Alaska Fellows Program: Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) Planning - Community Transportation & Implementation Fellow

Alaska Fellows Program position description

Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) Planning 
Community Transportation & Implementation Fellow

Fairbanks, AK

This position is part of the Alaska Fellows Program. All fellows live together, “in community,” in their respective host site. Each host site is unique and remarkable.

Fellows receive housing, a $1200 monthly living stipend and a $750 relocation stipend. The fellowship includes facilitated and funded opening and closing retreats.

For other questions about the application process, email applications@alaskafellows.org. 

Work Term: September 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027

Host: Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) Planning (www.fastplanning.us)

Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Contact: Jackson Fox, Director, FAST Planning (jackson.fox@fastplanning.us)

Title: Community Transportation & Implementation Fellow

Organization Description: Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) Planning is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Fairbanks and North Pole areas. FAST Planning coordinates transportation planning and funding decisions that support safe, efficient, and equitable mobility throughout the region.

FAST Planning works in the environments of transportation, land use, and community planning. In addition to long-range planning and policy development, the organization actively implements demonstration projects, safety initiatives, and Complete Streets strategies that improve walking, biking, transit access, and overall street design in Interior Alaska’s unique climate.

FAST Planning collaborates closely with local governments, state agencies, schools, community organizations, and residents to ensure transportation investments reflect community values and real-world needs.

Position Description: The Community Transportation & Implementation Fellow will support hands-on planning and project implementation efforts focused on active transportation, safety, and community engagement in the Fairbanks region. This fellowship emphasizes applied learning through real-world projects, offering direct experience in how transportation initiatives move from concept to implementation.

The Fellow will participate in site visits, alternative mode mobility audits, pilot installations, field data collection, outreach efforts, and corridor- and neighborhood-level planning initiatives. Working closely with FAST Planning staff and regional partners, the Fellow will help test ideas, gather feedback, refine projects, and strengthen community engagement in transportation decision-making.

Responsibilities may include: contributing to active transportation and safety demonstration projects; supporting bike and pedestrian count data entry and backlog consolidation; assisting with non-motorized pathway condition and use studies; advancing initiatives such as ADA improvements, heated sidewalks, resilience planning, identifying data needs and performing gap analysis for transportation infrastructure; organizing and facilitating committee and stakeholder discussions; and providing event coordination and outreach support.

The position is highly interactive and community-facing. The Fellow will serve as a visible member of the project team in the field and at public meetings, take ownership of discrete project tasks, assist with documentation and reporting, and help translate technical planning concepts into accessible information through visual materials, storytelling, podcast/video editing, and other communication tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. Candidates with comparable professional, technical, or community-based experience demonstrating the skills needed for the role are strongly encouraged to apply. Non-traditional and lived experience pathways are valued.
• Post secondary education 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Interest in transportation, urban planning, public policy, engineering, architecture, public engagement, or related fields.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
• Professional presence and discretion in public settings, with the ability to navigate conversations with elected officials, technical staff, and diverse community members thoughtfully and respectfully.
• Comfort working outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Interest in community-based problem solving and hands-on project implementation.

Skills & Experience Gained

• Practical experience in public engagement and community-based planning.
• Experience collaborating with local/regional governments and agencies, and interactions with various department leaders, elected officials, partners, and community members.
• Applied transportation planning and field observation skills.
• Experience implementing and evaluating real-world pilot projects.
• Strengthened communication skills through stakeholder engagement, outreach, and visualization work.
• Exposure to how federally funded transportation projects are developed, evaluated, and delivered.

Position Logistics: Hours for this position are generally Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, with opportunity for remote work and flexible schedule. A workspace will be provided for the Fellow at FAST Planning’s office in downtown Fairbanks at 100 Cushman Street. Public transportation between FAST Planning and the Sustainable Village is available via the MACS transit blue line; FAST Planning will provide a transit pass if desired. The fellow will report to Jackson Fox, Director. 

Application Materials: A complete application should include a cover letter, resume, and two references, and other materials at applicants discretion.

Contact Information: Jackson Fox, Director, FAST Planning (jackson.fox@fastplanning.us)

To Apply: Please complete the google form linked HERE including submitting all requested application materials.