Planning Manager
Primary Objective of Position
The Planning Manager is responsible for all aspects of public transit planning, service, and policy development including research, survey collection and analysis; transit service evaluation and development; new and restructured transit service implementation and monitoring; short and long range plan development, and representation of Metro Bus throughout the community including attending public meetings and hearings.
Essential Functions of the Position
Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or logical to the position.
1 Analyzes the performance of existing Fixed Route and Dial-a-Ride services and identifies trends, and areas of efficiency and improvement
1.1 Develops and coordinates implementation of short and long term fixed route and paratransit service plans that best meet the needs of the public and improve transit service quality, productivity and efficiency
1.2 Evaluates and updates bus stop and bus shelter transit amenity program and responds to suggestions or complaints regarding bus stop locations.
1.3 Prepares timetables and route layouts and coordinates changes with the Chief Operations Officer
1.4 Manages the operations and maintenance of the Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system. Conducts annual and as needed audit of TSP system cooperatively with jurisdictions.
1.5 Develops methods for the collation of data to improve route layout, scheduling efficiency and to estimate potential ridership, passenger load factors and frequency
1.6 Works to achieve on-time performance, increased ridership, and cost effective and productive transit services that meet community needs and result in a reduction in customer complaints related to service planning, schedules and customer information services
1.7 Evaluates and identifies situations or issues that have or could lead to deviation from expected results and makes recommendations and helps coordinate the implementation of appropriate solutions or options
2 Plans, coordinates and participates in the preparation of special projects to include, but not limited to, local and statewide Bus Roadeo, state public transit conference, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) development
3 Interacts with a wide range of officials, co-workers, and the public and conducts presentations pertaining to the status of operational plans or planned schedule changes
3.1 Faciliates the Riders Advisor Committee (RAC)
3.2 Represents Metro Bus at various local, regional, state and national meetings
3.2.1 Attends and/or participates in various external meetings and committees including City Council, St. Cloud Area Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (ATP), Northstar Link, St. Cloud State University (SCSU), civic groups and other external meetings/committees as necessary
3.2.2 Attends and/or participates in various internal meetings and committees including monthly Board meetings and other meetings/committees as necessary
4 Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains respectfully working relationships with coworkers and customers in carrying out job functions
5 Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices
5.1 Knows and follows safety rules and guidelines as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss
5.2 Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work
5.3 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
6 Performs other duties and activities as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
The job requires a four (4) year degree in planning, business or public administration and a minimum of five (5) years of planning experience and/or management and supervisor experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required include:
· Ability to interpret oral, written quantitative or technical information and data dealing with complex variables to identify, analyze and solve problems of considerable difficulty such as efficiently scheduling multiple transit routes
- Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with co-workers, subordinates, and the general public and to handle all types of situations
- Ability to work cooperatively with other Metro Bus departments and outside organizations to plan and implement transit related services
- Strong technology and/or equipment skill including computer skills with expertise with planning software and in all Microsoft Office programs.
- Has an operational understanding of travel demand model software (i.e. Traverse)
- Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences including all levels of employees and management. Must be able to read and speak English clearly. Bi-lingual a plus
- Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the organization
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce
- Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, committees and groups; and to diffuse situations/conversations that have escalated beyond normal limits
Desirable Qualifications
- Master’s degree in planning, business or public administration
- Demonstrated experience in transportation planning
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the current challenges facing public transportation
Knowledge, skills and abilities preferred include:
- Knowledge of transit planning as it relates to bus operations, ridership analysis and land use integration
Physical Demands and Working Environment
- This position is predominately in an office environment and off-site locations including buses, bus stops and external meetings. Can require extended periods of sitting
- Minimal exposure to temperature extremes, noise, physical and/or chemical hazards
- Utilizes personal computers, phone and other office equipment on a regular basis
- Will require some travel outside of the office. Will primarily utilize a Metro Bus vehicle for travel