Transit Policy Planner

  • Full-time

Company Description

With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

Agency Description:

The Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (oTIS) is charged with driving change through our transportation and infrastructure systems. oTIS leads a portfolio of departments, including Streets Transportation, Streets Sanitation, and Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), to provide cost-effective quality services with a focus on the resident. oTIS is the lead agency for the planning, implementation, and program management of the Indego Bike Share Program.

In addition, oTIS collaborates with organizations such as Amtrak, DVRPC, Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Commerce Department, Department of Public Property, PATCO, PennDOT, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Police Department, School District of Philadelphia, and SEPTA. Find out more here at www.phila.gov/otis

Job Description

This position supports the oTIS leadership team in planning and policy related to the public transportation network in Philadelphia. This position focuses on the transit initiatives related to Connect, the City of Philadelphia’s forthcoming strategic transportation plan. The Transit Policy Planner will be the transit arm of the office of Complete Streets which represents bikes, pedestrians, and transit.  The position is responsible for collaborating as a planner/engineer, researcher, and analyst on a variety of projects focused on improving transit together with SEPTA, PennDOT, internal City departments, and other partners. A significant aspect of the work will be representing the city on various committees and working groups as well as critically analyzing plans, policies, and proposals from partner agencies and consultants. This position will work on policy and planning related to improving bus and trolley service in Philadelphia as well as outreach and coordination with the City appointees of SEPTA’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee and Transportation Management Associations within the City. This position will also work on multimodal planning studies, especially in support of the Roosevelt Boulevard Route for Change program. This position will also assist with capital budget review documentation, grants administration, Vision Zero projects, and transportation projects as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Participate in meetings with inter-governmental partners, stakeholders, and community groups related to transportation concerns 
  • Review, critically analyze, and synthesize work products from consultants or other agencies
  • Research transportation systems, policies, and best practices to identify problems and potential solutions, and evaluate alternatives.
  • Analyze information related to transportation planning and impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory proposals.
  • Develop graphics, maps, and charts that clearly communicate analytical findings and results to a lay audience.
  • Review reports about transportation planning and make recommendations on transportation system improvements or projects, based on traffic projections, population, land use, crash statistics, and other relevant data.
  • Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and gather information related to possible funding sources.
  • Use various reports and benchmarking data to recommend, develop, and assist with the implementation of specific initiatives and policy.
  • Assist in developing conceptual ideas for new or improved transportation infrastructure, including multimodal improvements. 
  • Work with community groups and residents related to plans, policies, and projects related to advancing transit and complete streets.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations with technical information in plain language to the public and external agencies
  • Independently manage projects and programs as assigned 
  • Work directly with oTIS planners, Streets Department engineers, and other City divisions to develop conceptual designs for transit improvements.  
  • Keep current on emerging trends and best practices in the planning and design of public transportation infrastructure
  • Coordinate with SEPTA, Streets, and partner agencies on communications related correspondence and public outreach
  • Prepare memos, talking points, and official letters for oTIS leadership related to transit and transit funding
  • Assist in complete streets and multimodal planning projects and other related transportation projects as required.
  • Manage the 17 member SEPTA Citizen’s Advisory Committee including the appointment process and quarterly meetings

 

Qualifications

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university. Master's degree desirable.
  • One to three years’ experience in planning, operations, or related experience desirable.  Public transportation experience a plus. Master’s degree can substitute as one year of experience.
COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Experience and knowledge of community issues in Philadelphia.
  • Sound knowledge of transportation issues, innovative practices, and approaches to public transportation in complex urban environments
  • Working knowledge of NACTO Urban Street/Transit Design Guides, and other relevant design guidelines.
  • Understanding of policies and practices of complete streets and transit in Philadelphia
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills
  • Strong command over written and verbal communication
  • Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
  • Ability to work within a team and provide support to the oTIS staff
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with others in achieving tasks and to establish and maintain on-going productive working relationships
  • A multi-tasker with strong ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and produce quality results on time with attention to detail.
  • Sound knowledge of GIS, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Adobe Creative Suite.  Willingness and ability to learn other analytical software as required.  
  • Proven ability to work independently to produce quality materials and recommendations within tight timeframes
  • Works effectively and independently with City staff, resident groups, businesses, individuals, property owners, and other stakeholders on behalf of the City to achieve and implement transportation programs, projects and plans.

Additional Information

Interested applicants should submit a current resume and cover letter.

Successful candidate must be a City resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx