As Senior Transportation Planner, you will serve as project manager to develop complex, multifaceted short to long-range public transportation plans within budget constraints. This includes oversight of program scope, strategies, studies, cost modeling and technical evaluation as well as administration of program budgets, inter-jurisdictional agreements, and consultant contracts.

You will proactively and independently lead major projects, and support & lead stakeholder engagement and outreach on transit changes. You will formulate service change recommendations as needed and work with management to confirm direction.

Proactively manage projects, including product evaluation, standardization of agency data, and staff & vendor negotiations.
• Investigate and mine data for information. Compile and prepare technical analyses of a wide variety of demographic, economic, social, and on-board systems data relating to transit service. Formulate proposed service changes as needed and work with management to confirm direction.
• Track and evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of transit services. Analyze performance metrics for fixed route bus services, DART (paratransit), vanpool and micro-transit services as needed. Identify gaps in service. Evaluate tradeoffs in service design and propose service changes.
• Design, organize, and actively support planning studies and programs focusing on complex, multifaceted short to long-term public transportation service requirements. Examples include the Transit Development Plan (TDP), Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan and Long-Range Plan (LRP). Develop and recommend new policies and alternatives. Identify where future service plans depend on capital improvements.
• Lead and represent the agency on internal and inter-agency teams. Support and lead stakeholder engagement on service changes. Represent and support the agency at meetings, public forums and other inter-jurisdictional groups and committees.
• Assist in multi-jurisdictional planning and promote agency objectives. Determine proper position and responses for development or environmental review. Create and present information to the Board of Directors, committees, executive team, and others. Serve as chair or lead for regional committees. Coordinate infrastructure projects with cities and transit partners, advising on access, operational considerations, safety and funding.
• Use database search programs such as SQL, Excel, GIS, HASTUS and Remix to generate and create maps, charts, illustrations, graphics and reports summarizing complex transportation analysis for presentation to various audiences.
• Ground-truth data by riding system, engaging with riders, and operating staff.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, public administration, geography, economics, engineering, or another closely related field.
• Five years of experience in an applicable field.
• Must possess a valid Washington state driver's license by the time of hire.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Standards and practices of transportation and land use planning.
• Standards, methods and tools for analysis, research, and evaluation; including statistical analysis techniques.
• Economic principles, cost/benefit analysis, survey methods and systems in support of planning programs and projects.
• Washington State Growth Management Act and transportation related RCWs, federal planning requirements and ADA non-discrimination policies and procedures.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit's Core Values and achieve the organization's vision and mission. Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust. Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Designing, organizing, and conducting complex short, mid-range, and long-range planning projects.
• Advanced level proficiency with Excel. Demonstrated proficiency in GIS. Ability to develop expertise in other data and planning tools such as HASTUS and Remix
• Organizational influence and leadership. Gaining the support of others through persuasiveness, credibility, and expertise. Inspiring others to collaborate voluntarily.
• Building and maintaining positive working relationships internally and externally, even in times of stress and conflict. Participating in, facilitating, and supporting conflict resolution; exchanging feedback in an open, constructive, and professional manner; improving work processes and efficiency.
• Problem-solving and strategic judgment - organizing and prioritizing work, collaborating with others to generate and implement workable and useful solutions; exhibiting situational awareness and strategic judgment; recognizing when sources of information and/or partners should be consulted and when to escalate information.
• Identifying opportunities for creative problem-solving while staying within the parameters of good practice.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly in writing and through oral presentations.
• Initiative and a track record of driving process improvement.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Master's degree in Planning, Transportation or Land Use
• American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) designation or equivalent professional certification
• Three years of experience working with interagency committees and in project management
• Understanding of the complex issues facing Community Transit and the Puget Sound Region
• Knowledge of transportation forecasting, financial planning, and budget processes
• Experience in transportation network design and strategy development
• Ability to monitor performance and make recommendations for process improvements
• Ability to analyze, interpret, negotiate, and implement agreements with transit operators and other agencies
• Ability to analyze policies and programs to identify and recommend steps for eliminating barriers to transportation equity

Working Conditions

• 90% of your work will be performed in an office environment and requires you to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. You may be required to make substantial use of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. You also may be required to have close visual acuity to perform any activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing computer screens, and extensive reading. 10% will be riding our transit system.
• You may also be required to lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally. You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings. Given the nature of this job, you may also be exposed to automotive fumes, odors, and dust and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments.
• Hybrid telework is available for most administrative personnel.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted.
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position. The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency's deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment. As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.