Planning Director jobs in Minnesota

Job Details

Working Title: Transportation Systems Planning Director
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 77134
• Location: Roseville
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/29/2024
• Closing Date: 07/01/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Metro / Planning Prgm Mgmt & Transit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Days
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.13 - $52.25 / hourly; $73,351 - $109,098 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position develops, directs, and manages multimodal transportation plans, studies, research activities, and investment planning for the Long-Range Planning unit in the Metro District Office of Planning, Program Management and Transit. This position also participates in an advisory capacity in regional, state and federal planning processes.

This position is located at Waters Edge in Roseville. The incumbent will have the flexibility to work in the office or a hybrid schedule. The incumbent will be required to report onsite at least once/month but may be required to work onsite more depending on business needs. If working a hybrid schedule, the incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following:

Experience:

Three (3) years of advanced professional planning experience that involves federal, state, regional, and/or project level planning (e.g., Planner Senior State (10L) level or higher) and demonstrates the following:

• Experience designing and/or carrying out planning studies, especially for transportation.
• Experience facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience participating in planning activities involving agencies and stakeholders, such as cities, counties, metropolitan planning organizations, area transportation partnerships, state departments of transportation or other state agencies, tribal governments and/or others.
• Experience communicating information verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

Education:

An advanced degree is not required. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Sociology, Political Science substitutes for six months of advanced professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of advanced transportation planning experience.
• A graduate degree or certificate in planning or a related field with an emphasis on planning and policy analysis.
• Knowledge of state and regional transportation planning and decision-making processes, and urban planning.
• Experience leading transportation planning studies and/or public engagement processes.
• Experience directing or leading or assisting in the direction of the work of colleagues, consultants and/or other professional staff.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills sufficient to build constructive relationships, work cooperatively with internal and external customers, manage indirect reports, and implement project and program objectives.

If selected for an interview, you will be assessed on your verbal responses to questions about the desired professional competencies for this position, which include but are not limited to:

• Technical expertise and accomplishments in transportation planning, principles and practices at the state, regional and/or city level(s), as well as consultant contract management.
• Your ability and adaptability in managing complex topics, ambiguities, conflicting priorities or policies, multiple stakeholders, and/or strong-held positions.
• Diversity and inclusion, including your ability to understand the needs of people with backgrounds different from your own, demographics and societal trends affecting-and affected by-transportation planning decisions, as well as your familiarity with MnDOT's plans and policies involving equity.
• Communication, including your interpersonal skills and ability to build constructive relationships, work cooperatively with internal and external customers, and implement project and program objectives. Includes demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely sufficient to give direction, facilitate meetings, make public presentations, and answer project specific and policy questions verbally and in writing.

If you meet the minimum qualifications and wish to apply for this position to be considered for an interview, submit a cover letter (two-page limit in PDF or Word) with your resume that highlights your qualifications with respect to the minimum and preferred qualifications.

Additional Requirements

It is our policy that the successful candidate must pass employer reference checks and a criminal history check prior to employment. The reference check and background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Education/License Verification
• Driver's License Check

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cheryl Utz at cheryl.utz@state.mn.us or 651-234-7453.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Cheryl Utz at cheryl.utz@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement <Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for tuition reimbursement>
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us; or by calling Janet Miller at tel: 651/366-4720; or using MN Relay 711.

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.