Transit Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SALARY: $25.3151 - $31.4403, Hourly (DOE& Q) EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 01/29/2024
CLOSING DATE: Continuous until filled.
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Administrative Support Supervisor, the Transit Planner plans, designs, implements and evaluates changes in fixed routes and paratransit services operated by Port Arthur Transit; investigates and responds to internal and external queries and input pertaining to fixed route and paratransit services; participates in initiatives to increase ridership, decrease travel time and find new markets; assist with federal government transit programs, grants administration and work with project managers to ensure appropriate compliance.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Administrative Support Supervisor.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Conduct required background research and data collection to support recommendations for system development, support on planning studies and pilot projects, state and federal grant applications and related reports.
Perform professional work on a variety of planning assignments, ensure accountability and compliance with all current and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulatory agency policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Provide assistance with contracts management, including development of RFPs, scopes of work and project budgets.
Review of consultant proposals, invoices, processing of payments, issuing and managing work authorizations within a contract.
Work to identify federal, state and local transportation grant opportunities, and participate in the grant writing process, as well as the management of any funding received.
Present information to management, elected officials, advisory groups, partner transit agencies, local jurisdictions, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders on short and/or long range service planning issues.
Develop and implement effective, ongoing community participation and outreach programs for PAT supported projects.
Maintain consistent communication with internal (i.e., operators and support staff) and external customers (i.e. riders and advisory committees) to gather and compile information required for service development activities and communicate service related information.
Assist in the coordination of PAT's planning activities with the Metropolitan Planning Organization and other state and federal agencies. Specific functions include, assisting with the development of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Communicate orally and in writing, including synthesizing quantitative and qualitative information into concise, well-organized narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Conduct route studies by field investigations evaluating number of stops, length of route, number of runs and reviews of passenger surveys.
Monitor route performance for effectiveness, calculate projected ridership and performance statistics, propose modifications to existing service including route design.
Advise management on the effect of proposed service changes, and coordinate with other departments on service related issues.
Collect service-related data from various sources and develop and maintain the database in order to prepare federal and state reporting.
Perform data analysis in order to prepare various reports related to ridership, route productivity and service measurements.
Prepare maps, graphs, charts and other visual aids to illustrate the results of analyses and studies.
Prepare multi-media presentations for use in making civic, educational and regional planning presentations on transit issues.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of :
Theory, principles, practices, procedures and information sources of urban and transportation planning.
Economic, environmental and social concepts applicable to the transportation planning process.
Local, state and federal laws and regulations governing the provision of public transit services.
Statistical analyses techniques and formulas relevant to the planning process.
Methods and techniques of developing, coordinating and implementing public involvement and outreach processes on complex and/or politically sensitive issues.
Research and data collection, budget cost controls and project coordination.
GIS program and necessary skills associated with program.
Ability to:
Attend work on a regular and dependable basis.
Multi-task with a high degree of detail orientation within a fast-paced, team environment.
Work within the appropriate level of independence gathering information, setting priorities and making decisions.
Problem solve and demonstrate emotional control in crisis situations using tact and diplomacy.
Understand, interpret, explain and apply local, regional, state and federal laws, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and planning principles and practices.
Present ideas and requirements clearly and persuasively, orally and in writing to diverse, internal and external technical and non-technical audiences.
Interpret and present maps, graphs, statistical data and visual displays clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
Establish and maintain effective customer-focused working relationships with employees, employee organizations and their representatives, other governmental officials, community groups and to the public.
Demonstrate high proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite such as Outlook, Windows, PowerPoint, Excel and other computerized software.
Prepare monthly drawdown submissions for various governmental contracts/grants.
Analyze each grant monthly for ensure accuracy of financial data.
Review general ledger to reconcile accounts receivable and payments received.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach and stand
• Lift and/or move objects up to 20 lbs.
• Perform simple and powerful grasping, pushing, pulling and equipment securement

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Operating assigned equipment
• Answer multi-line telephone system
• Communicate effectively with others

Effectively deal with personal danger, such as:

• Working indoors and out, with exposure to weather conditions.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way would be:
Experience and Training :
Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university related to urban or regional planning, transportation planning, business or public administration, geography and/or relevant discipline with a minimum of one (1) year of verifiable experience (a combination of full- time employment and internships in planning can be used to compute years of experience) . Experience in the public sector is desirable.
OR
Associate degree from an accredited college related to urban or regional planning, transportation planning, business or public administration, geography and/or relevant discipline with a minimum of seven (7) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable experience. Experience in the public sector is desirable.
OR
Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent, with a minimum of ten (10) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable experience which must have included at least two (2) years in transportation/transit planning. Experience in the public sector is desirable.
License or Certificate :
Possession of a valid Texas Class C Driver's License.
Transit Planner - Transit Administration - Posting #23-02R
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Department: Transit This is a non-management position This is a full time position Requisition Number: #23-02R