Job Opportunity: 2 Planning Positions - Entry and/or Mid-Level for SMTC

The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) is seeking qualified applicants for up to two positions. The SMTC is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Onondaga County and small portions of Madison and Oswego Counties.

Desirable Skills and Abilities

These positions are either entry level or experienced mid-level for a motivated transportation and/or planning professional with an ability to interpret data and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

The major work areas for the position(s) include participating in transportation planning studies, meeting the needs of the SMTC’s member agencies, and fulfilling requirements of the MPO process. The position(s) require knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of transportation and land use planning and the municipal planning process. Documented knowledge of current planning trends and strong writing skills are expected. Experience with and understanding of MPO operations and processes is a plus. Transportation planners are expected to work independently and in a team environment, capable of advancing multiple tasks concurrently.

The ideal candidate(s) will have some combination of the skills below; all skills not expected.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of transportation and land use planning and the municipal planning process. Documented knowledge of current planning trends and strong writing skills.

• Traffic and Data Analysis: Familiarity with traffic analysis concepts and data will be beneficial. Working knowledge of some of the software relevant to transportation planning and how it is applied to projects is also a benefit (i.e., Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Synchro, or TransCAD). Proficiency with MS Excel and Word is expected; experience with MS Access is desirable.

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially the ability to convey technical information and data in a way that is easily understood by a non-technical audience. Candidates for a mid-level position should have demonstrated public speaking skills. Experience with both in-person and virtual public engagement techniques such as presentations, focus groups, small-group forums, open houses, virtual public involvement tools, etc. is a plus.

• Visualization: Preferred candidates should possess a basic level of user proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud.

Candidates with a demonstrated ability to create more advanced graphics, illustrations, and photo simulations, especially for transportation-related projects, in Illustrator and/or Photoshop, and ability to complete reports in InDesign are highly desirable.

• Project management: For mid-level position, candidates should have some experience/familiarity with managing planning projects from scoping through final report completion, including a public engagement process.

Salary range

The position(s) are expected to be filled at either the entry or mid-level, depending on qualifications and applicant pool. The current salary ranges are:

• Transportation Planner I: $63,068 - $69,610

• Transportation Planner II: $74,067 - $81,831

• Transportation Analyst: $74,067 - $81,831

Starting salary within the range will be dependent on experience and qualifications.

The SMTC provides a competitive benefit package including Medical and Dental Insurance, participation in the NYS Retirement System, and an optional Deferred Compensation Plan.

Minimum Qualifications

At minimum, the ideal candidate shall have a four-year degree in Planning (Urban and Regional or Transportation), Geography, Landscape Architecture, Civil/Traffic Engineering, or a closely related field.

And:

• Entry level Transportation Planner I: preference to relevant internship or similar relevant experience.

• Mid-level Transportation Planner II should have 3 years of directly related relevant experience OR a master’s degree in any of the above fields plus at least 1 year of directly related relevant experience (quality internships qualify as experience).

• Transportation Analyst: This mid-level position requires a highly technical, motivated, and experienced transportation and/or planning professional. The major work areas for this position include Travel Demand Modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and transportation/traffic analysis. (The candidate would not be required to have all of these skills at time of hire) should have 3 years of directly related relevant experience OR a master’s degree in any of the above fields plus at least 1 year of directly related relevant experience (quality internships qualify as experience).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should forward a letter of interest, resume, salary requirements and three (3) professional references to: Director, SMTC, 126 N. Salina Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, New York 13202, or e-mail to jdagostino@smtcmpo.org.

Notes

All applicants should be eligible to work in the U.S. without VISA sponsorship. Applicants invited to interview will be asked to provide a writing sample and will be encouraged to provide a sample of previous graphics/report layout work if applicable.

Should an employment offer be made, position(s) require physically working in the SMTC office.

The position(s) is open until filled.

For a description of the SMTC please visit our website at www.smtcmpo.org.