Overview
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Transportation Planner for our Philadelphia, PA office. WSP’s local planning group guides our local and regional clients through solving complex infrastructure challenges by providing a unique combination of planning and engineering principles, technology, and strategic consulting skills. Come join us and help shape the future!
The Lead Transportation Planner will demonstrate the ability to:
- Think creatively and deeply about planning best practices across a range of topics and how to apply them effectively in a variety of planning contexts
- Understand the planning process and the scope and context of planning projects
- Assume a variety of roles on three or more planning projects, including project management/deputy project management; writing and reviewing major sections of plans, technical studies, or grant applications; developing and working with other team members to develop analysis, graphics, maps
- Communicate effectively, consistently, and punctually among several project teams and project timelines
- Lead client, public, and stakeholder coordination and present information across a range of audiences
- Develop new business with existing or potential clients, support proposal writing, and build relationships across an internal and external network
- Think about the skills and interests of the planning staff holistically and how to best align them with current and future work
- Manage interns and/or entry level staff
The diversity of local projects this role will contribute to may include:
- Federal funding opportunities such as Reconnecting Communities
- Complete streets initiatives
- Placemaking and transit-oriented development
- Bicycle and pedestrian planning
- Transit and rail planning
- Community-focused projects
The best candidate is culturally competent, empathetic, and authentic in their work, and a self-starter who can work smart individually and collaboratively in a team. Ideally this person will demonstrate a combination of the base and bonus qualifications.
This is a full-time hybrid position in the Philadelphia, PA office. You will be joining a diverse women-led team that includes people of color from different diasporas and LGBTQ+ members and allies.
Your Impact
- Provide technical planning assistance and guidance based on a variety of disciplines (i.e. traffic, environmental, economics/finance, civil, structural, community/public involvement, etc.)
- Preparation of plans, studies, reports including developing qualitative and quantitative analysis with a high degree of independence and attention to quality. Work products could include maps, visualizations, data analysis, report writing, policy recommendations, PowerPoint presentations, and/or grant applications
- Public and stakeholder involvement planning and participating in and leading meetings, seminars, or workshops
- Keep up-to-date on industry trends and current and emerging practices
- Represent the planning group in internal and external meetings, understand and communicate the most critical elements of a project/pursuit/client need, and build relationships with internal and external clients
- Coordinate with clients, agency stakeholders, subcontractors, technical staff, and others in a confident and professional manner
- Ability to work on multiple assignments and meet deadlines
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (preferred major relating to planning, such as geography, policy, engineering, environmental, economics, public health, or interdisciplinary)
- 7-10 years of experience working in the transportation planning field, or related industry
- Ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members
- Project management or deputy project management experience with small to mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work and invoicing
- Excellent verbal communications skills and ability to “read the room”
- Excellent ability to read/listen and synthesize information and communicate a point of view
- Excellent ability to think critically, creatively problem-solve, and approach an issue from a variety of perspectives
- Strong research and writing skills
- Strong ability to source, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data
- Fundamental knowledge of transportation planning processes, historical trends, and emerging innovations
- Collaborative team spirit with a supportive attitude
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Familiarity with ArcGIS and Adobe Suite (or other visualization software
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in planning or related field
- Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
- Project management or deputy project management experience with mid-to-large projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work and invoicing
- Business development, scoping and cost estimating, and proposal writing experience at a consulting firm
- Experience in and enthusiasm for managing direct reports (interns and/or entry level) and providing mentorship and career development guidance
- Strong familiarity with Philadelphia and region
- Working knowledge and experience with planning processes at a local, state, and/or Federal level
- A strong local network among transportation planning professionals at a variety of organizations
- Recent or ongoing experience with community planning, organizing, or related work
- Experience in one of the following planning specializations, Transit and/or Rail Planning, Urban design and transit- oriented development, sustainability and climate resiliency, active transportation and safety planning, or corridor planning and concept development.
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