Special Projects Planner

POSITION PURPOSE

The Special Projects Planner will be part of a team that emphasizes both innovative thinking and effective execution with colleges, and analysis. This position requires a combination of quantitative skills and critical thinking abilities. The Special Projects Planner will proficiently handle technical tasks related to planning, strategic thinking, and project management, contributing to the agency’s mission of connecting our community to economic and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable, and accessible mobility experiences. The role involves identifying potentially more effective work operation methods and working with departmental and agency initiatives at the department and agency-wide levels.

 Strategic Planning staff managed or participated in the following special projects:

• On-board survey analysis;
• Zero Emissions Vehicle Transition Plan;
• Customer Perception Survey;
• Transit Impact Study;
• Transit Asset Management process;
• Research on public involvement processes;
• Agency-side strategic plan;
• Sponsored rides; and others as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Special Projects Planner is expected to be well-versed in project manager and have technical knowledge. Functions and responsibilities may evolve, depending on the needs of the agency, including identified special projects, grant opportunities, and reporting requirements. 

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Performs analyses and delivers reports on various planning projects and strategic planning initiatives.
• Perform effectively in environments with Strategic Planning staff on existing plans/processes.
• Analyzes and communicates issues, identifies alternative solutions; projects the consequences of proposed actions; proposes recommendations of the agency’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Contributes to the development of evaluative frameworks to assist in long-range planning, service planning, and project development.
• Identifies best practices in transportation planning
• Assists with review of consultant deliverables and contract management activities.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Monitors and reports on project progress to ensure projects remain on schedule and within scope and budget.
• Coordinates with IndyGo departments and staff, outside consulting services, and other governmental agencies.
• Assists in public outreach efforts and stakeholder coordination with project goals.
• Assists in collection of survey data and providing reports and summaries to distribute results of survey and other data analyses.
• Periodically attends meetings before or after normal business hours. 
• Review of and feedback on draft and final project deliverables, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, people must have the following education and/or experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation planning, urban planning, public policy, public administration or a closely related discipline with academic instruction in transportation planning, operations, and/or policy analysis
• 10 years of experience in long-range planning and analysis, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.

Preferred education/experience:

• Master’s degree in transportation planning, urban planning, public policy, public administration or a closely related discipline with academic instruction in transportation planning, operations, and/or policy analysis
• 5 years of experience at a transit agency, metropolitan planning organization, department of transportation, or consulting firm
• 2 years in experience using spreadsheets in a professional setting
• 2 years experience with ArcGIS and census data to develop maps and display information. Preference for proven experience in spatial analysis.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each core function satisfactorily. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

In general, teammates should be curious, knowledgeable of project management, possess sound time management skills, and be able to communicate with a wide variety of internal stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated dedication to continuously enhancing the quality and value of services provided to IndyGo customers.
• Ability to communicate to groups; ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage tasks and time effectively as circumstances dictate. 
• Ability to read and interpret contract documents for compliance with consultant work activities
• Ability to work independently and identify potentially more effective methods of the work operation.  
• Ability to define problem areas and evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems.
• Ability to establish cooperative relations with staff, contractors, consultants, technical committees, community and industry organizations, representatives of federal, state, regional, and city agencies and the general public.
• Ability to participate within a project team of diverse individuals through the successful implementation of a project. 
• Ability to work and produce finished work products within a short time frame.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with executive leadership, advisory committees, and community groups involved in the policy and decision-making process.
• Advanced proficiency using a computer and related technology, including proficiency with Microsoft Office products, internet usage, and geospatial mapping/database tools (ESRI ArcGIS experience desired but not required).
• Knowledge of transit technologies and their application to specific projects and services (desirable, but not required).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those a teammate must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable teammates with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Position requires an individual to remain stationary for extended periods without being able to leave the work area.
• Requires occasional exposure to excessive noise, fumes/odors, some hazardous materials, and dirt/dust.

IndyGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer