Transit Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.
Salary Range: $72,678 - $92,664
The Senior Transit Planner is responsible for assisting the Director of Planning & Scheduling in the planning and management of transit service development including short-term planning, performance evaluation, cost analysis, and regional coordination; develops, recommends, and implements service plans and programs reflecting the goals and objectives of the TDCHR.
This position is also responsible for leading the service change process by developing and implementing short range service plans, developing cost estimates and reports, and coordinating the plans with city officials. Works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of routes and responds to and investigates citizen requests, suggestions, and complaints. This position is also responsible for reviewing data to modify existing service and establish new routes. Through in-depth research and analysis, the position analyzes data and reports information and trends designed for the improvement of agencywide transit planning efforts.
The Senior Transit Planner also supports multimodal transit service, high-capacity transit expansion activities, and improvements at the corridor level and system-wide throughout the Hampton Roads Transit service area that are and/or may become eligible for Federal Transit Administration funding or other local, state, or federal program resources. In coordination with federal, state, local governments, and other agencies, works collaboratively to secure guidance and approvals through the planning, analysis, design, and implementation processes.
Essential Job Functions:
(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)

• Reviews and analyzes statistical data to evaluate the effectiveness of on-going service and to make recommendations for new service or service modifications. Provide support and analysis for service planning and scheduling, especially the annual service plan, and new service development.
• Develops short-range plans for implementation of new or modified routes.
• Assist in the conception, development, and implementation of a variety of transit service planning projects and activities; works with jurisdictional representatives in developing and implementing plans and projects consistent with departmental objectives. Performs related research, data collection and analysis.
• Assist the Director in preparing the agency's annual Transportation Service Plan (TSP).
• Supports planning and capital project activities to advance selected multimodal transit strategies and FTA New Starts/Small Starts projects through approval and funding.
• Work cooperatively with other agency staff related to public participation programs supporting the planning process, public involvement in the development of corridor studies, and project planning. Develops and reviews NEPA and environmental documentation for corridor study efforts.
• Analyzes key performance data and generates graphics as well as supporting narratives maps concerning ridership, demographics, and spatial data.
• Creates, uploads, manages, generates maps and manipulates regional GIS data layers and metadata from sources, including, but not limited to the American Community Survey, US Census Bureau, federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Responsible for entering and maintaining current demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, community, and transportation data into ArcGIS.
• Manages the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to develop reports and distribute data and information on a variety of subjects requiring response to data and statistical inquiries from the public, other agencies, and HRT personnel.
• Serve as project manager for various transportation projects and facilitates interdepartmental and outside agency coordination.
• Assists the Director of Service Planning and Scheduling with managing the development of the HRT long-range Transit Strategic Plan as required by state law.
• Assists the Director in the development of route performance standards, collection of data, and related research to develop and disseminate management reports as may be required, responsible for the analysis of route performance and recommendations for service improvements and efficiencies.
• Leads research, development, and implementation of public transit service, including new or modified routes, bus stops or schedules, as well as new or emerging modes of public transportation.
• Manage detours and disruptions to scheduled service.
• Assembles related statistical data and compiles reports.
• Provides financial analysis and cost estimates related to plan implementation.
• Assembles related statistical data and compiles reports.
• Participates in the collection, compilation, and organization of statistical data obtained through various methods.
• Works with citizens, interest groups and representatives from other governmental agencies on transit planning projects.
• Prepares analysis and presentation documentation, using Excel, and other computer-based tools.
• Develops maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for a variety of projects and presentations.
• Analyze data concerning ridership, demographics, spatial information.
• Coordinates with the operations, scheduling, and marketing functions.
• Develops and makes effective, professional presentations.
• Serves as the planning liaison for the Resort Area Committee (RAC), Transportation Parking Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) and other committees as required.
• Conducts fieldwork to observe transit operations and collect up-to-date information on travel patterns and transit ridership. Conducts field checks of transit patrons and potential riders to gather supportive information for completion of special projects.
• Manages the implementation of proposed changes.
• Coordinate internal and public meetings concerning the consideration and implementation of new or revised transit services, and other service changes.
• Prepares reports and makes oral presentations as required.
• Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Functions:

• Knowledge of transit planning techniques.
• Ability to manage and analyze data sets and data layers in tools such as ArcGIS and Excel.
• Ability to write documents on complex planning issues in simple understandable terms with high readability.
• Working knowledge of transit/transportation/urban planning techniques and methodologies.
• Working knowledge of NEPA, FTA's Capital Investment Grant Program and related federal laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in the analysis and solution of complex municipal/ environmental/transportation planning problems.
• Ability to manage time and multiple tasks effectively.
• Interpersonal skills required to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including good customer service skills.
• Ability to develop and make effective, professional presentations.
• Strong project management skills, ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects and assignments, and establish priorities.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions:
Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is required. Basic problem-solving skills associated with software applications is expected. A working understanding of PCs including the Internet, e-mail, ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Office(including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
Software applications:
Internet, E-mail, HASTUS, GFI Network, Transit Master and Microsoft Office/Word, Excel, ArcGIS Pro,
Safety Responsibility:
Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures and policies. Take an active part in reporting unsafe conditions and any hazards within the workplace to their Supervisor, Manager, and/or the Safety Department.
Training and/or Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in planning, Transportation, Urban Studies, Engineering, or a related field (Appropriate experience may be substituted for the above areas); previous work experience in Transportation or Urban Planning required; must successfully demonstrate analytical, quantitative, and verbal (oral and written) skills.
Required Experience:
Previous work experience in Transit or Urban Planning of at least five years is desirable; must successfully demonstrate an intermediate level of analytical, quantitative, and verbal (oral and written) skills.
Licenses or Certificates:

• Virginia Possess a valid Driver's License. Acquire a Virginia Driver's License within 60 days after the date of hire (in instances when an out of state license is not the applicant's current state of residence).
• AICP certification is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass federal government background screening process for local military installation access.
• This position is classified as non-essential personnel.

FLSA Status:
Exempt
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Unusual Demands:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties may require some seasonal overtime.
Exempt
HRT is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the HRT employment application and/or the interview, contact HRT Human Resources at (757) 222-6000 or email careers@hrtransit.org.