Director of Planning

TARC will be launching the New TARC Network next summer and we want you to be a part of it!

The New TARC Network will mark a new chapter in TARC history and will allow the agency to provide better, more reliable service on major corridors across the City. TARC is looking for transit professionals who want to help us deliver high-quality bus service to the Louisville community.

Please see job description below:

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Directs, plans, organizes, manages, and provides direction and oversight for all functions and activities of TARC’s Planning Department, which includes developing plans and service of the transit system, service days, routes, and frequency of service in the most cost-effective manner possible while maintaining a standard of adequate and safe service; oversees the processes used to determine ridership impacts, route productivity, and performance and cost analysis by collecting and analyzing data and developing studies, reports, and presentations; evaluates operational aspects of planned bus services and schedules; and leads major planning efforts such as TARC long-range plan, mobility studies, bus rapid transit implementation, corridor plans, and major service adjustments including public involvement process. This position will support a safety and customer service culture through programs, procedures, and other related work to achieve TARC’s mission and strategic outcomes. The position is responsible for meeting or exceeding all TARC policies and procedures with strict adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations; and performing related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assistant Director of Planning, Transit Scheduler, Transportation Planner, Transit Planner/Data Analyst

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs and manages organizational-wide planning programs and projects.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the TARC's current and long-range planning analysis of transit use by bus and light rail, transportation plans, routine development plans, and regional general plans.
• Manages and leads planning, scheduling teams, and consultants on planning projects.
• Oversees public support activities by developing strategies related to community engagement, coordinating staff participation and attendance; participating on special study panels and working groups; providing testimonies on transportation projects at meetings, and serving as the department representative for outside agencies.
• Plans and schedules TARC’s services by analyzing and determining public transit requirements; effectively balancing service levels, passenger needs, and budget constraints all while remaining compliant with Title VI requirements.
• Manages the development and implementation of bus routes and schedules and oversees the evaluation of route performance.
• Manages contracts for experimental services, pedestrian access, shelter maintenance, and various other service contracts.
• Manages and administers various grants including but not limited to INDOT PMTF (Public Mass Transit Fund) and monitoring service and provide data and reports for CMAQ and other grants; ensure timely and appropriate reporting.
• Oversee the collection and monitor quality of ridership data associated with Federal Section 15 reporting requirements.
• Manages the On-Street Infrastructure Program by supporting and coordinating the production, distribution, and presentation of transit information (for internal and external audiences).
• Promotes development patterns that support transit service and other Transit Oriented Designs with property developers and government agencies.
• Represents TARC before federal, state, and local governmental agencies in regard to service or grant-related activities; collaborates with community and business groups to plan and develop transportation services.
• As needed, participates in assigned TARC Board of Directors subcommittee meetings and makes presentations to the Board.
• Provides supervisory responsibilities by monitoring department workload for efficiency, conducting annual reviews of staff performance, finding opportunities for and conducting training, addressing staff questions and concerns, developing individual goals and objectives for staff members, and interviewing and hiring staff.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Monitors developments in legislation related to planning matters and evaluates their impact on TARC operations; recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements to meet legislative obligations.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in planning; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to TARC’s needs.
• Performs other job-related duties as requested.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban and transportation planning, or a closely related field; and
• Seven (7) years of professional-level experience in transit planning, operations, and scheduling, and three (3) years of management experience in planning.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a certified planners certification issued by AICP is preferred.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Kentucky or Indiana Driver's License by the time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.

Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the above-stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of the Planning Department programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Techniques used in the development and amendment of general transportation plans.
• Statistical and research methods as applied to public transportation planning.
• Advanced principles and practices of personnel management including supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Transit lines and schedules.
• Principles and practices of environmental planning and development.
• Advanced transit industry, grant management, and contract management.
• Sources of federal, state, and local funding used for organization programs; funding practices of federal, state, and local grant agencies.
• Advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of resources.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Provide administrative, management, professional leadership, and direction for the assigned department.
• Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient planning services.
• Provide technical advice to professional and technical staff in solving complex environmental issues, regulations, and compliance problems.
• Supervise the collection, analysis, and interpretation of environmental data and information.
• Participate in technical research on planning, environmental, economic, and transportation problems.
• Select and supervise staff; develop and direct people as they work by providing training to ensure tasks are performed effectively; oversee and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment and work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of organization goals.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of business, including employees, the Board of Directors, government entities, contractors, the community, and the general public.
• Effectively use computer systems, applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; must be able to see, hear and speak; and sit at a desk for long periods of time. Work may require some level of mobility including lifting or moving materials. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or members of the public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

May be required to attend meetings outside of regular working hours.

This position requires a pre-employment screening.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COMPLIANCE:

Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are not able to perform the essential duties of the job.