PLANNING MANAGER
MEET MVTA
At Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), we are more than a transit agency; we are the pulse of connected communities, driven by our guiding principles. We prioritize safety for riders, employees, and communities while delivering transformative transportation services that exceed expectations. We strive for eco-friendly practices, foster inclusivity, and fairness with a focus on innovation, uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and remain customer-focused, placing riders at the center of all our endeavors.
As the second-largest transit agency in Minnesota, MVTA serves seven cities in Dakota and Scott counties. Our extensive network includes 25 routes, offering local, express, micro-transit, and event services. Join us in shaping the future of transit, fostering community ties, and delivering innovative solutions. Together, we propel MVTA as the most connected transit agency, transforming how our communities live, work, and play.
POSITION SNAPSHOT
The Planning Manager is a key figure in the planning, developing, and implementing service delivery, ensuring transit system performance goals are met or exceeded. This position plans, consults, reviews and coordinates the implementation of transportation-related developments while performing transit reviews, bus scheduling, analysis and development, statistical data collection and interpretation of data. The position also supervises and completes mandatory reporting in addition to other work as required.
This position requires local travel between MVTA locations and schedule flexibility for after-hour events and on-call duties.
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
- Manages and coaches specified MVTA Development teach members including the provision of mentorship, performance evaluations, and ongoing training to ensure high-quality service delivery and effective project execution.
- Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis. Evaluates and provides comment/recommendation on planning-related legislation applicable to department projects.
- Manages consultant contracts and prepares scopes of work/requests for proposals as needed.
- Partners with the Transportation Director and Public Information Manager to investigate requests for service changes and research/market/implement service changes.
- Leads service improvements and expansion efforts and changes to current planning policies; identifies underserved markets and areas of insufficient capacity; and balances service improvement priorities against resource limitations.
- Manages MVTA's service planning to improve efficiency and effectiveness of MVTA service including creating and revising schedules, blocks, routes, route descriptions, maps, stop reports, route reviews, destination signs, and other related documents and communicating service changes.
- Utilizes technical and software skills to program destinations signs for all buses assigned to a specific route.
- Employs Optibus scheduling software to make recommendations, prepare new schedules, or make schedule adjustments in accordance with load checks and service standards. Oversees processes in order to maintain current routes, maps, stop listing, General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), and schedule production documentation for use in creating bus schedules and driver runs.
- Applies a data-driven, technical approach toward planning and research projects and performs analysis to direct MVTA service evaluations. Organizes and develops service planning and programming objectives to ensure conformance with MVTA Board Strategic Plan.
- Compiles and analyzes information such as population and economic growth estimates, demographics, housing transportation and land-use data, and city comprehensive plans that support future planning policies and priorities.
- Leverages technology to monitor the performance of MVTAs service, measure the results of service planning decisions, and improve system performance. Manages MVTA Title VI analysis and reports findings to the MVTA Board and other regional or federal agencies.
- Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals and environmental studies. Manages numerous projects such as bus assignments, ridership, transit planning best practices, convenience fare database, system surveys, destination sign programming, automated vehicle location (AVL) and automatic passenger count (APC) evaluations, performance statistics, and other service-related material.
- Coordinates with the Planning and Public Outreach Manager regarding transportation-related developments in MVTAs service area.
- Develops information and materials and presents forward-looking concepts for public comment. Presents data, maps, or other information at public hearings or meetings.
- Represents MVTA as a regional service provider and collaborates with partners and stakeholders to achieve transit goals and growth.
- Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws.
- Maintains and fulfills ongoing and emergent reporting requirements and data requests.
- Assists in preparing and monitoring the departments annual budget and ensures that expenses are consistent with the approved budget.
- Advises and prepares recommendations to MVTA Board on planning and service related issues.
- Performs other duties as assigned or as apparent.
CORE COMPETENCIES & CREDENTIALS
- Bachelors degree in urban planning, transportation, geography, public administration, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in transit planning or related field and management experience
- Experience with transit operations data (AVL, APCs, ridership, etc.)
- Foundational knowledge of regional transit governance and public policy
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Possess knowledge computer software such as Geographic Information System (GIS), Adobe Illustrator, Avail, Optibus, etc.
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (or willingness to obtain within two years).
DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
- Graduate degree in urban planning, transportation, geography, public administration, or related field
- Possess training in statistical analysis methods, script coding, destination sign programming, and transit principles
- Possess American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
- Possess Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certification
- Possess Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) certification
MVTA offers a collaborative and innovative work environment with a commitment to equity, sustainability, and community service. Even if your skill set doesnt perfectly align, we value relevant experience, passion for making a positive impact, and a keen willingness to learn!
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions which might include but are not limited to remaining stationary for extended periods, occasional movement throughout the department, and occasional transport of objects weighing less than 10 pounds. This position requires the ability to observe and analyze details at close range and communicate to exchange accurate information with others.
EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGES
- Healthcare: Access to medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
- Employee Assistance Program: Access support services for personal and professional challenges.
- Life and Disability Coverage: Gain peace of mind with life and disability benefits, ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones.
- Deferred Compensation: Build a foundation for long-term financial security with the flexibility and control provided by our deferred compensation plan.
- Retirement: MN PERA is a government pension program; employer and employee contributions are mandatory.
- Paid Time Off: Achieve work-life balance with paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- Investing in Your Growth: We invest in your professional development through a variety of continuous learning opportunities and programs.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
MVTA believes in providing equal employment opportunities. MVTA will not violate any law prohibiting discrimination for or against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, familiar status, disability (including those related to pregnancy or childbirth), membership or non-membership in a labor organization, sexual orientation, gender identify, status regarding public assistance, genetic information, complaining in good faith to MVTA or public authority, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. Applicants and employees will be evaluated solely based on their conduct, their compliance with MVTAs policies, practices, and legitimate expectations, and their performance and experience.
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Hybrid with some flexibility to work from home.)
Compensation details: 92800-129900 Yearly Salary
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