Transit Planning Technician

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Scheduling Department of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) is under the direction of an immediate supervisor. An employee in this classification is responsible for providing advanced administrative support to the Scheduling department and advanced and general administrative support for other work sections when needed. Essential job functions include : coordinating various phases of programs and administrative functions in support of standard administrative procedures and departmental policy; assisting in monitoring or maintaining fiscal-related goals and objectives; performing special projects using standard data sources and formulas; and compiling and/or analyzing standard report documents. Work will include research, surveys, data collections, preparing reports, compiling statistical data, maintaining databases and computer mapping utilizing computer software such as databases, spreadsheets and geographical information systems. This position will assist with the coordination of public meetings and board meetings and will assist in the development of fixed route bus schedules. Assignments are received without explicit instruction on well-defined administrative functions and work products are moderately to closely reviewed by a supervisor. This position coordinates and provides work direction and supervision to support staff within the department. The employee maintains frequent contact with COTPA staff, City of Oklahoma City staff, outside agencies and citizens to obtain or provide information on recurring situations. This position occasionally handles problems which are non-routine in nature, and provides information requiring some explanation or interpretation of facts. This position will be required to work independently or in a team environment as needed.

Hourly range $26.83 to $40.97

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of and skill in utilizing basic research principles and practices.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, using tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in supervising and coordinating activities of assigned staff.
• Ability to prepare and present narrative and statistical reports with clarity and accuracy.
• Prepares narrative staff reports and recommendations of limited complexity.
• Ability to use logical thinking to solve practical problems.
• Ability to organize and assess large quantities of information and data.
• Statistical, algebraic or geometric knowledge and ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations.
• Ability to present transit planning information clearly in oral and written form.
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records.
• Ability to apply general knowledge of business and/or public administration principles and practices to work performed.
• Knowledge of planning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily inside in a climate-controlled environment.
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, or using a telephone for extended periods of time.
• Subject to continuous exposure to light and flare from a computer monitor.
• Occasional local and out-of-town travel to meeting, conferences, or seminars.
• Occasionally required to work beyond normally scheduled work hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Near vision enough to read and draft documents such as written communications or reports both manually and machine generated.
• Speech and hearing enough to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by phone.
• Manual and finger dexterity enough to operate office equipment such as keyboards, telephones, etc.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Difficulty

This position is a technical planning position that performs a variety of tasks from simple data collection to advanced research. Knowledge of business and/or public administration principles and practices, basic research methods, and an accrued knowledge of municipal budgetary goals and objectives, principles and practices are required. While standard guides, methods and precedents exist in each of the above areas, interpretation and adaptation of methods is required to fit specific programs or projects. Alternatives and recommendations are studied and developed based on own research, discussions with the supervisor, and application of precedents. Recommendations are made through the supervisor on matters which primarily impact work unit activities. Logical thinking must be used to solve practical problems. Variables encountered are both concrete and abstract in nature.

Interpersonal Relations

This position has frequent contact with COTPA and City of Oklahoma City personnel, outside vendors, organizations and citizens to give or obtain information on situations of a recurring nature but requiring some explanation or interpretation of facts.

Supervision Given and Received

This position oversees the work activities of other support staff by ensuring efficient work flow and checking work product for accuracy and completeness. Assignments are received verbally and in writing. Regular assignments are made without instructions. The supervisor may provide and explain new policies and procedures, or changes to existing policies and procedures. Assistance is readily available for solution of problems not readily covered by precedent or reference material. Work is checked occasionally in progress and reviewed upon completion for adequacy of final results. On novel problems and new procedures, the work is critically examined for accurate and effective application of directives and adequacy of results obtained.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

This is a summary of the duties and responsibilities commonly found within this classification. It is not meant to be all-inclusive; thus, other related activities or tasks may be assigned.

EEO Statement

EMBARK’s goal is to be a workforce that reflects our rich and diverse Community at every job levels. EMBARK embraces diversity and inclusion and encourages our staff members to bring their whole self to work every day. EMBARK is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All employment decisions at EMBARK are based on business needs, job requirements, individual qualifications and availability, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, State or City laws.

Veteran’s Preference
A five-point preference will be awarded on the initial scored selection process for honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces not currently employed full time by EMBARK. Qualified applicants must submit a copy of their DD Form 214 indicating discharge type/character of service in person, mail, or fax at 405-316-3346.

Drug-Free Workplace

As a Drug-Free Workplace, the EMBARK seeks to create a work environment free from the adverse effects of drug abuse and alcohol misuse for the protection of workforce, community, and customers.
This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

Drug Screen and Pre-Employment Physical

If you receive an offer of employment for a position at EMBARK, you are required to pass a a Department of Transportation drug test (in accordance with Federal Regulation) and a physical examination, with regards to the nature of the position. EMBARK has a policy that prohibits the illegal use, manufacture, distribution, sale, dispensation or possession of narcotics, drugs, or controlled substances, and will require random urine and drug and alcohol tests of its employees as an enforcement measure in providing for a drug-free workplace. You will be excluded from consideration for employment with EMBARK if the results of your urine drug test indicate evidence of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP) and/or amphetamines.

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

FCRA

EMBARK will conduct a background investigation/verification. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

NOTE TO FORMER EMPLOYEES: To participate in any selection process, former employees must be eligible for rehire. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the EMBARK Human Resource Department at (405) 297-1588. If your rehire status has been coded "Not Eligible," "Eligible 3," or "Conditional," you will need to request a review of your rehire status.

For more than 50 years, EMBARK has offered safe, reliable transportation for the citizens and visitors of Oklahoma City. Beginning with just 18 buses in 1966, we’ve grown to into a robust transit system that includes streetcars, river cruises, parking garages and more.

As an industry leader in public transportation and more importantly, as the place where you choose to work, you need to know the keys to be successful during your career with EMBARK.

EMBARK’s vision is to provide “world class transportation accessible to all, and all want to access it.”

With a clear picture of our destination through our Vision and Mission, our Core 4 Values — be safe, be there, be open and be kind act as our compass. Living into our values guides our decisions and ensure we stay on course.

In all that we do, we focus on three key audiences - our employees, our customers and our board - to create a great place to work, enhance the status, use and understanding of our services, and preserve confidence in what we do with key stakeholders.

No matter what position you are applying for, our team members help is essential to the success of EMBARK. Each team member is integral to the success of our organization and we couldn’t do it without you.

Whether we’re creating an inclusive and empowering work environment, improving our customers’ experiences or cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, our Vision, Mission, and Values will help guide you to decide if EMBARK is the right organization for you.