Summary:

This position has overall responsibility for future planning and growth forecasting of all services in the CATA system. The position is responsible for the oversight, analysis, creation, implementation, and ongoing optimization of the services and service plans to balance ridership needs and fiscal responsibility. The position will also support, as needed, CATA's planning and technical liaison with regional municipal planning efforts, ensuring that CATA is aware of and planning for regional growth and development. The position also directly supervises the service planning team and works in collaboration with other CATA leadership team members and community stakeholders to maximize ridership, revenue, and efficiency.

Essential Functions:

1. Perform analysis (ridership, productivity, schedules, etc.) on all CATA services, and provide recommendations on service improvements to the COO, CEO, and leadership team.
2. Compile daily, weekly, monthly, and annual ridership/productivity reports and provide service recommendations to the COO, CEO, and leadership/service planning team.
3. Develop and contribute to short and long-range service plans, including fleet and driver needs projections.
4. Assist in the interdepartmental development of plans for service and policy improvements, changes, and modifications.
5. Coordinate with outside stakeholders regarding zoning, land use, transportation, and related policies and plans.
6. Assist in public meetings to explain planning proposals, gather feedback on projects, achieve consensus on project designs, and ensure the accurate dissemination of information to the general public.
7. Research and establish industry best practices and develop measurable goals and objectives for the transit system's performance.
8. Analyze information related to transportation, such as lane use policies, environmental impacts of projects, and long-range planning needs.
9. Maintain, develop and interpret Geographic Information System (GIS) data to analyze, evaluate and plan services.
10. Collaborate with Operations staff and operators to solicit information and feedback regarding route and/or service changes.
11. Compile and analyze data for monthly and annual NTD reports for fixed route.
12. Download ridership data producing ridership reports and custom reports as necessary.
13. Coordinate with the COO and CEO when representing CATA and coordinates with various inter-governmental committees, meetings, and projects as requested.
14. Manage CATA's ITS functions, including the collection and analysis of crucial data marks.
15. Act as Project Manager of transit planning and other projects as required.
16. Participate in and manage internal service-related committees as necessary.
17. Coordinate stop improvement program and make recommendations regarding stop placement and categorization, in accordance with CATA standards and based on ridership and community development plans.
18. Other duties as assigned by COO and CEO.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of fixed route, paratransit, and microtransit service planning and operations fundamentals.

Knowledge of service area and familiarity with bus routes

Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VI and other applicable federal laws and regulations Ability to learn and retain information

Ability to comprehend and apply the terms of agreements and contracts Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to create, update, and maintain spreadsheets in Excel

Ability to use various software programs, including transit planning and scheduling software

Skill in the use of organizing database information for analysis

Skill in business math; ability to work with numbers; detail-oriented

Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks

Excellent customer service skills, communicating effectively and respectfully with persons of varying backgrounds and abilities

Competencies:

1. Ability to lead and work collaboratively as part of a team
2. Ability to make decisions and execute plans
3. Team builder, able to manage and nurture a team with diverse perspectives
4. Ability to establish and nurture strong collaborative relationships with external partners
5. Dependable
6. Creative problem solver
7. Adaptable to change and open to new ideas
8. Ability to plan and manage projects
9. Organized
10. Maintains confidentiality
11. Ability to perform job under stress
12. Strategic thinker
13. Strong verbal communication skills
14. Ability to communicate in writing
15. Ability to speak in front of groups
16. Ability to develop and deliver training programs

Work Environment:

Indoor and occasional outdoor work environment

Physical Demands:

Vision: Ability to adjust focus, color, close, and clear vision

Requires work involving: sitting, gripping, or feeling with hands; reaching with hands and arms; speaking and hearing

Ability to lift 10 pounds

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position and typical work hours and days may include evenings and weekends. Some flexibility in hours is permitted, but the employee must be available during the scheduled work hours and is expected to work 40 hours each week to fulfill job responsibilities.

Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Travel:

This position may require occasional travel outside the local area

Education & Experience:

Degree in community planning, transportation planning, or related field, and/or five years of equivalent experience.

Other:

A valid state driver's license is preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of fixed route, paratransit, and microtransit service planning and operations fundamentals.

Knowledge of service area and familiarity with bus routes

Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VI and other applicable federal laws and regulations Ability to learn and retain information

Ability to comprehend and apply the terms of agreements and contracts Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to create, update, and maintain spreadsheets in Excel

Ability to use various software programs, including transit planning and scheduling software

Skill in the use of organizing database information for analysis

Skill in business math; ability to work with numbers; detail-oriented

Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks

Excellent customer service skills, communicating effectively and respectfully with persons of varying backgrounds and abilities

Competencies:

1. Ability to lead and work collaboratively as part of a team
2. Ability to make decisions and execute plans
3. Team builder, able to manage and nurture a team with diverse perspectives
4. Ability to establish and nurture strong collaborative relationships with external partners
5. Dependable
6. Creative problem solver
7. Adaptable to change and open to new ideas
8. Ability to plan and manage projects
9. Organized
10. Maintains confidentiality
11. Ability to perform job under stress
12. Strategic thinker
13. Strong verbal communication skills
14. Ability to communicate in writing
15. Ability to speak in front of groups
16. Ability to develop and deliver training programs