Transportation Planner

POSITION TITLE: Transportation Planner
DEPARTMENT: Department of Public Works
LOCATION: Longview, WA
REPORTS TO: Director of Public Works
FLSA STATUS: Exempt; Full-time
WAGE RANGE: $91,936.00 - $110,240.00 per year DOE

CLOSING DATE: January 24, 2025

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Monitors and ensures compliance with the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP). Coordinates and collaborates with contractors, other Tribal departments and non-tribal organizations to meet the obligations of the Cowlitz Tribal Transportation Program. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and the Public Works department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Reviews and revises transportation schedules to ensure increased efficiency and to reduce costs.
• Designs research methods and survey techniques for proposed transportation projects.
• Assesses the impact of recent building developments - such as a new housing developments - on transportation systems.
• Recommends transportation systems improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
• Interprets data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems and associated databases.
• Collaborates with engineers, including transportation modeling specialists, to research analyze or resolve complex transportation design issues.
• Hosts regular meetings to ensure communication among personnel regarding project-related activities.
• Monitors project budgets; tracks budgets for DOT.
• Seeks grant opportunities; writes grants; collects documentation required for grant applications; and manages grants prior to and following grant award.
• Reviews proposals providing feedback as appropriate.
• Develops and manages Requests for Proposals; issues Notices to Proceed and Notices of Intent; issues award letters; negotiates contracts; and writes and issues contracts.
• Creates and maintains project documentation, schedules, and plans.
• Prepares quarterly and/or annual Narrative Reports for IHS, BIA, FTA, and WSDOT.
• Writes resolutions and develops budgets.
• Acquires drawings, permits, and project documents as appropriate.
• Assists with audits as needed.
• Coordinates, develops, implements, and updates the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Tribal Transportation Improvement Plan (TTIP), and Road Inventory Data System (RIDS).Works with local and regional planning organizations or coordinate, plan and implement transportation projects and activities.
• Manages assigned grants within the Planning Department including budget and work plan preparation and administration.
• Coordinates and compiles tribal demographic data, statistics, and resource information as it relates to grant awards, comprehensive planning, and planning department project development.
• Maintains professional knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; and conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs, traditions, history, culture, and values.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of codes, ordinances, and statutes governing contracting and grant writing,
• Knowledge of Tribal government operations, including 638 contracting and self-governance compacting, federal Indian law and policy, tribal treaties, tribal constitutions, and Tribal issues including economic development, transportation, public safety, and natural and cultural resources.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to model and analyze traffic flows using mathematics and computer applications.
• Ability to clearly present information to leadership staff, public groups, governmental agencies, and Tribal and General Council.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to exhibit independent judgment in the development, evaluation and implementation of plans, and policies.
• Ability to facilitate, coordinate and develop planning documents including but not limited to land use, transportation, infrastructure strategic plans, and annual work plans.
• Ability to research, identify, and acquire funding from government and other sources for planning and capital improvement projects.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in budget preparation and administration, grant writing, procurement processes, and project management.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Community Planning, or closely related field.
• Four (4) years’ experience working within a tribal government transportation program including long range transportation planning and safety planning.
• Demonstrated experience with transportation planning and funding programs administered by BIA, WSDOT, and other agencies.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
• Position will be located out of Public Works office located in Longview WA.
• Position is NOT a work from home position.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently will reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear. Normal visual acuity is required by this job. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an interior office setting and in an outdoor environment. Exposure to hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, infectious disease, airborne particles, and/or allergens will occur. Noise level is moderate to excessive. The position occasionally will require work near hazardous and/or moving equipment or machinery, and the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices, or materials. Evening and/or weekend work and overnight travel may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.

Salary : $91,936 - $110,240