The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is responsible for regional long-range transportation planning for the rapidly growing region in the Raleigh, NC urban area. The MPO recently adopted a new strategic plan to help guide our region's transportation program through the next several years. The Capital Area MPO is expanding staff to implement the new strategic plan. We create, innovate, and work smarter. We focus on relationships and collaboration across all jurisdictions. We enjoy our work and have fun doing it. At the Capital Area MPO, you can join a team dedicated to meeting the needs of our members and the public and ensure our region remains one of the best places to live, work and play.

The Triangle region continues to experience unprecedented growth, producing a need for infrastructure improvements that offer a range of travel choices and are compatible with the character and development of our communities, sensitive to the environment, improve quality of life, and are safe and accessible for all. The Capital Area MPO works at the heart of identifying, planning, and implementing those improvements.

This position will oversee the MPO's Locally Administered Projects Program and manage the MPO's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The LAPP Manager will manage and coordinate federally funded, locally administered transportation projects through planning, engineering, project selection, programming, contract negotiation, project development, contract award, completion and acceptance stages for the Capital Area MPO. The LAPP Manager will also serve as the MPO's TIP Administrator and coordinate with the NCDOT to process TIP/STIP Amendments and development of new Transportation Improvement Programs. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Deputy Director.

This position is based out of the CAMPO offices. This position may be eligible for partial telework schedule after the successful completion of an initial probationary period.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $86,945 - $98,585

Typical Tasks

Locally Administered Projects Program Management

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Locally Administered Projects Program
• Oversees the LAPP project application and selection process
• Leads LAPP Scoring and Program committees processes by developing recommendations, providing technical analysis and documenting meeting discussions and recommendations
• Serves as the lead MPO project manager throughout project development and construction process for all LAPP projects, including roadway, bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects
• Perform program management including program amendments, policy recommendations and Transportation Improvement Program Amendments, including approvals
• Serves as the lead MPO Coordinator between project sponsors, the MPO, NCDOT and USDOT
• Serves as a technical resource to project sponsors in project development and LAPP rules and requirements

Project Management

• Coordinates the design of construction projects on behalf of the MPO by representing regional interests at design meetings and public hearings, reviewing plans, drawings, bid documents, contract selection and awards, and ensuring project delivery is consistent with funded project expectations
• Assists MPO member governments with preparation of contracts, identifying special provisions, verifying contract specifications, verifying contractor credentials, and other requirements
• Reviews contracts, verifies quantities and calculations, reviews reimbursement requests/payments, and attends/participates in project calls/meetings

LAPP Program Training & Project Tracking

• Maintains the LAPP handbook, training, and guidance resources
• Develops and maintains a LAPP project tracking system, including project funding and reporting
• Monitors reporting for compliance with the LAPP program regulations
• Tracks LAPP projects throughout LAPP cycle (project application, selection, programming, contracting, obligation, expenditures, and close out)
• Coordinate with MPO financial staff to maintain and provide a project financial and progress status reporting system that will provide management with a clear update on each project
• Work with local member government and agency staff to identify and evaluate potential projects, and ensure accuracy and completion of application requirements
• Perform fund management & analysis including managing utilization of available and expiring funds, monitoring fund compliance, preparing project and program status reports, developing/implementing technical tools and tracking performance on individual projects and the overall program
• Provide periodic reports to MPO Executive Board and Technical Coordinating Committee regarding program and project performance

Transportation Improvement Program Management

• Develops new Transportation Improvement Program in coordination with NCDOT
• Develops quarterly TIP amendments and coordinates with NCDOT on STIP amendments
• Manages and facilities the public notice and comment periods for all TIP actions including presentations to TCC and Executive Boards
• Coordinates Air Quality Conformity process with NCDOT, Central Pines Regional Council, and Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization related to Transportation Improvement Program and Metropolitan Transportation Plan
• Performs project tracking and reporting on TIP funding

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Work requires considerable independent professional judgment and initiative in resolving problems based on a comprehensive knowledge of Federal and State policies and various intergovernmental program regulations. Ability to work under pressure on several projects simultaneously and within time constraints; ability to perform independent research and develop recommendations; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to supervise other personnel in a project coordination role.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in planning, engineering, or a related field. At least four years of project or program management experience is required. At least two years of federal transportation project-based experience preferred. Experience with NCDOT construction projects is desirable. Applicants may substitute additional relevant education for the required experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following

• Candidates that have strong knowledge of transportation project management including scheduling, permitting, construction practices, and cost estimates
• Candidates that have experience managing a Transportation Improvement Program
• Master's degree and AICP or PE is highly desired