Regional Transportation Planner

Salary: Starting at $95,000 (Dependent on qualifications and experience)

Description

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is seeking a highly motivated Regional Transportation Planner to join our Transportation Planning and Programming team.

At NVTA, we believe teamwork and collaboration lead to better solutions for our region’s transportation challenges. As part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a range of transportation initiatives. While you'll play an important role in advancing our goals, not every responsibility will fall on your shoulders alone. Instead, you'll support key efforts in transportation planning, programming, project delivery, technology, coordination, and analytics.

Your work will be tailored to both your strengths and the evolving needs of our team, and we’ll support your growth through exposure to a wide range of projects. We value the energy each team member brings and the growth that comes from learning together. Your unique perspective will help us strengthen both our work and our team to advance NVTA’s continued progress.

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This position is open until filled. To apply, click "Apply Now" below.

Responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities

Below is an overview of all the Transportation Planning and Programming (TTP) team’s initiatives, many of which you’ll contribute to:

Transportation Planning

  • Plan for the future of Northern Virginia by contributing to TransAction, the region’s long-range multimodal transportation plan. Assist in plan development, project evaluation, public engagement activities, and coordination with jurisdiction/agency staff and NVTA’s external consultants. 
  • Support multiple region wide transportation planning initiatives, including NVTA’s planning for a regional Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
  • Represent NVTA as a stakeholder in the development of state, regional, and local plans and initiatives.  

Transportation Programming

  • Perform critical roles in the development of NVTA’s funding program, the Six Year Program (SYP). Review project applications, coordinate with project applicants, aid in evaluation and support public engagement.  
  • Develop recommendations for and track federal funding programs such as Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP).
  • Work closely with key regional and state partners including Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Transportation Planning Board (TPB), and others to ensure NVTA-funded projects and interests are represented and reflected in plans and funding programs.

Project Delivery

  • Play a key role in NVTA’s newly expanded Project Delivery function by overseeing projects from funding approval through implementation and completion. Monitor project progress against timelines, budgets and policies. Review project updates, flag concerns, and share insights with NVTA leadership, helping to identify potential delays or accelerations.
  • Monitor the progress of funded projects and prepare updates using NVTA’s internal tracking tools and reporting platforms.
  • Review reimbursement requests from project sponsors, working closely with NVTA’s finance team to ensure NVTA funds are utilized appropriately. Serve as a point of contact for project sponsors and partners on NVTA’s funding requirements.

Transportation Technology

  • Lead review and updates of NVTA’s Transportation Technology Strategic Plan (TTSP), outlining a proactive approach to incorporating transportation technology into all NVTA’s planning efforts.
  • Contribute to the implementation of NVTA’s Regional Multimodal Mobility Program (RM3P) project. Coordinate with NVTA’s co-sponsors and public and private stakeholders to bring data-driven solutions to reality.
  • Create content for Driven by Innovation, NVTA’s bi-monthly LinkedIn newsletter on emerging transportation technologies across the region, state, and beyond. Plan, organize and execute NVTA’s seasonal virtual Lunch & Learns sessions and the annual Northern Virginia Transportation Roundtable event.

Analytics and Visualization

  • Create data-driven storytelling by preparing clear, accessible visualizations and analysis for presentations and reports utilizing GIS and other tools.
  • Research and analyze travel behavior across the region using traditional datasets and big data sources.
  • Support the development, implementation, and utilization of NVTA’s in-house modeling tools and capabilities.

Regional Collaboration & Professional Engagement

  • Collaborate on regional planning efforts, working alongside jurisdictions, transit agencies, state and regional partners to advance transportation solutions across Northern Virginia.
  • Represent NVTA in regional conversations, both through supporting NVTA’s committees and by participating in professional conferences and transportation initiatives that connect policy, planning, and innovation.
  • Facilitate meaningful public engagement by supporting outreach and engagement activities that ensure community voices are included in planning and decision-making.

Preferred Characteristics

Preferred Skills & Knowledge in one or more of the following:

  • Transportation and/or transit planning and operations
  • Data dashboards and visualization (PowerBI, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.)
  • GIS and analytical software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, SQL, statistical analysis tools, database management, Excel) Programming (Tableau, Python, R)
  • Transportation technology
  • Transportation models (e.g., travel demand, air quality, simulation tools)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Meeting coordination: agenda development, facilitation, and summary documentation
  • Report writing

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as transportation planning, transportation engineering, public administration, or environmental science (with transportation planning focus).

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of transportation planning experience; metropolitan transportation planning is preferred. Relevant internships may substitute for professional experience.

Additional Considerations

  • It is preferred that NVTA staff live in Northern Virginia.
  • Reimbursable local travel should be anticipated.
  • Evening meeting commitments will occur

Working for NVTA

Background

NVTA is a regional entity dedicated to reducing congestion and improving the quality of life for those who live, work and travel in Northern Virginia. Through a dedicated revenue stream, NVTA invests in multimodal transportation solutions, ranging from roadway and rail improvements to technology, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and bus transit expansion.

Since securing its revenue stream in 2013, NVTA has invested nearly $5 billion in projects across Northern Virginia. Collectively, these investments are projected to:

  • Create 42,000 new jobs,
  • Save 500 million hours of travel time by 2034, and
  • Generate $8 billion in savings for Northern Virginia taxpayers.

NVTA’s work is guided by TransAction, Northern Virginia’s long-range transportation plan, and the Six Year Program, the regional funding program adopted by NVTA every two years that is valued at approximately $700 million.

NVTA operates with a highly collaborative team of 21 professionals across three areas: Transportation Planning & Programming, Finance/Administration and Communications/Public Engagement. The Authority’s small, dynamic staff requires individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, have judgment, and work independently while building strong relationships with regional partners.

Work Environment

NVTA staff currently work in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the remaining portion of the week working remote. Each employee has an individual hard walled office.

Work will typically be performed in a quiet, office environment. Support to Authority (and potentially committee) meetings will be in a public meeting environment. Authority and committee meetings are often conducted during evening hours. Attendance at other regional evening meetings may be required. During periods of public engagement, evening and weekend work may be required.

NVTA has been designated as a Best Workplace for Commuters with offices located near major highways (I-66 and I-495), the Dunn Loring Metro Station (Orange Line), and a commuter bus lot served by Fairfax Connector and Metrobus. Employees can also access the nearby I-66 active transportation trail.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Short and long-term disability insurance
  • Membership in the Virginia State Retirement System (VRS) Plans
  • Life insurance
  • Annual & Sick leave as well as 14 holidays
  • Flexible spending accounts (health/dependent care)
  • Free in-building fitness center
  • Commuter benefits program (Metro & Capital Bikeshare)

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability.