Mountain Line is a fast paced public agency that is always looking to what is next. We are seeking a dynamic leader for our planning team that is excited to create a new road map for transit in our community.
Safety Statement
This is not a safety-sensitive position. The incumbent is required to fully comply with all safety rules and regulations established by Mountain Line.
Job Purpose of a Planning Director
The Planning Director is responsible for leading strategic transit planning initiatives and overseeing the development of long-range and short-term transportation plans. This role ensures the integration of public transportation into the region's mobility framework while aligning with environmental, economic, and equity goals. The Director supervises a team of planners and collaborates with local governments, community organizations, and other transportation agencies.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of regional transit plans, service changes, and capital improvement programs.
Oversee data analysis, modeling, and forecasting to inform service planning and performance evaluations.
Coordinate with engineering, operations, and external stakeholders on multimodal transportation projects.
Manage public outreach and stakeholder engagement to incorporate community input into transit planning.
Direct policy development related to transit service, sustainability, equity, and innovation.
Prepare and present reports, briefings, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, board members, and public forums.
Supervise and mentor planning staff, ensuring professional development and project accountability.
Monitor relevant federal, state, and local regulations, securing compliance and identifying funding opportunities.
Attendance
Attendance should be regular and predictable. General employment policies regarding vacation, sick, and unpaid leave apply. Occasional need to report to work on day off, weekend hours for community outreach or public hearings, and work overtime.
Confidentiality
This position deals with sensitive internal information and data. The incumbent is required to keep a high level of discretion in handling confidential information and is required to maintain knowledge of rules and regulations governing employees’ private information and customer confidentiality.
Working Conditions, Exposure to Risk, and Physical Dangers
The incumbent works in an office environment with minimal exposure to risk or physical dangers. Occasional site visits and public meetings with the potential exposure associated with the work, incumbents in this job are required to follow all Mountain Line safety procedures, manuals, and guidelines. Additionally, incumbents are required to properly don safety-related clothing, protective hard hats, gloves, footwear, tools and equipment, and other safety-related gear.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
Strong knowledge of transit systems, land use planning, and transportation policy.
Skills & Abilities
Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or related field.
A master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
Similar Work Experience:
7+ years of progressively responsible experience in transit or transportation planning, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
Experience with GIS, transit scheduling software, or transportation demand modeling tools.
Any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skill to perform the duties of the position.
This job description does not create an employment contract. It is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position.
This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.
Mountain Line is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Similar Work Experience:
7+ years of progressively responsible experience in transit or transportation planning, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
Experience with GIS, transit scheduling software, or transportation demand modeling tools.
Mountain Line is the transit agency in northern Arizona operating fixed route bus service on nine routes, paratransit service, vanpool, and seasonal Mountain Express service to Arizona Snowbowl.
Established in 2001, Mountain Line has grown into a system that employs more than 100 people and transports more than 2 million riders a year.
