The Transportation Planning Engineer is a professional, middle-management position that oversees the technical aspects of transportation planning policies, projects, and programs for the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) and assists its member jurisdictions.
The ideal candidate will have experience in transportation project management; thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods as applicable to transportation systems; experience in working with local municipalities, NCDOT and other DOT's; knowledge and experience working with AutoCAD Civil 3D; basic knowledge of Transportation Impact Analysis; excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; the ability to work in a team environment, including interdepartmental and multi-jurisdictional committees and organizations; ability to plan, prioritize and organize work and complete assignments with minimal supervision; excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office; and basic knowledge of Synchro and Sim Traffic programs.
Typical Tasks
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Manages and participates in technically complex, difficult, and sensitive interdisciplinary transportation projects; develops work plans, schedules, and budgets; coordinates, assigns, and reviews work products; monitors the progress of projects.
Researches, prepares, and presents transportation-related studies and reports (e.g. developer concepts and proposed impacts, Transportation Impact Analysis) to the WMPO Policy Board and Technical Coordinating Committee; engages in WMPO public involvement efforts, including presenting to neighborhood, civic, business and community groups, local governing bodies, and other community partners.
Supervises and trains staff and serves as a technical expert for complex transportation studies; provides technical and policy guidance to staff, departmental personnel, WMPO member jurisdictions, and other agencies.
Oversees the annual WMPO Traffic Data Program and Direct Attributable Programs.
Represents WMPO for various transportation-related studies, plans, and committees.
Provides recommendations for potential transportation improvement projects to be included in WMPO’s long- and short-range plans.
Provides oversight and guidance with the preparation of roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian alignments.
Liaisons with the NC Department of Transportation in coordination of special projects.
Education & Experience: Bachelor's Degree or higher in Civil Engineering or related engineering field, and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation project management and implementation, or equivalent combination of education, experience and training to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
Other Requirements: Certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of North Carolina and a valid Driver's License.
**Applicants who do not have a Professional Engineer certification may indicate their ability to obtain the certification within one (1) year in the supplemental questionnaire. WMPO will invest in the certification costs if an applicant is hired who is not yet certified.**
Notes: Candidates with out-of-state licensure must be able to obtain NC licensure within 6 months of hire date. A driving history check is required for the selected candidate. Select candidate will also be required to complete a post-offer drug screen.
About Wilmington Metropolitan Urban Planning Organization
The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) was created in 1973 when our region reached a population density threshold of 50,000 people to constitute the federally-mandated creation of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). As a federally-mandated and federally-funded entity, the Wilmington MPO is tasked with providing a regional and cooperative transportation planning process that serves as the basis for the expenditure of all federal transportation funds in the greater Wilmington area. The WMPO is required to prepare long range transportation plans for the planning area with a minimum of a 20-year horizon. Additionally, the WMPO prepares an annual planning work program and assists with the prioritization of projects for inclusion in the State Transportation Improvement Program (outlines NCDOT’s funding for a 10-year period).