Associate Or Senior Planner

Description

As Central Ohio's regional council, MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships, counties and regional organizations and serves rural, suburban, and urban areas. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region. We do this through a variety of programs, services, projects and initiatives - all with the goal of improving the lives of our residents and making Central Ohio stand out on the world stage.

One of Central Ohio's greatest strengths is the diversity of our communities, and to best serve our region, MORPC assertively values diversity and inclusion and strives to reflect those values in our team, our work, and our positive impact for the region. Our work progresses when our team can draw on a wide range of personal experiences and backgrounds, and when each member is open to learning from the experiences of others, both internally and externally. As an equal opportunity employer, we fully support all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and do not discriminate against applicants for employment or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical conditions, age, disability or other handicap, genetic information, marital/familial status, veteran status, military status, or income or status with regard to public assistance in any aspects of our personnel policies, working conditions, or hiring and recruitment.

To create and nourish a workforce as diverse as the Central Ohio region, MORPC encourages members of groups traditionally underrepresented in local government and professional positions to apply for our open career opportunities.

MORPC recognizes the value of a healthy work/life balance for our team members and as such, we provide a variety of benefits to promote that balance. Eligible employees receive a free system-wide transit pass and discounted access to other alternative transportation modes to provide options for commuting to work. MORPC encourages opportunities for career advancement through generous tuition and professional development incentives, leadership programs, and participation in local and national organizations. For eligible permanent positions, MORPC also offers flexible schedules and remote work options as well as paid time off and holidays. MORPC employees may also be eligible for excellent health, vision and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, employer paid short-term & long-term disability coverage, employer paid life insurance in the amount of $50,000 coverage, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, plus two Deferred Compensation Plans that employees can opt into for additional retirement funding. More info can be found in the benefits link within the online posting.

Examples of Duties

Assignments may include specific activities or policy issues related to transit planning, planning for infrastructure to support transit and non vehicle modes, passenger rail planning and multimodal connections between various modes. Examples of work include:

• Prepare staff reports, technical documentation, planning guidelines to support the functions of MORPC and its members.

• Help deliver tools, resources, and technical assistance to member communities to support their transportation planning and projects specifically related to transit planning

• Support the development and implementation of the transit related strategies in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan.

• Research, evaluate and recommend programs and courses of action for transit planning; data collection and analysis; and grant preparation and administration.

• Support Federal Transit Administration compliance reporting related to grant performance, Title VI of the US Civil Rights Act, internal policies and procedures, and other local, state and federal requirements.

• Assist in soliciting, evaluating, awarding and administering funding for enhanced mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities (FTA 5310 program)

• Analyze demographic, employment, building permit, comprehensive planning and other data and information. Represent data using GIS program.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of comprehensive transit plans, programs and related studies.

• Assist in identifying and evaluating transit supportive infrastructure.

• Participate in public meetings and workshops to work with local officials, agencies, jurisdictions, groups and the general public to advance transit projects and programs.

• Review and comment on planning studies, reports and recommendations issued by partner jurisdictions including Central Ohio Transit Agency (COTA), Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and others.

• Assist in design, implementation and evaluation of passenger or public surveys.

• Participate in system route analysis, identifying opportunities for system performance improvement.

• Assist in the development of grant applications and other funding requests.

• Attend off-site meetings and events outside of normal business hours.

• Conduct research, analyze technical data and information, and communicate findings to various audiences in verbal, visual, and written formats.

• Present to MORPC members and committees, etc. Represent MORPC in various public forums including public involvement meetings, and inter-agency coordination meetings.

• Provide timely assistance and information to co-workers and coordinate efforts with other core planning activities.

• Maintain working knowledge of best practices as well as federal and state guidelines related to transit and passenger rail planning.

Typical Qualifications

Associate or Senior planners should possess a working knowledge of the principals, practices and techniques of urban or transportation planning. Good communication (written and oral) abilities and a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software are essential for the position. Experience with ArcGIS is desired.

The successful candidate must have the ability to maintain a positive working relationship with peers, the public, and outside agencies. They will also be expected to aid co-workers and members to coordinate on projects and make routine reports succinctly, all in a timely fashion. Should have a valid driver's license, good driving record and maintain liability coverage as required by MORPC. Should be willing to use agency or personal vehicle with mileage reimbursed to conduct MORPC business.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

Associate Planner: A Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years' experience in City and Regional Planning, Transportation, Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, or a related field. A Master's Degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Senior Planner: A Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years' experience in City and Regional Planning, Transportation, Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, or a related field. A Master's Degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Essential Functions:

Essential functions include the ability to use phone, computer, and conduct professional meetings. MORPC has a flexible work environment which allows for some remote work capabilities. However, this position will have the expectation to work in-person most often.

Supplemental Information

Estimated start date is May 1, 2024. This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Target hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Excellent benefit package. MORPC is an EOE/AAP employer. Please apply online at http://www.morpc.org/careers/ or you may mail a resume to or complete an application at MORPC, 111 Liberty St., Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215 ATTN:PG-1-24

Due to the high number of expected applicants we cannot accept phone call inquiries.

www.morpc.org

Personal Time Off- (PTO) LEAVE

15-33 days depending on the length of continuous service

HOLIDAYS

11 Paid Holidays = New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

MAJOR MEDICAL & HOSPITALIZATION

Employee cost share for individual and family plans

DENTAL CARE

Employee cost share for individual and family plans

VISION

Employee cost share for individual and family plans

PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

Employee cost share for individual and family plans

EAP

Employee cost share for individual and family plans

BENEFITS EFFECTIVE

First day of the month after employment begins

LIFE INSURANCE

Paid $50,000 of term coverage

PERS - Public Employees Retirement System

Employee contribution of 10%, MORPC contribution 14%

MEDICARE

Employee contribution 1.45% matched by MORPC for employees hired on or after April 1, 1986

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Deferred Compensation plans available through the State of Ohio or the County Commissioners Association of Ohio

CREDIT UNION

Columbus Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union for checking, savings and loans or other services

ALTERNATE WORK SCHEDULE

Flexible and staggered working hours may be available for employee's individual requirements, when work duties permit. Must be approved by department head and executive director.

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

Tuition reimbursement program, seminars, conferences and training offered to develop employees to enhance MORPC outcomes.

TRANSIT PASS

COTA C-Pass-Free to all employees who regularly work more than 15 hours per week.

HYBRID WORKING ENVIRONMENT

A combination of in-office & remote work, with the potential of scheduled days per each, for all positions