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Senior Planner - METRA Rail - Chicago, IL

Senior Planner
METRA Rail
Chicago, IL


Posting No. 489

Posting Period: April 22, 2016 – Until Filled


Applicant screening will begin Immediately

Summary of Duties
The Senior Planner will perform planning activities in support of Metra's strategic planning efforts and other regional, corridor, and station planning studies of the Metra rail system including planning for major capital expansion projects. Responsible for leading commuter rail planning studies and managing Metra involvement in Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and related studies. Perform statistical, geographic and other quantitative and qualitative analysis. Oversee the development of commuter rail planning reports. Lead the development of various proposals, initiatives, and responses to regulatory guidelines. Manage Metra involvement in various planning studies and on related committees. Participate in and executes elements of commuter rail planning studies involving a wide range of transportation planning and policy analysis issues. Part of leadership of Metra spatial and mapping data, including establishing standard practices for their use. Manage the development of applications for competitive funding sources. Oversee large independent planning study efforts with a significant level of autonomy. Provide analytical or other support to other departments and/or divisions within Metra. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree Urban, Regional, Transportation Planning, Business Administration, Geography, Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or related discipline. Master degree preferred.
  • Must have four (4) years experience of hands-on experience with statistical analyses, other quantitative analyses, geographic analysis, data management or travel demand forecasting. Some experience should include significant project/task management. 
  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) required.
  • Experience with both quantitative and qualitative methods required.
  • Must be able to read and interpret technical materials.
  • Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

All employees are responsible for performing their job safely and in accordance with the safety objectives, goals and program of the organization, ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.

Other Important Information

Selected candidates are subject to a physical examination/drug test and background check to verify information regarding education, employment, vehicle and criminal history. Relocation is not available for this position.

To apply for a position at Metra, please send your cover letter which must include the position title, your resume and salary history to the following email. Please be sure to list the job title in the subject line of your email.

E-mail: jobs@metrarr.com

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Metra does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra / 547 W. Jackson Blvd. / Chicago, IL 60661