Senior Planner

Metropolitan Council•Minneapolis, MN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Planner, Planner, or Senior Planner works in the Metropolitan Council’s Asset Management Department, collaborating across Metro Transit and the Council to advance asset management technologies, processes, and practices. The department strategically manages physical assets throughout their lifecycle to maximize value and support organizational goals. The role transforms asset data and business partner input into insights, plans, and reports that inform operating and capital investment decisions, support long-term asset stewardship and regulatory compliance, and help deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit service throughout the Twin Cities region. The position develops and maintains asset management plans; gathers, analyzes, and presents information for budget and capital decisions; coordinates with internal teams and external partners; and prepares planning documents, maps, diagrams, technical reports, budget documentation, presentations, and other materials. It also supports compliance, reporting, policy and budget development, and asset management strategies. Responsibilities vary by level: Associate Planners collect and analyze data and research and compile information; Planners prepare and deliver reports and communications and facilitate meetings; Senior Planners mentor staff, advise leadership, and develop and implement policies, standards, and performance metrics. All levels are expected to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful workplace that values culture and diversity. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement. The candidate’s permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. The posting establishes a six-month eligible list for current and future positions. Work is performed in a standard office setting and may involve travel between the primary work site and other sites, outdoor weather conditions, and moderate noise.

Requirements

Associate Planner: Meet one of the following: high school diploma or GED and four years of professional experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field; or an associate’s degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field and two years of such experience.
Planner: Meet one of the following: high school diploma or GED and seven years of professional experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field; an associate’s degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field and five years of such experience; a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields or a related field and three years of such experience; or a master’s degree in one of those fields or a related field and one year of such experience.
Senior Planner: Meet one of the following: high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of professional experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field; a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field and four years of such experience; or a master’s degree in one of those fields or a related field and two years of such experience.
Within the first six months, develop knowledge of transit asset management policies, guidelines, and best practices; Council policies, practices, and procedures related to transit asset management, maintenance, and capital planning; and the relevant governmental and regulatory environment.
Within the first six months, develop knowledge of project management, process improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies and tools, as well as Council asset management systems, data sources, and reporting tools.
Within the first six months, demonstrate intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to perform technical analysis using spreadsheet and database applications.
Within the first six months, communicate effectively in writing and orally with internal and external partners; exercise sound professional judgment and consistently apply Council policies and guidelines; establish effective working relationships; apply transit asset management policies and planning processes; and promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of transit operations, asset management, and capital planning.
Professional asset management credentials, such as an Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Certificate or Diploma.
Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including GIS data analysis and mapping.
Proficiency in understanding database structures and using query tools to retrieve, organize, and analyze data for planning and reporting.
Proficiency in analyzing and managing data using Excel, Access, or similar applications.
Proficiency in using Power Apps, Tableau, and Power BI to develop reports, dashboards, and data-driven insights.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or completion of the Metropolitan Council Project Manager Development Program (PMDP).

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain asset management plans.
Gather, analyze, and present data to guide budget and capital decisions.
Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to support collaboration and alignment with organizational goals.
Prepare planning documents, maps, diagrams, technical reports, budget documentation, presentations, and other materials.
Support compliance, reporting, policy development, budget development, and asset management strategies.
Provide leadership and guidance at increasing levels of responsibility.
Promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultures and diversity among all employees.
For Associate Planner: Collect and analyze data for planning and reporting needs; research and compile information from internal and external sources.
For Planner: Prepare and deliver reports, maps, and communication materials to stakeholders; facilitate meetings and coordinate with internal and external partners.
For Senior Planner: Mentor staff and advise leadership on planning strategies and resource allocation; develop and implement policies, standards, and performance metrics.