Senior Planner

Do you have a passion for urban rail service planning , scheduling and data analysis? Are you a creative problem solver that enjoys developing data-driven alternative rail plans for major construction projects and daily rail service? If yes, please consider applying for the Senior Planner position in the Rail Planning & Scheduling department! This position will support the Rail Planning department with time-sensitive analysis on ridership patterns, the development of alternative service proposals for the annual budget and major construction, and interface with departments on upcoming rail service changes and solutions to improve rail schedule performance.

We are looking for an independent worker who has experience in transit service planning, strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and able to translate technical data into easy to understand communication. The right candidate has had experience in transportation planning, working with transportation data, querying SQL databases, and is skilled in communicating data findings in visually understandable ways.

The right candidate will be flexible for changing priorities, a creative problem solver and able to work under deadlines. The position will develop and contribute to rail service planning policy and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders. This position will help shape rail service planning policy and provide critical information for the development of operational and service plans for Metrorail.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Engineering, Economics, Public/Business Administration, or a related field

Experience

• A minimum of five (5), years of experience in transportation planning, public transportation policy and/or planning, project management, and/or public advocacy

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

• N/A

Medical Group:

Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this job. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of this job either with or without reasonable accommodations.

SUMMARY

The Senior Planner develops and implements transit planning programs and projects from concept to final delivery. The position oversees the production and technical review of numerous reports, concept drawings and graphics, and presentation materials documenting specific projects. The incumbent provides technical analysis on transit planning programs and coordinates with other Offices and Departments within the Authority, and with third party agencies and stakeholders, to ensure the successful implementation of the programs. The incumbent advocates for Metro's needs in regional planning activities including coordination with other Authority offices, federal, state, regional and local agency representatives and other stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads or supports the implementation of key programs, projects and/or initiatives within the Office's Business Plan.
• Serves as a project lead, directing teams consisting of employees, contractors, and colleagues from partnering departments to develop transit planning solutions that achieve Authority's mission and resolve the region's mobility challenges
• Leads transit service and/or infrastructure improvement planning activities including, identifying projects for the annual work plan; writing scopes of work; identifying program goals and outcomes; and estimating project staffing needs and costs to expand and improve transit service and infrastructure
• Prepares and presents oral/written documentations, presentations, reports/recommendations for internal stakeholders; may include briefings and other materials for the Board of Directors to inform relevant internal and external stakeholders
• Monitors factors which may affect WMATA, such as federal, state and local funding policies and priorities; regional and local transportation programs and projects; regional demographic and economic trends; and national transportation best practices, policies and technology advances to represent WMATA's interests, identify potential impacts on WMATA's service and assets, and promote WMATA's role as an industry leader.
• Advocates for Metrorail system or Metrobus services in local, state, and regional transportation projects and studies; represents the Authority at local, state, and regional technical and committee meetings; and serves as an Authority liaison to local and state transportation projects, including major investment studies concerning the expansion of Metrorail, Metrobus, and other connecting transportation services.
• Identifies opportunities for ridership growth and develops service policies and proposals based on data analysis and/or studies to advance innovation and new initiatives and recommends these strategies to senior management.
• Serves as project lead for policy analysis regarding transportation services, growth opportunities and other relevant issues.
• Supports WMATA's strategic plan by identifying and analyzing policies that leverage an enhanced understanding of mobility, equity, and land use.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.