SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER (PLANNING & RESEARCH)

This position helps develop and implement pilots, planning for the LA 2028 Olympic Games and supports Metro’s Strategic Plan, with a focus on monitoring progress in the lead up to 2028. The position also helps analyze data for long-term planning and engage employees to strengthen agency culture and effectiveness. Performs senior-level technical planning, programming, or project support and performs a range of functions in an assigned organizational unit. 

• Supports analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, of transportation projects, programs, and policies
• Prepares specific components of scopes of work, financial plans, schedules, contracts, and agreements
• Schedules and coordinates meetings with Metro departments and external parties
• Participates in meetings with Metro staff, community organizations, cities, and other public agencies
• Assists in negotiations and execution of various agreements
• Manages small, single-site or region-wide projects or funding programs; manages small consultant contracts or assists with the management of large contracts
• Manages project schedules, budgets, tasks, and assigned activities
• Conducts analyses and makes policy recommendations
• Provides technical guidance to local jurisdictions and outside agencies on Metro programs
• Assists in evaluating the costs, benefits, and risks associated with various plans, programs, and projects
• Prepares and delivers reports, presentations, and correspondence
• Coordinates with other Metro departments on programs and projects
• Applies, develops, and implements statistical analysis procedures

May be required to perform other related job duties

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Transportation Planning, Engineering (Civil, Transportation, Structural, Industrial, Mechanical, Architecture, etc.), Business, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Design, Public Policy, Finance, or a related field; Master's Degree in a related field preferred

• Three years of relevant experience in transportation planning, project management, urban design, transportation system design and research, travel simulation and demand modeling, transportation finance, operations planning, or other related area; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions preferred

• Experience conducting innovative research, randomized control trial research, implementing pilot projects and/or testing new technology or strategies within an organization towards change management
• Experience leading strategic planning, including how to collaboratively shape a big-picture vision of the future, set strategies, and track indicators
• Experience contributing to organizational culture change, with a focus on effectiveness and shared values
• Experience identifying & implementing best practices and trends in transportation, particularly in public transportation within large urban areas
• Experience implementing emerging technology and innovative practices, including the use of (and limitations of) AI for research and analysis

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Theories, principles, and practices of transportation, urban and regional planning, land use planning and regulations, programming, public financing techniques mobility, and/or fiscal analysis
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing transportation policies, funding sources, real estate leasing, mobility and development practices
• Financial, analytical, statistical research, and mathematical processes and procedures
• Technical research methods, analysis, and innovation
• Best practices regarding project management and planning
• Applicable business software applications
• Emerging business models and opportunities to test new models of service delivery

• Conducting comprehensive planning studies and projects
• Identifying problems and analyzing data in pursuit of solutions and/or to test new models of service delivery
• Analyzing situations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions
• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
• Mediating and negotiating
• Communicating project opportunities, risks, and constraints

• Compile and analyze complex data
• Meet tight time constraints and deadlines
• Convey ideas clearly and in a timely fashion
• Think and act independently
• Navigate Metro's complex organizational structure
• Develop and execute strategies to meet project and department goals
• Be flexible, adaptable, and able to iterate as obstacles are encountered during project delivery
• Develop and maintain external relationships to ensure project success
• Understand, interpret, and apply theories, laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and agreements
• Represent Metro before the public
• Handle confidential information
• Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out
  

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Communicating through speech in the English language required

Salary : $83,990 - $125,986