Principal Planner Position Opening
Interested candidates can reach out to Natalie Hilde at natalie@thompsonconsulting.com, or apply at vrtjobs@thompsonconsulting.com by submitting their cover letter and resume.
Valley Regional Transit seeks an experienced, innovative Principal Planner with a proven track record managing complex projects. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Principal Planner supervises planning staff, is responsible for delivering priority projects identified in the VRT’s Transportation Development Plan (TDP) and helps identify and scope out future projects. The principal planner also ensures VRT’s planning activities are coordinated with planning activities of local jurisdictions, state and regional transportation agencies, and other public transportation providers.
The ideal candidate is:
An excellent leader and project manager with specific experience in transportation planning and development.
An excellent communicator, with the ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders, government entities and officials, and the community at large.
An experienced supervisor in public transportation or a related industry.
An excellent presenter with the ability to communicate complex and technical information in a variety of forums and to a variety of audiences.
Passionate about mobility, and sustainable public transportation.
Responsibilities:
Identify and prepare initial scope and costs estimates for service projects through use of regional and local plans
Identify and coordinate development and or timing of capital projects associated with service projects by collaborating with the Capital Projects Manager
Oversee detailed transit planning and consultant contracts and represent VRT in various capacities
Manage the delivery of transit service projects, including fixed route and specialized services, working across departments and agencies to keep projects on time, within scope and within budget
Develop the skills of the planning team
Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws including Title VI
Supports specialized planning functions such technical support for grant applications, environmental studies, data analysis
Advises the CDO on all planning-related matters
Assigns work to professional staff, ensuring adequate training and resources to effectively accomplish assignments
Prepares reports, presents, and advises various councils, boards, and commissions in planning-related issues
Prepares reports on department activities, recommending improvements and modifications
Handles sensitive personnel matters
Participates in budget preparation and administration; monitors, and controls expenditures
Represents VRT in public meetings including meetings held in evenings and on weekends
Provides timely, respectful, and thorough customer service to internal and external customers
Maintains a professional and courteous demeanor at all times
Dependable and a self-starter
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field (i.e. community or transportation planning); or equivalent experience
Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex projects preferably in transportation planning
Minimum of 3 years’ experience supervising high level staff
Thorough knowledge of urban and transportation planning and development and government policies and procedures
Thorough knowledge of urban planning and development, transportation, and environmental planning
Knowledge of local government policies, practices, and procedures
Knowledge and experience in research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and transportation planning
Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
Working knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
Understanding and experience in principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
Experience working with board of directors preferred
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Experience with budgeting procedures and techniques
Starting Salary Range:
$64,500-$82,200, with consideration given for experience.
Location:
Meridian, Idaho, with flexible/hybrid remote work options
Excellent benefits package includes:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Holiday pay, sick, and vacation leave
State retirement plan (PERSI): pension and optional 401(k) (see
https://www.persi.idaho.gov/ for more information!)
Employment Type:
Full-time
Interested candidates can reach out to Natalie Hilde at natalie@thompsonconsulting.com, or apply at vrtjobs@thompsonconsulting.com by submitting their cover letter and resume.