Associate Public Engagement Representative (Bilingual Candidate Preferred)

Basic Function

Supports community outreach activities by assisting with engagement tasks, gathering information, and helping the public understand METRO’s services.  Works under close supervision and participates in activities that provide METRO an opportunity to grow ridership and raise awareness about the benefits of transit services in diverse communities in the service areas, (i.e., Hispanic and Vietnamese).  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Performs administrative and field duties that support the planning, development, and facilitation of community engagement activities.
• Assists with event setup, distributing information and greeting community members at METRO outreach activities.
• Identifies potential community partners and builds lasting and reciprocal relationships that support METRO ridership growth initiatives and project implementation.
• Assists the public in understanding METRO’s role in regional mobility planning and implementation.
• Coordinates and plans community meetings associated with service changes and project implementation.
• Assists senior staff with preparing notification materials and informational messages.
• Coordinates and hosts VIP Tours.
• Maintains meeting database for Title VI reporting.
• Assists with maintaining a system that will produce contacts with community organizations and individuals to promote METRO's services, programs, and facilities.  Ensures that the database of stakeholders is current and has up-to-date information.
• Assists with special events such as groundbreaking, ribbon cutting ceremonies and multi-cultural events.  Participates in ceremonies, parades, and other community events including capital project grand openings and agency milestone celebrations.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay  Range:  $51,600 - $67,700

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Management, Public Administration, or a related degree is preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum zero (0) to two (2) years’ experience in community engagement and outreach activities.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Good communication skills (written/verbal).  Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.  Ability to organize and communicate ideas and make effective public presentations.  Personal computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft office suite. Knowledge of METRO’s region, its geographies and demographics is preferred.  Knowledge of social media and other basic public engagement platforms is preferred.  Bilingual skills (written/verbal) in Spanish or Vietnamese are preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.