Who: Metra
What: The Strategic Capital Planning group includes three departments: Capital Program Development, Long-Range Planning and System Performance and Data. The Capital Program Development Department develops Metra’s capital program and amendments and prepares all discretionary funding grant applications. The Long-Range Planning Department identifies new opportunities for expanding and enhancing the rail system. Long- Range Planning also participates in studies led by other entities that will impact Metra. The System Performance and Data Department prepares monthly reports on system ridership, on-time performance and capacity utilization of trains. The department also manages periodic surveys, counts and analyses of Metra riders and monitors the agency’s adherence to Title VI and other equity standards for the provision of transportation service.
Reporting to the Department Head, System Performance Data, the Manager, Transportation Planning oversees staff and consultant teams involved in collecting and analyzing transportation data, researching policy issues and ridership trends, and preparing statistical and narrative reports. Establish processes and procedures for data collection and analysis, consult with senior management regarding policies, and make recommendations for changes to to improve work quality and productivity. Assign, review, and evaluate staff work; complete performance evaluations; and provide training and development. Manage complex transportation planning studies involving a wide range of service and policy issues including: overseeing the design of survey instruments; supervising the collection, reconciliation, and analysis of data; and drafting the final report. Supervise the development and maintenance of ridership databases; reconciliation of data; and preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual on-time and operational reports. Oversee the evaluation of performance metrics and methodologies and ensure the implementation of changes to increase efficiencies, improve accuracy, enhance work flow, and plan for future data needs. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Occasional field work required within publicly accessible areas at or near Metra stations. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Urban planning, geography, statistics, or a related field.
- In addition to #1 above, must have seven (7) years of transportation or related planning experience that includes quantitative analysis, data management, or survey research.
- Considerable knowledge of data collection, analysis, and presentation.
- Considerable knowledge of transportation planning principles.
- Considerable knowledge of research methodologies.
- Good analytical and organizational skills.
- Good verbal and written communications skills.
- Good math skills, specifically statistical analysis.
- Skill in designing surveys, and collecting and analyzing survey data.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office suite, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Some skill using statistical software.
- Ability to supervise staff.
- Ability to possess a high degree of attention to detail.
- Ability to represent Metra to external agencies.
- Ability to establish work processes and procedures.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must be able to operate a vehicle.
- Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
- Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Apply here.