Associate Transportation Planner

Maintaining efficiency and economy in operations management requires flexibility in job assignments. While each employee shall have a primary responsibility for the job in which that employee has been hired or later promoted to, each employee may be expected to perform other jobs from time to time.

SUMMARY:

The Associate Transportation Planner manages MTS service planning and performance monitoring, evaluates the performance of existing services, develops proposals for new service and recommends improvements to transit service quality, productivity and efficiency.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

• Manages service planning, performance monitoring, scheduling, and data collection programs, including those required to support regional, state and federal programs.

• Conducts bus and light rail service studies and recommends improvements to transit service quality, productivity, and efficiency.

• Evaluates performance of existing services and identifies trends requiring more in-depth analysis.

• Develops proposals for new service based on service evaluation and regional goals.

• Recommends and develops planning, performance monitoring, and data collection activities to efficiently and effectively monitor the system and achieve MTS goals.

• Manages planning activities that support service change implementation and closely coordinates with bus, rail and contract service departments and implement changes.

• Organizes and attends public meetings, outreach activities and community events.

• Presents oral and written reports to governmental bodies, private organizations and the general public.

• Assists in the development of goals related to planning and performance monitoring.

• Coordinates with area transit operators, community groups and other agencies.

• Represents MTS on various project committees.

• Conducts planning activities in compliance with state, federal and environmental requirements.

• Supervises subordinate staff and consultants.

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; skill in effectively supervising subordinates in order to achieve company goals; ability to effectively multi-task and work well under pressure; knowledge of MTS Bus and MTS Rail services; ability to foster collaborative and productive working relationships with internal staff, outside agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders; knowledge of state and federal environmental and civil rights requirements for planning (including NEPA, CEQA, Title VI, and EJ); ability to organize and successfully run public outreach programs, meetings, and events to obtain meaningful community input on MTS projects; familiarity with transit operations, scheduling, and facilities planning; knowledge in statistical, GIS, and database software preferred.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in both office and field type environments and may require travel to external locations and agencies with some work outside and on-board transit vehicles is required.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

Possess a bachelor's degree in transportation planning, engineering, geography, urban studies or a related field. Two-to-five years of full-time professional work experience in transit planning and/or transit operations with increasing responsibilities is preferred. Must demonstrate substantial knowledge and the ability to perform the specific job functions. Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.

GENERAL:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

SALARY GRADE:

#7 ($50,383 - $99,162)

Hiring Range:

$67,000 - $83,000

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.