MPO Transportation Planner

About us:

Since 1973, the Burlington-Graham Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (BGMPO) has partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and local officials to enhance transportation planning for Burlington, Graham, Mebane, and surrounding areas. The MPO coordinates the use of Federal transportation funds for streets, highways, bridges, public transit, and pathways, while also developing long‑range plans, providing data to local governments, prioritizing projects for the Transportation Improvement Program, and facilitating public involvement in the planning process.

The MPO is a Division of the Planning Department that is responsible for the land use management and regulations pertaining to development and growth in the City of Burlington and its Extra‑Territorial Jurisdiction.

This individual will assist the Burlington‑Graham Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (BGMPO) in achieving its goals through important planning projects for member governments. This position offers valuable experience in a fast‑paced, collaborative office environment, managing multiple, complex projects. You will manage various assignments, including data analysis, intermodal studies, and daily metropolitan transportation planning activities. This shared role supports local and regional transportation initiatives.

• Provides staff support for TCC, TAC, MPO subcommittees, and public meetings.
• Maintains and updates content for the BGMPO website.
• Conducts data collection and analysis, manages intermodal special studies, and supports metropolitan transportation planning activities.
• Assists with the daily operations and functions of the MPO.

• Attends meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed about regional, state, and federal requirements.
• Coordinates with planning staff from partner agencies to align on goals and initiatives.

• Translates complex technical information for non‑technical audiences.
• Prepares and disseminates reports, correspondence, memos, meeting minutes, and forms.

• Designs effective marketing materials, graphics, and charts to support public engagement and Transportation Demand Management initiatives.
• Develops population projections, generates transit system network maps, and analyzes spatial data using transit planning software.

• Maintains and develops GIS data for the MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Comprehensive Transportation Plan, including shape files, geodatabases, and associated datasets.
• Creates custom data layers using Community Viz databases.
• Processes data requests from City departments and MPO partner agencies.

• Monitors regional transportation performance targets to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Completes transportation planning elements such as the Intermodal Management System, Highway Performance Management System, and Transit Operations Database Management.

• Transportation Planning and Public Administration
  :
  Comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in transportation planning and public administration.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
  Proficient in GIS applications and their role in transportation planning and analysis.

• Land Use and Environmental Laws
  :
  In‑depth knowledge of transportation, land use planning, and environmental regulations.
• Development Procedures
  :
  Familiarity with local government development review processes and record‑keeping systems.

• Software Expertise
  :
  Skilled in a variety of computer applications, including:
  • General Tools
    :
    Microsoft Office Suite, Google Earth, Adobe.
  • Specialized Applications
    :
    Trans Cad, Remix, and GIS platforms.
• Policy Knowledge
  :
  Well‑versed in NCDOT and FHWA policies and guidelines.

• Flexible Scheduling
  :
  Available to attend evening meetings and weekend public engagement events as required.