Graduate Transport Planner

Curtins, a well-established engineering consultancy with a legacy spanning over 65 years, is actively seeking enthusiastic graduates to join their team as Graduate Transport Planners. As an employee-owned organisation, Curtins is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where individuals can contribute to developing sustainable and innovative solutions for the built environment. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience within a supportive and dynamic setting, contributing to impactful projects across the UK and Ireland.

About the Role

This is an entry-level position designed to nurture emerging talent in the field of transport planning. As a Graduate Transport Planner, you will be integrated into a team of experienced professionals, including planners, engineers, and consultants. Your work will directly contribute to the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects, all while you cultivate essential technical and professional competencies vital for a thriving career in this sector. The role promises a comprehensive learning experience, enabling you to develop a strong foundation in transport planning principles and practices.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of tasks integral to the transport planning process. You will play a supporting role in the meticulous preparation of Transport Assessments and Transport Statements, which are crucial documents for evaluating the transport implications of development proposals. Furthermore, you will contribute to the production of Travel Plans, outlining strategies to encourage sustainable modes of transport, and various technical planning reports.

A significant aspect of your role will involve the analysis of data related to traffic, transport networks, and movement patterns, providing the evidence base for planning recommendations. You will also assist in conducting junction assessments to evaluate capacity and potential impacts, as well as development impact studies to understand the broader consequences of new projects.

Your contributions will be instrumental in supporting planning applications for a range of development types, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes. You will collaborate closely with planners, civil engineers, and other specialists to ensure that integrated and holistic solutions are developed. This collaborative spirit extends to client meetings, project discussions, and stakeholder consultations, where you will gain exposure to professional communication and project management. Beyond your core duties, Curtins encourages participation in wider organisational activities, such as STEM outreach programmes, charity initiatives, and community projects, fostering a well-rounded professional experience.

What They're Looking For

Curtins is seeking candidates who are either currently pursuing a degree or have recently completed one in a relevant discipline. Ideal academic backgrounds include Transport Planning, Geography, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or Town Planning, or a closely related field. While not mandatory, holding a Master's degree in Transport Planning, Transport Engineering, Urban Planning, or Development Planning would be considered advantageous, demonstrating a deeper academic engagement with the subject matter.

Beyond academic qualifications, the company values a curious mindset, strong analytical skills, and a genuine interest in development projects. The ability to think critically, dissect complex information, and formulate reasoned conclusions is paramount. A proactive approach to learning and a willingness to embrace new challenges will be highly beneficial for success in this role.

In South Africa, graduate transport planner roles typically offer a starting salary range that can vary significantly based on the employer's size, location, and the candidate's specific qualifications. Entry-level positions often fall within the R20,000 to R30,000 per month bracket. Common employers include engineering consultancies, municipal planning departments, and larger development firms. Career progression in this field can lead to senior planning roles, project management positions, and specialisation in areas like traffic engineering or sustainable transport, often with substantial salary increases accompanying these advancements.

• Studying towards or recently completed a degree in Transport Planning, Geography, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Town Planning, or a related discipline.
• Advantageous to hold an MSc in Transport Planning, Transport Engineering, Urban Planning, or Development Planning.
• Curiosity, analytical skills, and interest in development projects.