Principal Transportation Planner

Metro’s mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.

Metro’s vision is composed of three elements:

• Increased prosperity for all by removing mobility barriers;
• Swift and easy mobility throughout LA County, anytime; and
• Accommodating more trips through a variety of high-quality mobility option

Examples of Duties

• Develop, apply, and evaluate technical planning and financial or system analytical methods and procedures
• Support analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, of transportation or related projects, programs, and policies
• Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Provide technical and policy guidance to local jurisdictions and agencies on Metro programs
• Analyzes, develops, and recommends policies and procedures
• For the assigned business unit, develop technical and other documentation in support of Request for Proposals (RFPs) and participates in contractor/consultant selection
• Execute cooperative agreements, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and certification requirements with other entities
• Manage vendor performance against contracts to ensure completion of projects within scope, on-time, and within budget for the assigned business unit
• Participate in special task forces, committees, panels, transportation forums, and peer groups
• Assist in developing program guidelines and strategies
• Develop and monitors forecasts, budgets, and financial plans for transportation or related programs and projects
• Negotiate funding agreements
• Evaluate the costs, benefits, and risks associated with alternative funding plans, programs, and projects
• Represents staff at meetings to facilitate and implement planning projects
• Serve as lead with responsibility for studies and research projects
• Act as a liaison with outside agencies, public and private organizations
• Promote development along transit lines and transportation corridors
• May be required to supervise staff
• Communicate and implement safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
• Contribute to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Education Qualifications

• 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

Experience Qualifications

• Five 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

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• 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

Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying concepts of overt and systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to planning, policy, or program work
• Experience conducting racial and/or social equity assessments using quantitative and spatial analysis methods, including cleaning and manipulating large datasets in Excel, STATA, SPSS, or R
• Experience preparing reports and charts to effectively communicate complex data analysis using Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools for diverse internal and external audiences
• Experience translating complex policies, data, and technical concepts into accessible formats for a variety of stakeholders, including community-based organizations, public agencies, and elected officials, through written, verbal, and visual communication
• Experience independently leading research projects or advocacy campaigns, including coordinating meetings, developing and managing workplans, delegating tasks, and training or mentoring junior staff