An employee in this class performs technical and professional planning work for the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization and region. Work includes carrying out metropolitan transportation planning requirements, serving as project manager for complex projects, including coordinating project teams on special work assignments; applying for and receiving funding for projects and managing the project; conducting complex and technical research; and gathering input from public officials, affected citizens and the public. Employees work on one or more areas of expertise including region-wide planning initiatives, transportation, economic development, and a variety of environmental issues. Work also includes tasks such as providing technical assistance to the local government members; planning and participating in various public participation processes; supporting groups and committees made up of citizen and public officials; evaluating programs and preparing and presenting reports; and complying with grant reporting regulations.