Planning Manager

Position location: 901 N. Cameron St. Harrisburg, PA 17101 Pay: $70k to $80k Paid Weekly Excellent Full Benefits Package (Health, Dental, Vision, Simplified Employee Pension, Paid Holidays, Paid time off, Company provided life and disability) Job Summary (Role in organization): The position is critical in assisting the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority in meeting our mission of mobility. The impact of public transportation runs much deeper than a trip from point A to point B. We are the means for which people have access to experiences that alter their lives in meaningful ways. Our culture of innovation and stewardship champions that mission. This position is responsible for the planning and development of major transit service related projects and initiatives with an emphasis on scheduling and rostering, in addition to providing support in oversight and technical functions of the department. The role's primary responsibility is assisting in the management of day-to-day operational functions within the Planning department and development of transit scheduling and rostering outputs for various modes of service as they relate to the Authority's goals and objectives. The position further serves as a liaison between SRTA and local governments, other transit providers, and other public and civic groups as it relates to the essential duties and responsibilities. Key/Reporting Relationship: This position reports to Director of Planning. This position receives broad guidelines and sets priorities for self and staff, in coordination with the Director of Planning. The Program Manager of Special Transportation Initiatives and Planner positions report directly to this position. Some of the Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Achieves the Authority's mission by implementing short- and long-range planning work plans to meet the transportation needs of the service areas. Prepares scheduling and rostering datasets that adhere to the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) rules. Conducts planning studies and identifies goals and issues to work toward through developing strategies to achieve the goals and resolve any issues. Ensures service meets community and customer needs while balancing resources. Leads the Authority's service planning initiatives to support effective and efficient service delivery. Oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of departmental goals, objectives, and annual work programs in alignment with the organization's management work plan and strategic priorities. Performs and manages transit demand management planning activities, which includes, but is not limited to reviewing and commenting on proposed land use developments or road projects; promoting the incorporation of transit oriented development policies and programs; reviewing and implementing bus stop locations and amenities; and performing other related activities to support transit-supportive growth. Provides input for transit service plans by monitoring and updating route key performance indicator reports to ensure that the Authority is implementing the most effective and efficient transit service. Evaluates current service demand, developments of regional significance, and ongoing requests from the community to support service modeling. Prepares reports and reviews with appropriate staff upon request. Prepares, reviews, interprets, and analyzes a variety of information, data and reports. Provides advice, counsel, and makes recommendations in alignment with strategic plan. Manages the planning and coordination of several modes of service including demand response, on-demand, intercity bus, commuter, and fixed route service changes including public review processes, as applicable. Ensures federal, state, and local compliance by a thorough knowledge of PennDOT and FTA regulations and guidance as they relate to transit service planning including, but not limited to: Title VI, Environmental Justice, ADA, and reporting requirements. Contributes to the team by training assigned employees and assisting in the development of staff. Will support the implementation, routine, and day-to-day functions of the SRTA Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with the Agency Safety Plan (ASP). Ensures good employee relations and legal compliance by listening for input from others; seeking mutual understanding on problems involving collaboration, keeping subordinates advised of critical issues, applying consistent treatment, giving constructive feedback, and treating employees with respect. Conducts self in such a way that is looked upon as role model by the team. Accomplishes staff results by communicating job expectations; appraising job results, ensuring salary staff's performance evaluations are tied to established goals; coaching, counseling, and disciplining staff; and enforcing consistency, policies and procedures. Preserves historical reference by establishing and maintaining a record-keeping system, documenting procedures and decisions, maintaining required documentation, and ensuring delivery of documents as necessary. Compiles and maintains a procedure system and organized office to ensure continuity of position. Maintains trust, confidence and protects the organization by keeping information confidential and disclosing only on a need-to-know basis; ensuring high ethical standards; and upholding the organization's reputation in the community. Ensures communication and positive image of Authority by reviewing critical incidents, exceptions to policy and/or goal achievement with Supervisor. Some of the Essential knowledge, skills, abilities and experience: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Planning, Public Administration or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in transit operations, planning, or a related field will be considered in lieu of a degree. * Ability to understand transit systems operations and service area. * Ability to be curious and learn from asking questions and listening to others. * Strong computer and Microsoft applications software proficiency. * Ability to work with specialty transit software(s) such as, but not limited to scheduling software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Locator (CAD/AVL) software. * Excellent analytical skills. Ability to gather and analyze data and understand the nature of the business; how initiatives will impact the strategic plan, financial resources, and human resources. * Ability to visualize creative initiatives and make recommendations to ensure optimal resource use, minimize total costs, and maximize value to the customer. * Ability to communicate one-on-one and with small groups, to facilitate meetings, to listen actively, and to persuade others to accept recommendations. * Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of changing situations in a timely manner. * Ability to be detail oriented, ensure accuracy, and meet deadlines. * Ability to manage major project initiatives. * Ability to maintain confidentiality. * Ability to maintain compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). * Ability to be self-motivated and results oriented to accomplish objectives on schedule. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, outside contacts, and government officials to gain information and support in accomplishing goals. * Ability to travel for meetings, training purposes or other organizational needs with occasional overnight requirements. Certificates and Licenses Required: * Must possess valid motor vehicle operator's license that is not under suspension or revocation. The Authority is an equal employment opportunity employer.