Principal Planner – MPO

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A PRINCIPAL PLANNER!

Closing Date:  Thu. 01/29/26 11:59 PM Eastern Time

The MPO Principal Transportation Planner provides policy and program management for the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).  This position reports to the MPO Executive Director and is responsible for the management of the policy and program development of the MPO and for providing professional recommendations concerning policy and program development through the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and similar MPO policy and program documents. The Principal Transportation Planner works independently and with minimal direction to coordinate and provide transportation planning services for the MPO and provides support to the MPO Executive Director, acting as a stand-in as needed, and represents the MPO to the public and other key stakeholders. The position is also responsible for promoting strategic organizational planning and other efforts to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the organization and to foster good public relations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Responsible for the direct policy and program management of the transportation planning studies as identified in the UPWP and similar documents.
• Responsible for the direct oversight of major studies such as the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and for coordinating state and regional study activities between federal, state and local organizations.
• Develops and maintains the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Transportation Safety planning program.
• Coordinates and implements the annual Call for Projects and development of the List of Project Priorities and manages the feasibility studies and advancement of Traffic Operations Projects.
• Assists the MPO Executive Director in reviewing official directives and correspondences to determine possible changes in agency programs, policies and procedures.
• Assists the MPO Executive Director in daily operations, the development and management of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the procurement of consultants, and in preparing performance evaluations on planning staff.
• Provides organizational guidance and support as needed to ensure the completion of essential documents including the UPWP, LRTP, website and other promotional materials.
• Coordinates program specific activities requiring interaction with advisory committees, community organizations, planning professionals, elected officials and the public.
• Participates in and represents the MPO at program related training, conferences, and special events.
• Supports public relations and outreach efforts by responding to inquiries from the press and public, attending community functions and representing the organization at community events.
• Provides other organizational support as required.
• Serves as a liaison with the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and the Florida Departments of Transportation for planning activities, administers and manages the solicitation and contracts of professional consultant services.
• Serves as a program manager on major regional programs and as project team member for projects undertaken by other groups and/or organizations (i.e. Transportation Management Area); develops new strategies and initiatives; manages budgets and/or contracts.
• Maintains current knowledge in transportation planning developments and strategies, public policy, and legislation related to regional transportation planning issues.
• Convenes and facilitates meetings; prepares content and presentations; coordinates with communications staff to prepare scripts, digital communications and other information.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of regional transportation system performance measures.
• Knowledge in federal transportation planning at the regional level, including federal air quality legislative monitoring, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide management and oversight of work activities and coordinate work efforts and program implementation for the organization.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with the MPO Executive Director to meet project schedules and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct technical analysis to determine the performance of transportation projects and systems, including the use of travel demand and air quality models.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals or groups of people with diverse interests including business and industry professionals, elected officials, advisory committees, the public, and other local, state and federal partners.
• Ability to undertake complex projects requiring the collection of information with varying levels of details from many diverse sources.
• Ability to travel periodically (local and regional) and attend some meetings after hours.
• Excellent knowledge of local government budgeting processes.
• Working knowledge of transportation law and policy at the state and local levels highly desired.

Minimum Requirements:
PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree, or higher, in Planning, Public Administration, or related field. Six (6) years’ experience in transportation planning OR a Bachelor’s Degree in an above stated field, and eight (8) years of experience in transportation planning. Three (3) years of experience as a planning project leader and four (4) years of supervisory experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid driver’s license.  AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification required within five (5) years’ of obtaining the position.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:  A Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:  All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

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