Senior Transportation Planner - Modeling & Analysis

About the Position:
The Senior Transportation Planner - Modeling & Analysis will be working with planners, engineers, other modelers, and GIS professionals who are passionate about making our region a more sustainable and equitable place. You will support VTA (the transportation planning and programming authority & the transit operator for Santa Clara County) in its efforts to develop and maintain a bi-county travel demand model. You will be directly involved in developing and stress testing a new activity-based travel demand model (ABM). Before the ABM is deployed, you will use the current model to support a wide range of planning and engineering activities, from BART Extension to its related transit-oriented community studies to express lane studies to the development of countywide long-range plans. As our team strives to continuously improve our model and other analytical tools, you will research and implement new ideas to enhance and expand our forecasting capabilities.

The Ideal Candidate:
We are seeking an experienced transportation modeler with an innovative mindset to join our dynamic transportation forecasting team. An ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in transportation planning principles, travel demand modeling frameworks and techniques, and statistical analysis. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in developing, calibrating, and applying travel demand models using industry-standard software packages. This individual is proficient in analyzing large datasets, interpreting model outputs, and drawing meaningful insights to support transportation planning decisions. Excellent communication skills are crucial, as they will effectively convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Furthermore, the ideal candidate demonstrates leadership qualities, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. They are adept at managing projects, meeting deadlines, and ensuring the quality of deliverables. A proactive and innovative mindset is highly valued, as the candidate will contribute to the advancement of modeling techniques and methodologies within the organization. Experience with activity-based models, household travel surveys, and toll lane modeling would be considered a significant asset.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule:

• Office Days: Three (3) days per week are expected to be work from the office, collaborating in person with your team, attending meetings, and participating in company events.

• Remote Days: Two (2) days per week you will have the ability to work from home or another location of your choice, with the flexibility to manage your tasks and projects independently.

About VTA:
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

To learn more, go to: vta.org.

Our Community:
Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.

The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

Classification Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Typical Tasks

• Supervises, develops, and evaluates professional, support staff, and consultants, assigns work and evaluates work products, may counsel and discipline staff;
• Manages major transportation planning projects, such as a specific transit plan, corridor study, or multi-modal project;;
• Prepares and presents items to boards and committees;
• Serves as liaison with cities, other local/regional agencies, and community groups regarding transportation, land use, and related issues;
• Develops work plans, schedules, and budget estimates for studies and projects;
• Coordinates planning activities with various departments within VTA;
• Prepares and presents planning project information to the public and community groups;
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and other documents;
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Concepts, principles, techniques and legal aspects of transportation planning;
• Research and statistical methods;
• Governmental organizations and operations;
• Community interrelationships;
• Basic supervision methods and principles;
• Project management methods and techniques;
• Some positions may require knowledge of travel processes using regional network systems and sensitivity analysis;
• Some positions may require system measures of capacity, congestion, levels of service and traffic engineering techniques.

Ability to:

• Analyze issues and numerical measures associated with transportation planning projects, including estimates derived from computer models, estimates of costs and benefits, and public input;
• Estimate and administer budgets for studies and schedule and manage planning projects;
• Perform analysis and make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation, and public contacts;
• Write correspondence, Board memorandums, planning and technical reports, and fact sheets designed to be understood by all audiences, including the general public;
• Simultaneously manage multiple projects;
• Maintain project objective and integrity when conflicting interests may influence the project outcome;
• Resolve conflicts between contractors and VTA on the interpretation of contractor project responsibilities;
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.

Employment Standards
Training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in transportation planning, civil engineering, urban planning, data science, mathematics, or other STEM fields and 4 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of transportation planning, traffic engineering, transportation data analysis, or related experience with an emphasis on travel demand modeling. (A Masters Degree in transportation or urban planning maybe substituted for one year of the required experience.)What's in it for You?

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.

Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Leave: 17 days of vacation (accrued), 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year.

Retirement:

- Participation in CalPERS

· Classic Members: 2%@55

· PEPRA Members: 2%@62

- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)

· 457 pre-tax

· 457 Roth

· Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium

Additional perks:

- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- Tuition Reimbursement

- Professional Development Fund

- Wellness Programs As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services. For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

General Instructions

Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

Application Processing Information

All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

Salary : $137,579 - $167,269