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:

• Understand the planning process and the scope and context of planning projects
• Assume a variety of roles on 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 across project teams and project timelines
• Lead or support client, public, and stakeholder coordination and present information across a range of audiences
• Support business development with existing or potential clients, support proposal writing, and build relationships across  internal and external networks
• Think creatively about planning best practices across a range of topics and how to apply them effectively in a variety of planning contexts

The diversity of local projects this role will contribute to may include:

• Complete streets and Vision Zero/safety projects
• Bicycle and pedestrian planning
• Transit and rail planning
• Placemaking and transit-oriented development
• Roadway corridor planning / alternatives analysis
• Community-focused projects

This is a full-time hybrid position in the Philadelphia, PA office.  We are looking for a candidate who is a self-starter that can work both individually and collaboratively in a team setting.  Ideally this person will demonstrate a combination of the base and bonus qualifications.
Your Impact

• Provide technical planning assistance and guidance based on a variety of interdisciplinary work products
• Prepare 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
• Prepare, coordinate, and facilitate public involvement and consensus-building meetings in support of client project work, including meetings, seminars, or workshops
• 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
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
• Actively engage in business development and proposal writing.
• Remain current in latest transportation planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques.
• Coordinate with clients, agency stakeholders, subcontractors, technical staff, and others in a confident and professional manner
• 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 (in planning or related field)
• 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 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 technical 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
• Ability to work on multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Experience with discipline-specific software (i.e., ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-Up).
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in planning or related field
• Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
• Business development, scoping and cost estimating, and proposal writing experience at a consulting firm
• Experience with managing direct reports (interns and/or entry level) and providing mentorship and career development guidance
• 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