Job Description

RAPC Transportation Planner / Public Engagement Specialist Part-Time, Experienced Position

The Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC) is seeking an experienced Transportation Planner / Public Engagement Specialist to join our team.

This part-time role combines professional transportation planning with public engagement and outreach responsibilities to support regional transportation and community planning initiatives.

Location: Alexandria, LA (in-office)

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Industry: Government, Non-Profit

Compensation: $30-$35/hour (equivalent to ~$62,000-$73,000 annually, prorated for part-time)

Benefits: This position does not include benefits

Reports to: Chief Transportation Officer (does not supervise others)

Notice: This position is associated with the Alexandria/Pineville Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) under the Transportation Division of RAPC.

Contact: Jonathan Bolen, Chief Transportation Officer 318-487-5401, ext. 12 jbolen@rapc.info

Position Overview The Transportation Planner / Public Engagement Specialist supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of MPO planning projects. This role combines professional planning with community outreach, ensuring that transportation and planning initiatives are accessible, inclusive, and informed by public input.

The position is suited for professionals with prior experience in transportation planning and public engagement who can contribute with limited supervision in a collaborative, small-office environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement public involvement strategies for MPO and RAPC projects. Organize public meetings, workshops, and open houses; handle logistics, notices, and documentation. Design outreach materials, including flyers, surveys, social media posts, and newsletters. Engage diverse community stakeholders, including underserved populations, to ensure broad participation. Collect, analyze, and summarize public feedback for inclusion in planning reports and decision-making. Maintain compliance with federal and state public participation requirements. Lead or assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting for MPO planning activities. Draft technical memoranda, plan chapters, maps/figures, and public-facing materials. Conduct applied research on multimodal mobility, safety (including VRU), access, equity, and resiliency. Track MPO performance measures, contribute to grant compliance documentation, and support UPWP deliverables. Provide professional assistance for regional transportation, land use, and community planning tasks. Perform other duties as assigned to advance MPO work program activities. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Urban/Rural/Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Communications, or a closely related field (or equivalent relevant experience). 2-4 years of professional experience in transportation planning, public engagement, or related fields. Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills; able to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to organize and execute community outreach events. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with graphic design, survey platforms, or social media management a plus. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision in a small-office environment.
Preferred: - Experience with federal/state MPO public participation guidelines.

- Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.

- Prior experience developing accessible and inclusive outreach materials (ADA-compliant, plain language, translated formats).

How to Apply: Email a resume, cover letter (subject line: "Transportation Planner / Public Engagement Specialist Position"), and contact information for three references to: Heidi Murrell, Accounting & Human Resources Manager heidi@rapc.info

Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2025

THE RAPIDES AREA PLANNING COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 32 - 35 per week

Work Location: In person