Title: Technical Assistant – Transportation Team, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC)
Location: Portage, Indiana
Pay: $40,000 to $45,000 annually
The Technical Assistant is responsible for supporting the Transportation Team’s planning initiatives associated with NIRPC’s role as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Indiana. The selected candidate will:
Collect Data Outdoors
· Collaborate with NIRPC and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to identify traffic count locations and develop traffic count schedules
· Install and retrieve outdoor automated roadway and trail traffic data collection devices on roadways and multi-use trails
· Document physical features of sidewalk locations and quality, bicycle lane locations and quality, roadway pavement conditions, etc.
· Collect travel time data in peak (6am – 9am and 3pm – 7pm) and off-peak hours (9am – 3pm)
· Maintain personal safety when collecting data and be available to be contacted by others on NIRPC staff via mobile phone when in the field
· Assist with other in-field data collection for the Transportation or Environment Team as required
Maintain Data Collection Equipment, Supplies, and Vehicle
· Monitor and report the condition of roadway and trail traffic data collection devices
· Conduct physical inventories of traffic data collection devices
· Maintain and make minor repairs to traffic data collection devices
· Arrange for maintenance and repairs of traffic data collection devices
· Maintain the NIRPC vehicle used for in-field data collection (bring for tune-ups, tire rotations, oil changes, etc.)
At the Office Duties
· Assist in maintaining the database of traffic counts collected
· Download count data from field collection devices to NIRPC and INDOT databases
· Share data for planning activities and for display on NIRPC website
· Assist in the preparation of reports with collected data for internal and external users
· Respond to inquiries pertaining to roadway and trail data
· Deliver planning documents to interested parties
· Assist in the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work products
· Other duties as assigned
To be considered for this position, please submit all requested files to:
Meredith Stilwell, Director of Administration
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
6100 Southport Road
Portage, IN 46368-6409
219-254-2525
· A carefully written cover letter (single page),
· Resume (no longer than two pages), and
· Contact information for at least two professional references.
Application materials should be submitted to NIRPC no later than June 20, 2025. However, the position will remain open until filled to find the candidate with the best fit among professional qualifications, experience, and suitability to NIRPC’s mission.
Minimum Requirements
· Associate’s degree in General Studies, Liberal Arts, Engineering Technology, or a related field where Microsoft Excel was used in coursework is preferred.
· Entry-level hourly position with no prior experience necessary. Prior work experience can be considered in lieu of Associate’s degree.
· Academic or work experience using ArcGIS software is highly desired.
· Practical knowledge of and experience using Microsoft Office applications - particularly Excel spreadsheet.
· Willing to work independently and on a team.
· Willing to seasonally work before and after business hours to complete travel time data collection (before 8:30am and after 6:00pm).
· Valid driver’s license with an impeccable driving record (background check and driver abstract from Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is required before position is offered and subsequent driving record monitoring while employed).
· Enthusiasm to continually learn/train to keep skills sharp and gain understanding of transportation planning principles and general requirements of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
· Willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and fulfill other duties as required.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following through their written resume, cover letter, and in an interview:
· Creativity and critical thinking skills
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
· Strong customer service for internal and external clients
· Development and maintenance of robust professional relationships
· Contribution to positive team dynamics
· Effective time and schedule management
· Clear and transparent communication
· Flexibility and openness
· Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
STARTING SALARY PARAMETERS:
· The hiring range is $40,000 to $45,000, based on qualifications and experience.
· NIRPC offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, participation in the Indiana Public Employees Retirement Fund, thirteen paid holidays, a flexible work schedule, and opportunities for remote work.
· NIRPC covers 100% of an employee’s contribution to Indiana’s Public Employees’ Retirement Fund.
APPLICATION & TIMEFRAME:
To be considered for this position, please submit all requested files to:
Meredith Stilwell, Director of Administration
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
6100 Southport Road
Portage, IN 46368-6409
219-254-2525
· A carefully written cover letter (single page),
· Resume (no longer than two pages), and
· Contact information for at least two professional references.
Application materials should be submitted to NIRPC no later than June 20, 2025. However, the position will remain open until filled to find the candidate with the best fit among professional qualifications, experience, and suitability to NIRPC’s mission.
Wondering about Northwest Indiana?
The Chicago Tribune called Northwest Indiana “the Affordable Shore.” It combines an innovative spirit, a beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, and proximity to Chicago and its amenities with commuter rail access that is undergoing major expansion and service enhancements.
Northwest Indiana’s 41 communities each have their own unique character, providing everything from vibrant downtown restaurant scenes to growing arts districts to simple, small-town charm.
These communities provide Northwest Indiana with a rich but affordable quality of life, helped by a state constitution property tax cap, lower taxes than our Illinois neighbors, and lower housing costs within similar or better proximity to Chicago’s loop than many Illinois suburbs.
The Indiana Dunes National Park and coastal environs provide exceptional beaches, dunescapes, paddling opportunities, and access to over 150 miles of paved trails linking greenways, parks, and other recreational amenities throughout the region.
Minimum Requirements
· Associate’s degree in General Studies, Liberal Arts, Engineering Technology, or a related field where Microsoft Excel was used in coursework is preferred.
· Entry-level hourly position with no prior experience necessary. Prior work experience can be considered in lieu of Associate’s degree.
· Academic or work experience using ArcGIS software is highly desired.
· Practical knowledge of and experience using Microsoft Office applications - particularly Excel spreadsheet.
· Willing to work independently and on a team.
· Willing to seasonally work before and after business hours to complete travel time data collection (before 8:30am and after 6:00pm).
· Valid driver’s license with an impeccable driving record (background check and driver abstract from Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is required before position is offered and subsequent driving record monitoring while employed).
· Enthusiasm to continually learn/train to keep skills sharp and gain understanding of transportation planning principles and general requirements of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
· Willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and fulfill other duties as required.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following through their written resume, cover letter, and in an interview:
· Creativity and critical thinking skills
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
· Strong customer service for internal and external clients
· Development and maintenance of robust professional relationships
· Contribution to positive team dynamics
· Effective time and schedule management
· Clear and transparent communication
· Flexibility and openness
· Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
STARTING SALARY PARAMETERS:
· The hiring range is $40,000 to $45,000, based on qualifications and experience.
· NIRPC offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, participation in the Indiana Public Employees Retirement Fund, thirteen paid holidays, a flexible work schedule, and opportunities for remote work.
· NIRPC covers 100% of an employee’s contribution to Indiana’s Public Employees’ Retirement Fund.
APPLICATION & TIMEFRAME:
To be considered for this position, please submit all requested files to:
Meredith Stilwell, Director of Administration
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
6100 Southport Road
Portage, IN 46368-6409
219-254-2525
· A carefully written cover letter (single page),
· Resume (no longer than two pages), and
· Contact information for at least two professional references.
Application materials should be submitted to NIRPC no later than June 20, 2025. However, the position will remain open until filled to find the candidate with the best fit among professional qualifications, experience, and suitability to NIRPC’s mission.
Wondering about Northwest Indiana?
The Chicago Tribune called Northwest Indiana “the Affordable Shore.” It combines an innovative spirit, a beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, and proximity to Chicago and its amenities with commuter rail access that is undergoing major expansion and service enhancements.
Northwest Indiana’s 41 communities each have their own unique character, providing everything from vibrant downtown restaurant scenes to growing arts districts to simple, small-town charm.
These communities provide Northwest Indiana with a rich but affordable quality of life, helped by a state constitution property tax cap, lower taxes than our Illinois neighbors, and lower housing costs within similar or better proximity to Chicago’s loop than many Illinois suburbs.
The Indiana Dunes National Park and coastal environs provide exceptional beaches, dunescapes, paddling opportunities, and access to over 150 miles of paved trails linking greenways, parks, and other recreational amenities throughout the region.