Strategic Planner I

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Responsible for conducting research, developing graphics and illustrations, preparing technical memorandums and planning reports, and working in consultation with other staff on VIA planning initiatives. Gathers, analyzes, and organizes information, and tracks transit and other factors which influence community mobility needs. Examines performance of strategic plans, evaluates opportunities, looks for strategic solutions, and develops creative action plans. Coordinates with external stakeholders as assigned (e.g. AAMPO, TxDOT, COSA). Works closely with all functions, but very closely with service planning, engineering, capital planning, real estate, public engagement, procurement, and financial functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Organizes, coordinates, and participates in transportation planning studies and projects. Obtains data and produces reports and plans relating to the impact of current transportation services and policies on future options. Performs research and analysis to prepare reports or documents to determine policy/procedure improvements needed to achieve agency goals/objectives. Performs periodic reviews of implemented plans to address changing conditions and recommends strategic solutions. Assists with the development of innovation and emerging services that provide mobility options to the service area. Supports the Strategic Planning team and other VIA departments in a proactive, constructive, and collaborative manner. Plans, develops materials, and supports public engagement activities related to Strategic Planning initiatives, either as project manager or as support to others, as assigned. Manage the coordination of small projects including overseeing consultants of the projects. Develops graphics and illustrations that support Department’s plans, projects, and policies. Works with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City of San Antonio, and other local, regional, state, and federal agencies to formulate transportation plans and policies affecting or affected by VIA’s service area. Reviews proposed plans and projects from external sources to determine applicability to approved agency plans. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban, Regional, or Transportation Planning is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Relevant work experience in Transit, Transportation, or Planning and Development activities and/or research. Master’s Degree with concentration in planning or a closely related field.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to perform planning objectives at the entry to intermediate level. Knowledgeable about the project development process and project management principles. Skilled in communicating ideas effectively and persuasively orally, graphically, and in writing within VIA or to external agencies or persons. The preferred candidate will have strong writing and graphical skills, with experience writing technical memos. Knowledgeable of long-range transit and transportation standards, issues, and planning methods. Ability to prepare, analyze, and present graphics, statistical information, maps, charts, and drawings manually and by computer using GIS software such as ArcGIS or Remix The preferred candidate will be able to communicate design solutions using Adobe InDesign or similar applications. Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local rules and regulations that relate to long range transit/transportation planning, land development, and funding sources available to Transit Agencies. Must have initiative, be self-motivated, and able to exercise sound judgment. Must be well-organized, able to follow instructions, and meet deadlines. Must be collaborative, team-player, and open to feedback and direction from colleagues and supervisors. Must have ability to use MS Office, including working knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, and SharePoint. Must be able to maintain good work attendance. Safety Accountability Statement: - Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers. - Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security. - Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department. - Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used. Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and occasionally lift 5-25 pounds of objects, such as files, equipment and supplies, and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS: Works in a normal office environment. Work involves deadlines, multiple priorities, access to current information needed to prepare long range plans, and the cooperation and support of others. Work involves unusual and extended hours on and off the property and including evenings and occasional weekends. Occasional out-of-town travel, including overnight. VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.