SENIOR PLANNING - TRANSPORTATION

Salary : $72,176.00 - $115,460.80 Annually
Location : Garland Municipal Business Center (150 S York St), Gastonia, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01811
Department: Transportation
Opening Date: 10/29/2026
Closing Date: 11/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work
This position performs complex professional and administrative work in the City of Gastonia's Transportation Planning Division as staff to the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (GCLMPO) involving programmatic and project management level urban and regional planning, comprehensive and small area planning, land use planning and development regulation, transportation and transit planning, and graphic and design planning. Work is conducted under the moderate supervision of the Principal Transportation Planner/ GCLMPO Administrator or the Director of Transportation. The position also requires coordination with professional, technical, and clerical personnel within the organization and all GCLMP unit members of local government.
Essential Functions/Duties
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Perform independent work in the development and analyses of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
15%Work with member local governments and NCDOT to develop and submit projects for NCDOT's prioritization process
10%Advise the private sector, local government staff, and public officials on planning matters and assist them with the development and interpretation of planning concepts, transportation regulations, laws, and requirements for the development of a transportation plan
15%Assist member local governments in the implementation of locally administered projects
5%Review planning proposals for conformity with applicable regulations and transportation plans
10%Prepare reports and other materials for governing boards and other committees of the GCLMPO and member local governments in the MPO planning area
10%Advise citizens on matters relating to transportation planning
15%Prepare notices and announcements for a variety of public meetings and other planning efforts
5%Prepare elements relating to a wide variety of social, economic, physical, transportation, transit, and facility planning, including research, analysis, design, and graphics
15%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of the philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques of City planning as they pertain to the development and implementation of strategies to improve urban and regional transportation systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches, and complex graphics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of research methodology and standard statistical procedures.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, supervise, and carry out complex programs and projects effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public.
• Experience in public engagement, including facilitating meetings and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in urban, regional, transportation planning, civil engineering, public administration or related field
• 1-5 years of experience in professional planning
• or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in professional planning
• AICP and/or PE certification is beneficial, but not required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid North Carolina driver's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at