PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER (MOBILITY CORRIDORS)

About the role

This position performs a wide range of transportation planning responsibilities in the Countywide Planning Department - Mobility Corridors. The role provides assistance on planning, programs, and environmental studies supporting Mobility Corridors, including work on multiple modes such as BRT, Rail, and Active Transportation.

Responsibilities

• Develops, applies, and evaluates technical planning and financial or system analytical methods and procedures
• Supports analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, of transportation or related projects, programs, and policies
• Prepares comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Provides technical and policy guidance to local jurisdictions and agencies on Metro programs
• Analyzes, develops, and recommends policies and procedures
• Develops technical and other documentation in support of Request for Proposals (RFPs) and participates in contractor/consultant selection
• Executes cooperative agreements, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and certification requirements with other entities
• Manages vendor performance against contracts to ensure completion of projects within scope, on-time, and within budget
• Participates in special task forces, committees, panels, transportation forums, and peer groups
• Assists in developing program guidelines and strategies
• Develops and monitors forecasts, budgets, and financial plans for transportation or related programs and projects
• Negotiates funding agreements
• Evaluates the costs, benefits, and risks associated with alternative funding plans, programs, and projects
• Represents staff at meetings to facilitate and implement planning projects
• Serves as lead with responsibility for studies and research projects
• Acts as liaison with outside agencies, public and private organizations
• Promotes development along transit lines and transportation corridors
• May be required to supervise staff
• Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals

Requirements

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Transportation Planning, Engineering (Civil, Transportation, Structural, Industrial, Mechanical, Architecture, etc.), Business, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Design, Public Policy, Finance, or a related field; Master's Degree in a related field preferred
• Experience: Five years of relevant experience in transportation planning, project management, urban design, transportation system design and research, travel simulation and demand modeling, transportation finance, operations planning, or other related area; some positions may require specialized experience in area of assignment
• Certifications/Licenses: A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with transit planning, programs, and/or environmental review for regionally significant transit projects and other large transit studies while complying with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Experience assisting with the preparation of concise, visually appealing presentations to different stakeholder groups, elected officials, cities, agencies, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
• Experience working with multidisciplinary transportation planning teams and/or teams of consultants
• Experience assisting with engagement with various agencies, internal and external stakeholders, community-based organizations, and cities
• Experience assisting with the management and oversight of project budgets and schedules for capital transportation projects

Essential Knowledge

• Theories, principles, and practices of transportation and land use planning, capital planning, grants management, project management, mobility, and/or system engineering
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing transportation policies, urban development practices, mobility, and funding sources for public agencies
• Methods and procedures for data collection and analysis, including spatial, financial, analytical, statistical, and mathematical
• Best practices regarding project management and planning
• Applicable business software applications
• Modern management theory
• Emerging business models and opportunities to test new models of service delivery

Skills

• Conducting planning studies and projects
• Understanding and analyzing complex concepts and data
• Performing statistical and financial analysis
• Analyzing situations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions
• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in overcoming obstacles and making decisions
• Establishing and implementing relevant policies and procedures
• Preparing reports and presentations
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
• Mediating and negotiating
• Communicating project opportunities, risks, and constraints

Abilities

• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Work independently in a highly structured environment
• Maintain composure in difficult situations
• Determine strategies to achieve goals
• Navigate Metro's complex organizational structure
• Be flexible, adaptable, and able to iterate as obstacles are encountered during project delivery
• Develop and maintain external relationships to ensure project success
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
• Handle highly confidential information
• Represent Metro before the public
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Working Conditions

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screens

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operating a telephone or other telecommunications device
• Typing and using a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Communicating through speech in the English language