THE OPPORTUNITY
KMPO is seeking an experienced and motivated Transportation Planner to serve as its primary professional planning staff member. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role in a small agency where the successful candidate will own the full range of the MPO’s technical planning functions — from long-range transportation planning and federal compliance to travel demand modeling, GIS, and stakeholder engagement. If you are passionate about transportation planning and want your work to directly shape how a growing region moves, this is an exceptional opportunity.
ABOUT KMPO
The Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO) is the federally designated MPO for the Kootenai County. KMPO is responsible for the comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) transportation planning process for the region, working in partnership with member agencies that include the Cities of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and Rathdrum; Kootenai County; the Coeur d’Alene Tribe; the Idaho Transportation Department; and local highway districts. KMPO is a small, collaborative office dedicated to shaping the future of transportation in the Coeur d’Alene region.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Long-Range & Short-Range Transportation Planning
- Lead development, update, and maintenance of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), ensuring compliance with federal planning requirements, performance-based planning, and environmental justice considerations.
- Conduct corridor studies, subarea analyses, multimodal planning studies, and safety planning activities.
- Lead multi-modal planning efforts in coordination with member agencies and stakeholders.
Travel Demand Model Management
- Serve as KMPO’s primary administrator and technical lead for the regional travel demand model (TDM) using VISUM.
- Maintain, update, and validate the model network, socioeconomic data inputs, and parameters in coordination with ITD and regional partners.
- Develop and run model scenarios to evaluate transportation alternatives and long-range plan investments; interpret and communicate results to staff, agencies, and the public.
Performance-Based Planning
- Lead KMPO’s performance-based planning program, including setting, tracking, and reporting on federal performance measures and targets.
- Coordinate target-setting with ITD and Kootenai County Public Transit; prepare and submit required documentation and progress reports.
- Monitor federal and state transportation planning regulations; advise the Executive Director and member agencies on compliance implications.
Public Participation & Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist with development and implementation of KMPO’s Public Participation Plan (PPP) in compliance with federal requirements.
- Plan and facilitate public meetings, workshops, and open houses; prepare agendas, presentations, and supporting materials.
- Coordinate Title VI and environmental justice outreach to ensure equitable public participation.
Data, GIS & Research
- Oversee collection, management, and analysis of transportation data including traffic counts, crash data, transit data, socioeconomic data, and land use information.
- Direct GIS mapping and spatial analysis; ensure GIS databases and transportation layers are current and accurate.
- Research transportation trends, funding opportunities, and best practices; prepare summaries and recommendations for staff and policymakers.
KMPO Office Support
- Assist the Executive Director with board and committee meeting materials, annual program documents, and strategic planning.
- Support planning, organization, and execution of KMPO Board and KCATT meetings.
- Represent KMPO on technical committees, interagency working groups, and regional, state, and national conferences as assigned.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Transportation-related Engineering, Geography, or a closely related field required.
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in urban, regional, or transportation planning, engineering, or a closely related field.
- Experience with travel demand modeling software — VISUM strongly preferred.
- Experience working with or for an MPO, state DOT, regional planning agency, or local government transportation program strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in Esri ArcGIS required.
Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and the metropolitan planning process.
- Ability to learn and apply travel demand modeling concepts and software; experience applying model outputs to planning decisions.
- Strong GIS skills for spatial analysis and cartographic production.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to present complex technical data to non-technical audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional reports, policy documents, and public presentations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. KMPO offers a competitive benefits package:
✓ Medical, Dental & Vision
✓ PERSI Retirement + 401(k) Option
✓ Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
✓ Paid Time Off
✓ 12 Paid Holidays
✓ Professional Development Support
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit the following to KMPO:
- Cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae
- Three professional references
Submit to:
Mail: KMPO, 250 Northwest Blvd., Suite 209, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; Attn: Transportation Planner Position
Email: [email protected]
Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026 or until filled
Questions:
Ali Marienau, Executive Director
208-930-4164, [email protected]
Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of professional experience do you have in the field(s) of or related to transportation planning?
Education:
Work Location: In person
