The Metropolitan Council
St. Paul, MN
Full posting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/metrocouncil/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1400142 4/29/2016
Full posting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/metrocouncil/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1400142 4/29/2016
The Metropolitan Council operates the regional transit system; collects and treats the region's wastewater; serves communities through affordable housing programs; establishes policies for the region's growth; and addresses the region's needs for transportation, aviation, water resources, and parks and open space. The Metropolitan Council is committed to its environmental stewardship, sustainable solutions, and reduced energy use. The Council is a stable employer that values its employees by providing them with challenging work, highly competitive benefits, and an atmosphere that promotes a
Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) is responsible for regional transportation planning for all modes and develops the overarching transportation policy plan for the Twin Cities metropolitan area. MTS also serves as staff for the Council in its role as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and for the Transportation Advisory Board's (TAB) Regional Solicitation process which allocates over $180 million in federal transportation funds on a bi-annual basis.
The Planner will support transportation planning activities of the Metropolitan Council and other agencies through in-depth analysis of both local and national data to identify emerging trends affecting the transportation sector. S/he will also ensure the production of quality travel demand forecasts based on sound input data through coordination and cooperation with agencies and consultants producing project forecasts. Finally, the Planner will work with other MTS forecasting staff in development of travel demand model updates, implementation of updated models and preparation of travel demand forecasts in support of Metropolitan Council transportation planning endeavors.
• Monitor various data sources for data releases on travel behavior to remain up-to-date on
• Analyze and correlate data to identify developing trends affecting transportation policies.
• Prepare succinct briefing papers aimed to apprise the Council, TAB (Transportation Advisory Board), TAC (Technical Advisory Committee), and other interested parties of these trends.
• Maintain and update data required for model development and calibration/validation in coordination with Metropolitan Council Research Division, MnDOT, and the region's counties and cities to ensure
forecasts are based on the most current data.
• Review and assess model inputs and outputs for validity and reasonableness, comparing changes in
model outputs to changes to input parameters to evaluate model validity.
• Prepare future year forecasts as needed using model output and historic observed data to support
planning efforts both for transportation corridor studies and comprehensive plan updates.
• Analyze input assumptions for reasonableness and to ensure consistency with regional policies.
• Review project and plan forecast outputs for reasonableness and consistency with other relevant
forecasts.
• Recommend model improvements and changes to improve forecast results when deficiencies are
identified.
• Serve on study committees representing the Council to ensure policies are implemented in the
planning process.
• Act as a conduit for information flow back to MTS and the Council to inform other transportation
planners and divisions of study issues that may impact them.
• Prepare and present briefings to management and the Metropolitan Council on study issues and
findings.
• Staff TAC subcommittees as needed to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive, and inclusive planning
process.
• Provide information to other MTS staff and agencies as required for use in the TAB's regional
solicitation to ensure the use of consistent and valid data in the application process.
• Participate in regional solicitation proposal evaluations as requested by evaluation committees as
either a committee member or resource.
Equivalency: A Bachelor's degree (by end of spring semester 2016) in planning, geography, engineering or related field AND at least two years experience in local and regional transportation planning.
• Experience organizing/analyzing large data sets and presenting findings.
• Experience working on planning projects or teams.
• Experience using R and Python programming languages.
• Experience with travel demand forecasting and/or traffic simulation software such as Cube/Voyager,
• Knowledge of policy analysis and planning principles, methods, and theory as applied transportation planning policy.
• Knowledge of Council policies, practices, and operational procedures.
• Basic knowledge of the governmental environment in which the Council works as it applies to
• Ability to perform statistical analysis using spreadsheet and database programs, organize data, and
• Ability to plan work flow and prioritize work tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing, to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant Council stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze and interpret Council policy and apply it effectively in the policy analysis or
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please notify Human Resources at 651-602-1398.
Job #2016-00054 PLANNER