SUMMARY
The Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG) is offering an exciting opportunity to learn and grow professionally in a small public agency that works with several vibrant growing communities in a metropolitan area of over 200,000. Metro COG serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, and in that capacity, works with Cass County, Fargo, Horace and West Fargo, North Dakota and Clay County, Dilworth and Moorhead, Minnesota as well as the North Dakota and Minnesota Departments of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.
Metro COG’s work, which is largely focused on metropolitan area transportation planning, is a balance of technical planning and stakeholder/public engagement. A successful candidate for the Assistant Planner position will provide technical and planning assistance to implement Metro COG’s transportation planning, and transit work program elements, under the supervision of the Executive Director.
Metro COG’s organizational structure allows for ample growth in presentation skills, document preparation, technical analyses, and public engagement. A successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of project teams made up of both internal staff and external stakeholders.
General activities include: public interaction, project research, data collection & retrieval, analyses of technical data, transportation planning efforts, and coordination with Metro COG’s GIS Specialist. This position may be called upon to assist with many other aspects of Metro COG’s work program, including:
- interaction with the public,
- planning and implementing on-line and in-person public engagement events,
- preparing special studies,
- assisting with and building skills in project management,
- collection & retrieval of socio-economic data,
- staffing of diverse committee assignments,
- completion of transportation-related planning efforts, and
- coordination with local city and county staff and other stakeholders on matters related to transportation and regional land use planning.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree in geographical sciences, urban planning, transportation planning, civil engineering or a related major is the minimum qualification. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in community development, urban planning, transportation planning. Metropolitan and/or regional planning experience is preferred.
Desirable skills include: a growing understanding of inter-jurisdictional planning principles; strong knowledge of Excel spreadsheets; familiarity or experience with the use of Esri GIS applications; strong ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and; a proficiency in basic research and computer techniques; growing competency in transportation, and transit planning issues; and the desire and ability to coordinate on-line and in-person public engagement methods and committee functions. An employee should also have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with engineers, transit directors, planners, public officials, committee members, private organizations, and the general public.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The 2026 starting salary range for this position ranges from $71,672 to $80,286, with future salary steps exceeding this amount commensurate with experience. Metro COG reserves the right to hire at an appropriate level based on qualifications and applicable experience. Employees receive an annual step raise upon a satisfactory annual performance evaluation.
Metro COG offers the following benefits:
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Life/AD&D insurance
- Employer match for retirement savings
- Health savings account contribution
- Employee Assistance Program
- Training opportunities and Payment of Professional Membership Dues
APPLICATIONS AND HIRING PROCESS
For consideration, send a cover letter, resume, general application, and Title VI EEO survey to Ben Griffith, Executive Director, Metro COG, 1 2nd Street N, Suite 232, Fargo, ND 58102, or by email to [email protected]. Initial applicants will be reviewed at that time, and the position will remain open until filled. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis as we are unable to sponsor visas. For additional information regarding the position, contact Ben Griffith at 701-532-5103.
**You must follow the instructions regarding the hiring process in order to be considered for employment - You may be disqualified if you do not follow the guidelines**
INFORMATION AND FILLABLE FORMS MAY BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE:
https://www.fmmetrocog.org/meetings-events/news/now-hiring-assistant-transportation-planner
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION: https://fmmetrocog.org/application/files/6617/8587/0891/MetroCOG_Employment_Application_fillable.pdf
TITLE VI EEO SURVEY: https://fmmetrocog.org/application/files/9417/8587/0901/EEO_InformationRequest_fillable.pdf
EEO STATEMENT
It is the continuing policy of FM Metro COG to afford equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of their sex, race, creed, disability or national origin, and to conform to applicable laws and regulations. Equal opportunity encompasses all aspects of employment practices to include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, layoffs, recall from layoffs, discipline, and agency-sponsored educational, social, recreational programs. Additionally, it is the policy of this agency to provide its members a viable means for communicating and resolving grievances and complaints regarding unlawful discriminatory employment practices. Any employee of the FM Metro COG who fails to comply with this policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $71,672.00 - $80,286.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Urban planning: 1 year (Preferred)
- Civil Engineering: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
