Relocation/Job Market Question

I’ve been working in the state I moved to for college for going on 10yrs (OK), and I’m looking to move back to my hometown next summer (MO).

Only having worked in various divisions of the same dept (and even starting there while still in school), and not in the state I’m moving to, my understanding of the overall job market is pretty lacking.

My main question is: how many months in advance should I be aggressively putting myself out there? I can’t get out of my lease until late summer

Some other relevant info: 10 yrs of roadway design (including internship) xp, 2 yrs of ITS design/PM (current), and 6 yrs of licensure. I was trying to finish up a yr of PSLF and stay state/fed, but that’s not really a priority anymore.