Principal Trans Planner

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Operations Planning & Project Management oversees the development of Metra's train schedules and service plans; reviews data related to Metra service, ridership, and fares and manages the reporting of operations data to the Metra Board, federal agencies, and other internal and external groups; and is responsible for the agency's adherence to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other equity standards in the provision of service.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Operations Planning, the Principal Transportation Planner provides lead data support for operations planning by using a broad range of quantitative and qualitative skills; lead and coordinate data collection from multiple sources to ensure ridership and operations data systems meet the department's reporting and analysis requirements; manage the analysis and delivery of data to the appropriate internal departments and divisions and local and federal agencies to support reporting requirements; support leadership decision-making regarding operational changes related to service and fares; and supports the agency's federally mandated reporting requirements (National Transit Database and Title VI).

The primary duties include: Lead and support the production of ridership and operations performance reports, including data coordination with internal and external groups to meet various deadlines. Perform statistical and geographic analyses, database development, and other quantitative and qualitative methods of planning and policy analysis. Lead major research and data reporting projects with other departments including final report and presentation development. Coordinate with other departments on the development and execution of quality control and quality assurance measures aimed at increasing data accuracy appropriately given required levels of reliability. Produce data-driven graphics and other presentation materials for senior and executive leadership, including the Board of Directors. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree or in lieu of degree a combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in the collection and analysis of data. Master's degree is preferred
2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of experience in transportation, urban, or regional planning, or a related field performing at least one of the following: statistical or quantitative analysis, geographic analysis, data management, or survey research.
3. Supervisory or team lead experience in day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, or monitoring performance.
4. Good knowledge of data collection and statistical analysis.
5. Good knowledge of transportation planning principles.
6. Good knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), programming/script/macro languages, and database management.
7. Knowledge of transportation policies and reporting procedures at the federal, state, and local levels.
8. Analytical and organizational skills.
9. Good verbal and written communications skills.
10. Good math skills, specifically statistical analysis.
11. Good presentation skills.
12. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
13. Ability to possess a high degree of attention to detail.
14. Ability to read and comprehend technical material. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
15. Must posses and maintain a driver's license.
16. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
17. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow.
18. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

1. Familiarity with the Chicago region railroads, transit services, and communities.
2. Proficiencies in Microsoft Power BI, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Access.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

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.