Transportation Planner

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority • Los Angeles, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Metro’s mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County. This position performs a wide range of journey-level planning or technical assistance in an assigned organizational unit. The position will provide analytical, administrative, and project coordination support to the Senior Director of Special Projects. This includes assisting with budget tracking, performing data verification and analysis, and supporting cross-departmental initiatives within the TAP program.

Requirements

• A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Transportation Planning, Engineering (Civil, Transportation, Structural, Industrial, Mechanical, Architecture, etc.), Business, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Design, Public Policy, Finance, or a related field
• One year of relevant experience in transportation, planning, project management, urban design, transportation system design and research, travel simulation and demand modeling, transportation finance, operations planning, or other related area
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
• Knowledge of theories, principles and practices of transportation, including land use planning and regulations, mobility, and/or public finance
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing transportation policies, funding sources, real estate leasing, mobility, and development practices
• Knowledge of basic methods of research, analysis, and innovation
• Knowledge of financial, analytical, statistical research, and mathematical processes and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable business software applications
• Knowledge of emerging business models and opportunities to test new models of service delivery
• Skill in conducting planning studies and projects
• Skill in using financial, analytical, and statistical research methods
• Skill in preparing reports and correspondence
• Skill in analyzing situations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing to public or private groups
• Skill in interacting professionally with internal/external stakeholders
• Skill in mediating and negotiating issues
• Skill in identifying and evaluating opportunities to test new models of service delivery
• Ability to manage local and shared data files
• Ability to meet tight time constraints and deadlines
• Ability to work independently in a highly structured environment
• Ability to navigate Metro's complex organizational structure
• Ability to compile and analyze data
• Ability to develop and maintain external relationships to ensure project success
• Ability to be flexible, nimble, and able to iterate as obstacles are encountered during project delivery
• Ability to be simultaneously detail-oriented while understanding the greater vision of the project to be delivered
• Ability to communicate clearly, reliably, and knowledgeably on department priorities
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and agreements
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English

Nice To Haves

• Experience analyzing budgets, accounting, and forecast data to produce financial calculations using Excel or a comparable platform.
• Experience preparing clear and comprehensive materials, including agreements, memos, spreadsheets, and presentations for diverse stakeholders or management decision-making.
• Experience drafting statements of work, developing cost estimates, and assisting with procurement or vendor contract management.
• Experience in managing intranet platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams) to improve information sharing and document management within various departments.
• Experience tracking and managing multiple assignments while supporting both operational and project-based activities.

Responsibilities

• Researches, analyzes, and applies standard research methods in assigned projects or programs
• Assists in the coordination, development, and implementation of Metro programs, projects, or policies
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of specific components of scopes of work, financial plans, schedules, contracts, and agreements
• Supports the acquisition process and administration of contracts from the end-user/business unit perspective
• Develops, conducts, and evaluates studies, projections, and plans
• Assists in reviewing programs, projects, and proposals to determine compliance with appropriate laws, rules and regulations
• Assists in evaluating the costs, benefits, and risks associated with various plans, programs, and projects
• Participates in meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Assists local jurisdictions and outside agencies relative to Metro programs and projects
• Coordinates with other Metro departments and programs
• Applies appropriate computer software applications and database systems to complete assigned projects
• Prepares data visualizations, reports, letters, and responses to inquiries
• May be required to perform other related job duties

Benefits

• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability.
• Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level