Transit Planner

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision provided by the Assistant Transit Director, the Transit Planner is responsible for planning and implementing department projects and programs by collecting data, completing research, and providing project administration. The Transit Planner performs complex analytical work through the identification, collection and interpretation of data used to prepare plans, reports, maps, tables,  procurement, marketing and public information plans (including social media), and extensive public outreach regarding Transit.  The Transit Planner may also be assigned to the management of complex programs or assigned the responsibility to review transit plans. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES: The Transit Planner may be assigned to specific areas such as administration, research, transit planning or public information.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
 

1. Responsible for identifying, collecting and interpreting complex data and information used to prepare plans and reports.
   1. Develops complex transit plans; creates and writes staff reports on transit  projects, studies and proposals;
   2. Prepares maps, photos, tables and charts reflecting conditions and trends for  transit reports and presentations;
   3. Performs advanced analysis of internally or externally initiated ideas and proposals to identify compliance with current policies and practices;
      1. Identifies likely positive or negative outcomes; based on analysis, identifies environmental, economic, or legal impact and ways that positive impact can be reinforced and negative impact mitigated;
      2. Seeks to identify solutions that will produce positive outcomes for the City and its citizens;
      3. Participates in negotiating positive outcomes for the City and citizens.
2. Communicates effectively, professionally and courteously and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Regularly interacts with the public on elevated issues pertaining to department policies, procedures and protocols; refers to others as appropriate and follows up to ensure inquiries are resolved satisfactorily; 
   2. Presents reports and plans during Board and other meetings;
   3.  Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs.
   4. Work with other departments as directed.
3. Monitors and evaluates transit operations, including evaluation of ridership, and the performance of bus operations.
   1. Designs detour routes as needed;
   2. Responds to public concerns;
4. Develops and implements public information programs to promote the use of public transportation. 
   1. Oversees the preparation of schedules and other printed materials, and community outreach activities.
   2. Assists in establishing annual promotional events and social media campaigns regarding transit.
   3. Evaluates with transit operations; assists with reporting, budget preparation and monitoring.
5. Develops, promotes and implements programs to enhance fixed route transit use throughout the community including large employers, downtown businesses, NDSU and other general public users.
6. Provides project/program management of approved transit programs for compliance with established rules, timelines, project specifications and documentation requirements.
7. Supports Mobility Manager's public outreach programs as fixed route liaison.
8. Handles procurements for transit related services and goods, solicits proposals, recommends purchases and administers contracts in compliance with local, state and federal guidelines.
9. Design and implement new and existing marketing campaigns to increase awareness of transit in the community.
   1. Assists in establishing annual marketing budgets;
   2. Implement current marketing projects;
   3. Identify new marketing projects going forward.
10. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
    1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
    2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
    3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
11. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The job requires adequate course work at an accredited college or university with an emphasis in business administration/management; and at least 8 or more years of mass transit experience (fixed route and paratransit), or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required.
 
 
Knowledge, skills and ability include:
 

•  Knowledge of transit systems and public transportation needs
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations pertinent to public transportation;
• Knowledge of public administration and public policy development;
• Knowledge of research methods and accounting
• Knowledge of computer software used in transit
• Ability to manage projects and  understand procurement
• Skill in organization and statistics;
• Skill in developing and interpreting data;
• Skill in interpreting federal and state regulations;
• Skill in performing mathematical computations such as algebraic functions;
• Skill in communication and interpersonal skills as applies to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information, resolve disputes and receive work direction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Most work is performed in a normal office environment; on occasion, work is performed in the field.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.    Daily work often involves moving between buildings and rooms.  Activities the incumbent must perform include fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing and using repetitive motions.
 
Occasional driving is required to attend meetings. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue. There is considerable attention to detail and deadlines. 
 
This job is rated for Sedentary Work, meaning that walking and standing are required only occasionally and the job involves sitting most of the time.  The incumbent must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. 
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.