Transportation Specialist II - Integrated Transportation Planning Coordinator

Transportation Specialist II – Integrated Transportation Planning Coordinator – 36428

Salary: $33.85 – $39.82 per hour (dependent on qualifications)

Location:

Pierre, SD

Pay Grade: GK

Closing Date: 07/08/2026

This full‑time position performs advanced professional transportation planning work that integrates the core statewide functions of MPO coordination, freight planning, long‑range statewide planning, and performance measurement. The role ensures compliance with federal and state planning requirements, aligns investments with policy goals, and strengthens partnerships with MPOs, tribal governments, local jurisdictions, and the freight industry to deliver a safe, efficient, and resilient multimodal transportation system.

Typical office environment with monthly overnight travel. The position offers the option to work remotely two days per week after successful completion of the probation period.

• Serve as the SDDOT liaison to South Dakota MPOs (Rapid City, Sioux City, and Sioux Falls).
• Review and ensure compliance of MPO plans (UPWP, MTP, PPP, TIP) with federal/state requirements and STIP alignment.
• Manage MPO funding agreements and monitor expenditures, invoices, and deliverables.
• Represent SDDOT at MPO technical advisory and executive committee meetings.
• Coordinate state performance targets with MPO target‑setting and assist with FHWA/FTA planning emphasis areas and performance‑based planning requirements (23 CFR Part 450).
• Facilitate interagency coordination meetings (FHWA/FTA Planning Partners, MPO STIP/TIP coordination) and oversee annual MPO certification activities and risk assessments.
• Lead development and updates of the State Freight Plan, ensuring compliance with federal requirements such as the National Highway Freight Program.
• Maintain and update the National Highway Freight Network data and identify strategic corridors.
• Perform freight analytics and integrate freight considerations into project selection, corridor planning, STIP programming, and economic impact assessments.
• Develop and update the Statewide Long‑Range Transportation Plan, ensuring compliance with federal requirements (23 CFR Part 450).
• Integrate statewide planning strategy considerations into project selection, planning studies, STIP programming, and other planning documents.
• Conduct stakeholder engagement and implement performance‑based planning frameworks to align investment decisions with outcomes.
• Upload federal performance data (safety, system performance, asset management performance measures) to FHWA.
• Coordinate target setting of federal performance measures and align state and MPO targets.
• Manage data governance, analytics, and visualization for planning metrics.
• Oversee consultant contracts and deliverables, driving continuous improvement through standardized processes and guidance.

• Knowledge – Technical: Transportation planning principles, benefit–cost analysis, scenario planning, and basic statistics.
• Knowledge – Regulatory & Policy: FHWA/FTA planning processes (23 CFR Part 450), performance management frameworks, funding eligibility rules, public involvement requirements, civil rights/Title VI considerations.
• Skills – Project/Program Management: Scoping, scheduling, budgeting, contract oversight, and risk management.
• Skills – Stakeholder Engagement: Managing interagency coordination with MPOs, local governments, tribes, industry, and the public; facilitation and interpersonal skills.
• Skills – Technical Tools: Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook); data analysis using Excel, GIS (ArcGIS), and transportation data sources (NPMRDS, Freight Analysis Framework).
• Abilities – Communication: Produce concise, high‑quality plans, memos, and presentations for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Abilities – Analytical & Problem‑Solving: Interpret complex data, visualize trends, and apply insights to planning decisions.
• Abilities –
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work effectively across agencies and with stakeholders with diverse interests to achieve planning objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation planning, urban/regional planning, civil…