Metro's Office of Bus Planning & Scheduling is seeking a Senior Planner for Metrobus Services and Facilities. In this dynamic role you will lead studies and analysis on service plans for Metrobus service. Upcoming projects may include supporting the Bus Network Redesign Project, implementation of bus priority initiatives, plans for facility upgrades and improvements, supporting jurisdictional initiatives to improve bus service, annual reports on bus service performance, developing service recommendations in support of Metro's annual budget, and managing specific projects, programs and initiatives related to Metrobus service.

You will play a strategic role informing key decisions for bus operations and training, budget, EEO, marketing, and public relations, and coordinate closely with local jurisdictions.

You should be skilled at communicating effectively with external stakeholders and contracted staff to advance WMATA's goal and objectives. You must be ready to respond quickly, accurately and patiently to rapidly changing conditions and show strong leadership skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Financial Management, Economics, Public/Business Administration or a related field. Eight years progressively responsible experience in public transportation, project management, financial analysis and public advocacy is required.

Experience in lieu of education will be considered if candidate can effectively demonstrate progressively responsible experience in public transportation, project management, financial analysis and public advocacy is required.

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.

Mission Essential Designation

In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

Job Summary/Duties:

This incumbent is responsible for participation in the development of an annual business plan in close cooperation with other Authority offices; identifying opportunities for future growth and development using tools such as new technologies, economic trends and demographics; defining future strategies for the office to promote to the General Manager and the Board of Directors. Also, working in an advocacy role with local, state, regional and federal agencies, the private business sector and community groups to ensure the successful implementation of plans approved by the Board of Directors. This is a highly responsible professional, technical planning, project management and advocacy work of a complex nature.

Serves as a project leader for the development and preparation of major inputs for the annual update of the business plan which supports the mission, goals and objectives of the Authority.

Serves as a project manager with responsibility for managing and directing staff and professional consultants in technical work required to support the project requirements of the office.

Monitors factors which affect or may affect WMATA, such as federal, state and local funding policies; regional demographic and economic trends; regional and local transportation programs and policies; and new transportation technology advances.

Provides a pro-active advocacy role in the region by working with local, state and federal agencies and community groups to ensure the successful implementation of programs related to the Authority's business plan.

Assists in the development of the mission, goals and objectives of the Authority's business plan and identifies changes that may be appropriate based on the evolving role of public transit services in the region.

Identifies and examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the Authority and proposes functional changes to address these issues.

Serves as a project manager for policy analysis regarding transportation services, growth opportunities and other issues related to achieving the Authority's mission and role in the region.

Directs analysis of benefits and costs of program strategies and policies for achieving the goals and objectives of the business plan.

Coordinates with and leads staff of other offices in the analysis of alternative sources of funding to finance the operation, maintenance and capital requirements of the Authority. Identifies methods of cross subsidization from other modes of transportation to transit.

Serves as an Authority liaison to local and state transportation projects and Major Investment Studies concerning the expansion of the Metrorail system or Metrobus services into areas not currently served by the Authority.

Cooperatively works with other offices to identify all operating and capital requirements for input to the region's Constrained Long Range Plan.

Develops, manages and conducts transportation planning and analysis studies to identify strategies to achieve the mission of the Authority.

Develops opportunities for ridership enhancement through new initiatives and new market areas and recommends these strategies to the General Manager.

Identifies and assesses strategies to enhance non-fare box revenues.

Prepares and presents oral/written reports/recommendations within areas of assigned responsibility.

The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. It is not intended to limit in any way the right of 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.