
scopes of work, procurement, schedules, budgets, invoices, deliverables, documentation, and coordination with local
governments, NCDOT, consultants, and other project partners.
In addition to project-management responsibilities, the position serves as a general transportation planner and will assist
with a variety of MPO activities, including research, data analysis, intergovernmental coordination, meeting support,
project development, public involvement, and preparation of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and other
regional transportation plans.
The position is well suited for someone who is organized, comfortable managing multiple projects, interested in
transportation planning, and able to move between detailed administrative work and broader planning assignments.
Essential Duties and Tasks
Planning Studies and Project Management
• Manage MPO-funded and other transportation planning studies from project initiation through completion.
- Work with local governments, MPO staff, NCDOT, consultants, and other partners to develop scopes of work,
- Coordinate procurement and consultant-selection activities in accordance with applicable federal, state, Council,
- Monitor consultant contracts, project schedules, expenditures, invoices, local match requirements, and deliverables.
- Maintain project files and documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with grant, procurement, contract,
- Coordinate project meetings, steering committees, technical reviews, and communication among consultants, local
- Review consultant work products for consistency with approved scopes, project objectives, adopted plans, and
- Identify potential schedule, budget, scope, compliance, or project-delivery issues and work with project partners to
- Coordinate contract amendments, schedule extensions, scope modifications, project closeout, and other
- Provide regular project-status updates to MPO staff, committees, local governments, and other partners.
• Assist with development of the MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan and related long-range planning efforts.
- Conduct research and analysis related to transportation needs, demographics, land use, growth, travel patterns,
- Assist with development and evaluation of transportation projects, strategies, policies, and investment priorities.
- Help maintain project lists, cost estimates, planning assumptions, documentation, and other information used in the
- Coordinate with local governments, NCDOT, transit providers, and other regional partners to gather information and
- Prepare maps, tables, graphics, technical summaries, presentations, and other materials supporting the MTP and
- Support public and stakeholder engagement associated with long-range transportation planning.
- Assist with documentation necessary to meet federal metropolitan transportation planning requirements.
Transportation Planner & Project Manager
• Provide research, analysis, and coordination support for routine MPO activities and special assignments.
- Assist with project prioritization, corridor planning, bicycle and pedestrian planning, transit planning, safety
- Research transportation policies, funding programs, planning practices, regulations, and emerging
- Prepare staff reports, agenda materials, presentations, correspondence, and other materials for MPO
- Participate in meetings with local governments, NCDOT, transit agencies, consultants, community organizations,
- Assist with maintaining MPO plans, project information, databases, and required planning documentation.
- Represent the MPO or Land of Sky Regional Council at meetings and events as assigned.
- Perform other related transportation planning duties as assigned.
- Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Knowledge of, or an ability to learn, transportation planning principles and practices.
- Strong organizational and project-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, budgets, and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate administrative and project documentation.
- Ability to understand and follow federal, state, local, grant, procurement, and contractual requirements.
- Ability to interpret scopes of work, contracts, planning documents, policies, regulations, and technical
- Ability to conduct research, analyze information, identify key findings, and communicate results clearly.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prepare clear reports, presentations, meeting materials, and professional correspondence.
- Ability to work effectively with local government staff, consultants, state and federal agencies, elected officials,
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary planning team.
- Sound judgment and the ability to identify problems, ask appropriate questions, and follow issues through to
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other commonly used professional software.
- Familiarity with GIS, transportation data, project-management software, or data visualization is desirable.
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally and courteously with other employees, customers and partners.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Understand the necessity to efficiently and effectively interact, communicate and coordinate work efforts with
- Function in highly stressful circumstances.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism and to conduct business in an ethical manner at all times.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of standing, walking, grasping, talking,
- Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of
- Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading, administrative, and computer work.
- A bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, public administration, geography,
- Relevant professional experience in transportation planning, local or regional government, project
- A master’s degree in planning, public administration, transportation, or a related field may substitute for a
Transportation Planner & Project Manager
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
- The position may be appropriate for candidates at different stages of their careers. The selected candidate’s
responsibilities and starting salary will reflect their education, experience, and demonstrated ability to
independently manage transportation planning projects.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly desirable:
- Metropolitan or rural transportation planning
- Local or regional government
- Transportation planning studies
- Consultant and contract management
- Federal or state grant administration
- Metropolitan Transportation Plans or other long-range planning efforts
- Bicycle, pedestrian, transit, safety, corridor, or multimodal planning
- Public involvement and stakeholder coordination
- GIS or transportation data analysis
- NCDOT transportation planning or project-development processes
Position Characteristics
This position combines project management, regulatory and grant compliance, and general transportation
planning.
The successful candidate should enjoy getting projects completed, keeping complicated efforts organized, and
working with multiple agencies and communities. The position also provides opportunities to contribute directly
to major regional planning efforts, including development of the MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the
identification and advancement of transportation priorities throughout the region.
- Driver’s License is usually required and specialized certifications may also be required of individual positions.
Land of Sky Regional Council - 2026
Transportation Planner & Project Manager
Job Description
Department: Economic and Community Development
Reports to: MPO Director
General Statement
The Transportation Planner & Project Manager supports regional transportation planning activities for the French Broad
River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Land of Sky Regional Council, with a particular focus on managing
transportation planning studies and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, grant, and contractual
requirements.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class will manage consultant-led planning studies from initiation through completion, including
scopes of work, procurement, schedules, budgets, invoices, deliverables, documentation, and coordination with local
governments, NCDOT, consultants, and other project partners.
In addition to project-management responsibilities, the position serves as a general transportation planner and will assist
with a variety of MPO activities, including research, data analysis, intergovernmental coordination, meeting support,
project development, public involvement, and preparation of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and other
regional transportation plans.
The position is well suited for someone who is organized, comfortable managing multiple projects, interested in
transportation planning, and able to move between detailed administrative work and broader planning assignments.
Essential Duties and Tasks
Planning Studies and Project Management
• Manage MPO-funded and other transportation planning studies from project initiation through completion.
- Work with local governments, MPO staff, NCDOT, consultants, and other partners to develop scopes of work,
- Coordinate procurement and consultant-selection activities in accordance with applicable federal, state, Council,
- Monitor consultant contracts, project schedules, expenditures, invoices, local match requirements, and deliverables.
- Maintain project files and documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with grant, procurement, contract,
- Coordinate project meetings, steering committees, technical reviews, and communication among consultants, local
- Review consultant work products for consistency with approved scopes, project objectives, adopted plans, and
- Identify potential schedule, budget, scope, compliance, or project-delivery issues and work with project partners to
- Coordinate contract amendments, schedule extensions, scope modifications, project closeout, and other
- Provide regular project-status updates to MPO staff, committees, local governments, and other partners.
• Assist with development of the MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan and related long-range planning efforts.
- Conduct research and analysis related to transportation needs, demographics, land use, growth, travel patterns,
- Assist with development and evaluation of transportation projects, strategies, policies, and investment priorities.
- Help maintain project lists, cost estimates, planning assumptions, documentation, and other information used in the
- Coordinate with local governments, NCDOT, transit providers, and other regional partners to gather information and
- Prepare maps, tables, graphics, technical summaries, presentations, and other materials supporting the MTP and
- Support public and stakeholder engagement associated with long-range transportation planning.
- Assist with documentation necessary to meet federal metropolitan transportation planning requirements.
Transportation Planner & Project Manager
• Provide research, analysis, and coordination support for routine MPO activities and special assignments.
- Assist with project prioritization, corridor planning, bicycle and pedestrian planning, transit planning, safety
- Research transportation policies, funding programs, planning practices, regulations, and emerging
- Prepare staff reports, agenda materials, presentations, correspondence, and other materials for MPO
- Participate in meetings with local governments, NCDOT, transit agencies, consultants, community organizations,
- Assist with maintaining MPO plans, project information, databases, and required planning documentation.
- Represent the MPO or Land of Sky Regional Council at meetings and events as assigned.
- Perform other related transportation planning duties as assigned.
- Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Knowledge of, or an ability to learn, transportation planning principles and practices.
- Strong organizational and project-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, budgets, and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate administrative and project documentation.
- Ability to understand and follow federal, state, local, grant, procurement, and contractual requirements.
- Ability to interpret scopes of work, contracts, planning documents, policies, regulations, and technical
- Ability to conduct research, analyze information, identify key findings, and communicate results clearly.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prepare clear reports, presentations, meeting materials, and professional correspondence.
- Ability to work effectively with local government staff, consultants, state and federal agencies, elected officials,
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary planning team.
- Sound judgment and the ability to identify problems, ask appropriate questions, and follow issues through to
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other commonly used professional software.
- Familiarity with GIS, transportation data, project-management software, or data visualization is desirable.
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally and courteously with other employees, customers and partners.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Understand the necessity to efficiently and effectively interact, communicate and coordinate work efforts with
- Function in highly stressful circumstances.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism and to conduct business in an ethical manner at all times.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of standing, walking, grasping, talking,
- Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of
- Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading, administrative, and computer work.
- A bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, public administration, geography,
- Relevant professional experience in transportation planning, local or regional government, project
- A master’s degree in planning, public administration, transportation, or a related field may substitute for a
Transportation Planner & Project Manager
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
- The position may be appropriate for candidates at different stages of their careers. The selected candidate’s
responsibilities and starting salary will reflect their education, experience, and demonstrated ability to
independently manage transportation planning projects.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly desirable:
- Metropolitan or rural transportation planning
- Local or regional government
- Transportation planning studies
- Consultant and contract management
- Federal or state grant administration
- Metropolitan Transportation Plans or other long-range planning efforts
- Bicycle, pedestrian, transit, safety, corridor, or multimodal planning
- Public involvement and stakeholder coordination
- GIS or transportation data analysis
- NCDOT transportation planning or project-development processes
Position Characteristics
This position combines project management, regulatory and grant compliance, and general transportation
planning.
The successful candidate should enjoy getting projects completed, keeping complicated efforts organized, and
working with multiple agencies and communities. The position also provides opportunities to contribute directly
to major regional planning efforts, including development of the MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the
identification and advancement of transportation priorities throughout the region.
- Driver’s License is usually required and specialized certifications may also be required of individual positions.
Land of Sky Regional Council - 2026
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Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Transportation Project Manager Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in transportation project manager jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, transportation planning, or a closely related field
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the North Carolina Board of Examiners
- Project Management Professional certification or equivalent demonstrated project delivery credential
- Hands-on experience managing NCDOT or federally funded transportation infrastructure projects
- Proficiency with scheduling and project controls software such as Primavera P6 or MS Project
- Strong knowledge of NEPA environmental review processes and federal transportation funding compliance
Transportation Project Manager Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a transportation project manager in North Carolina?
The most direct path starts with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or transportation planning, followed by gaining field experience and earning a Professional Engineer license through the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors, which requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering exams. Many candidates also pursue a Project Management Professional certification to strengthen their credentials for managing NCDOT-funded or federally administered projects in the state.
How much do transportation project managers make in North Carolina?
Transportation project managers in North Carolina earn a median of about $106,100 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $66,090 for the lowest 10% to over $191,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire transportation project managers in North Carolina?
Employers hiring transportation project managers in North Carolina right now include NV5, Dewberry, and H W Lochner, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. North Carolina's sustained investment in highway expansion, transit systems, and freight infrastructure keeps a broad range of engineering consultants, construction firms, and public agencies actively recruiting in the state.
Which North Carolina cities have the most transportation project manager jobs?
Charlotte, Raleigh, and Cary are the North Carolina cities with the most transportation project manager openings. Raleigh and Charlotte anchor the market because they house major NCDOT district offices, regional transit authorities, and the largest concentrations of engineering and infrastructure consulting firms in the state, while the Research Triangle draws additional demand from technology-adjacent transportation and logistics projects.
Are there remote transportation project manager jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since transportation project management frequently requires site visits, contractor coordination, and agency meetings that are difficult to perform fully remotely. About 50% of transportation project manager openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. The tasks most amenable to remote work include project controls, scheduling, reporting, and stakeholder documentation.
How can I get hired as a transportation project manager in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a project engineer or transportation planner role at a North Carolina DOT consulting firm or at NCDOT itself, where new graduates regularly enter through internship-to-hire pipelines and junior engineer positions. Firms such as AECOM and Kimley-Horn hire early-career staff into project support roles that build toward management responsibilities. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early and gaining exposure to STIP project documentation or transit planning gives candidates a concrete edge over other applicants without field experience.
Where can I find and apply to transportation project manager jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to transportation project manager jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and focus area, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
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Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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