Senior Transit Planner

Basic Function

Coordinates the identification and conceptual development of METRO’s long-range plan, capital facilities and capital improvements, serves as project manager for planning studies and for various capital and programmatic components of the bus network, as well as for FTA required environmental studies. Acts as the Agency’s liaison in the coordination of regional multi-modal project development. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Serves as Project Manager for planning studies and capital projects implementation. 
• Serves as Project Manager and assists with FTA required environmental studies for major METRO projects.
• Prepares administrative and technical reports on new or existing projects, programs and policies.
• Manages tasks and special projects associated with the implementation of the long-range plans, current METRO initiatives and regional coordination prospects.
• Manages consultant contracts, including scopes of work, prepares project milestones, and delegates work assignments to consultants and in-house staff.
• Assists with development and maintenance of METRO’s regional long-range plans.
• Makes recommendations and monitors projects included in the authority’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).
• Reviews and analyzes data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting the regional transit system.
• Coordinates with the City of Houston, Harris County, the multi-cities, management districts, and TIRZs to ensure the needs of transit are considered in the design of streets and public facilities.
• Reviews plans and drawings for new or modified facilities that serve METRO passengers to ensure that those facilities will be easy to access for pedestrians and bicyclists. 
• Coordinates initial definition and conceptual planning/design of capital projects.  Prepares project justifications and presentations for specific capital projects. 
• Assist in agency grant writing efforts.
• Conducts presentations on METRO’s activities internally and outside groups.
• Coordinates planning activities with area associations, community groups, local and state agencies, and special interest groups.
• Responds to public, senior staff and Board Member inquiries.
• Responsible for managing project budgets.
• Provides Support to senior staff.
• 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: $76,200 - $100,000

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Transportation or a related field required.
Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Transportation or related field preferred

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in planning and technical analysis.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge of transportation and transit planning, knowledge of socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the area.  Project management, coordination, analysis, and presentation skills.  Computer skills to include all of MS Office software, use of word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software.  Familiarity with architectural concepts, land use planning, ridership analysis and traffic analysis useful. Must have excellent verbal and writing skills. Must have very good presentation skills. Must be able to work well in a team environment. AICP is desired but not required.

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.