About NMCOG

The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is a mission-driven regional planning government agency serving the Greater Lowell region (Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford). We partner with our member communities to tackle complex, real-world challenges – from housing affordability and climate resilience to transportation access, economic vitality, and municipal capacity. Our work is grounded in data, equity, and collaboration, and focused on helping communities move from plans to action.

Guided by our Strategic Plan, NMCOG is evolving how we support municipalities: strengthening local capacity, advancing implementation-ready solutions, improving public engagement, and centering equity, sustainability, and regional cooperation in everything we do. We are a small, collegial organization where staff have meaningful responsibility, visible impact, and the opportunity to shape the future of the region.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work environment; excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; and a supportive team culture that values learning, initiative, and balance.

Transportation Planner I or II

Category: Full-Time Professional (Exempt)
Supervisor: Executive Director, with direct supervision by the Deputy Director
Salary Range: $65,000 to $85,000

Why This Role Matters

NMCOG’s transportation work sits at the intersection of infrastructure, safety, resiliency and economic opportunity. As a Transportation Planner, you will play a key role in supporting the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization (NMMPO) and helping communities advance transportation projects that improve daily life for people in the region. This position is ideal for a planner who enjoys technical work, regional coordination, and seeing projects move from concept to implementation.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as staff support to the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization (NMMPO)
• Assist with transportation planning, programming, and compliance activities funded by MassDOT and other local, state, and federal partners
• Support development of transportation plans, studies, and analyses, including safety, active transportation, transit, and roadway projects
• Analyze data related to travel, safety, equity, emissions, and system performance
• Prepare reports, technical memoranda, presentations, and public-facing materials
• Coordinate with municipal staff, MassDOT, LRTA, consultants, and other regional partners
• Support public engagement and committee processes, including meeting preparation and facilitation
• Track project schedules, funding sources, and implementation status
• Attend meetings during the day and occasional evenings

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a motivated, adaptable planner who is curious, collaborative, and comfortable juggling multiple projects. We welcome candidates at different expeirence levels and will consider placement at Planner I or II based on qualifications.

We welcome candidates at different experience levels and will consider placement at Planner I or II based on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, transportation, engineering, public policy, geography, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Knowledge of transportation planning principles, policies, and practices
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Comfort working with data and technical information

Preferred (but not required):

• Experience working with MPOs, MassDOT, or transportation agencies
• Familiarity with GIS and transportation datasets
• Experience supporting public or stakeholder engagement processes

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license or ability to arrange transportation within the region
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

How to Apply

If you’re excited about collaborative, impact-driven planning and want your work to make a visible difference in local communities, we encourage you to apply. Positions are open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to provide a writing sample or example of relevant work.