Manager of Service Planning

DEFINITION
Under the general direction of the Chief Operations Officer-Transit Planning & Bus Operations, the Manager of Service Planning plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the activities of the Transit Operations Planning Department.  This position has responsibility for NCTD's short-range transit plan, directing and coordinating multimodal transit service operations planning, and scheduling and implementation activities of NCTD. This includes responsibility for performance reporting, planning studies for NCTD and participating in regional transportation studies and service development activities in coordination with other agencies. 
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
This position is responsible for developing and facilitating implementation of NCTD's multimodal transit services.  Advanced knowledge of transit service planning and service operations practices and procedures is essential.  The Manager of Service Planning is responsible for guiding the preparation of both routine and special multi-modal planning studies for NCTD and for participating in regional transportation studies and related service development activities in coordination with other agencies.
 
Supervision Received and Exercised
The Manager of Service Planning is a highly responsible position receiving general supervision from the Chief Operations Officer–Transit Planning & Bus Operations.  This position is responsible for supervising the work of professional transportation planning and service scheduling staff and for supervising the work of planning consultants.  Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.
 
Working Conditions
Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required.  
 

 

Essential Functions
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Manages and oversees service development and implementation activities, working closely with multiple parties, both internal and external, to ensure the optimum implementation of NCTD services that are safe, effective, attractive, and efficient.
• Manages the development of NCTD transit services by coordinating directly with NCTD staff members, city staff, SANDAG, citizen groups, developers, businesses, and other transit, land use, planning, and governmental agencies.
• Manage and/or supervise the service change process several times per year, including overseeing route and schedule changes and working with other staff members to issue relevant, useful public information as well as other necessary change day documents.
• Oversees the development of the Short-Range Transit Plan and/or Service Implementation Plan as well as working with other departments in the preparation of short-and long-range funding and budgetary plans.
• Manages the collection, analysis and evaluation of data relative to transportation services, modes, equipment, and ridership of transportation services and the impact of the services.
• Oversees the development of portions of the National Transit Database report, Title VI, ADA Plan updates and reports or studies.  Providing support to report stakeholders as needed.
• Assures the integrity and validity of Operations Divisions systems data, processes, and programs through audits and verification.
• Serves as a subject-matter expert on Operations Divisions systems changes, upgrades, and support packages; assists in developing specifications, providing feedback on design decisions, and ensures that required testing is completed.
• Collaborates with NCTD Divisions on the development of policies, procedures, and training for Operations systems.
• Provides input to SANDAG's Regional Plan and the California State Rail Plan.
• Oversees and/or supervises the preparation of maps, charts, reports, technical documents and correspondence.
• Manages public outreach meetings and public hearings related to transit services.
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports to the NCTD Board of Directors, other agency and community groups.
• Prepares and makes recommendations regarding future types of transportation services and facilities, including impact assessment of usage and financing of the services and facilities.
• Responds or directs responses to inquiries and complaints from community members, regulatory agencies, and the business community concerning service levels and requests for additional or modified services.
• Participates in the development of the Division/Department budget.
• Responsible for the hiring, training, supervising, reviewing, disciplining, and terminating subordinate staff as needed and in accordance with District policy.
• Collaborates with the contracted fixed route bus operator and rail operator to support operations and to ensure that labor contract requirements are accurately included in schedule production and implementation.
• Analyzes and researches advances in scheduling software, consults with staff to determine the need, functionality, and cost-effectiveness of new or modified software applications.
• Maintains frequent contact with current scheduling software vendors to ensure that software applications are functioning properly.
• Oversees activities of consultants and contracts related to service planning and scheduling.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in transportation planning, urban planning, business or public administration, economics or related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years prior directly relevant experience, including 5 plus years of supervisory experience

 
A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.
 
Certificates/Licenses

• Possess and maintain a California driver's license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

 
General Requirements
 

• Knowledge of operational systems and databases with experience implementing and or overseeing systems such as CAD/AVL, automatic passenger counters, and other standard industry systems.
• Knowledge of planning methods related to service design, demand estimation, cost estimation, economic evaluation, and environmental assessment.
• Knowledge of transit scheduling methods for bus, rail, and ADA paratransit, including scheduling software.
• Able to read, analyze and interpret maps, schedules, plans, spreadsheets, and related documents.
• Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations accurately and effectively.
• Able to demonstrate proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite. Possess the ability to work with data base applications, GIS, HASTUS fixed route scheduling software, and Trapeze scheduling software for paratransit operations.
• Understanding of labor contracts and administration; budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of report writing; cost and statistical analysis, business mathematics and statistics, research methods and survey techniques.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports.
• Professional level of expertise and ability to demonstrate use of high level discretion and judgment in execution of duties is preferred.
• Ability to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by operational needs.

Physical Requirements 
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment and lift equipment up to 25 pounds daily.  The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.  The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.  The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals.  The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
 
Machines / Tools / Equipment
 

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.

Application Information:  All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers.   A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.  Salary based upon experience, not to exceed midpoint of stated range.  NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.