Job Information
WSP USA Lead Transportation Planner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This Opportunity
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
Manager 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. #LI-MC4
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.