Statewide Transit Planner

Job Duties

This position will serve as a transit planner responsible for managing DRPT transit planning projects and studies, supporting DRPT processes and grant programs, analyzing transit-related data, and representing DRPT on Metropolitan Planning Organizations throughout the state. The position will report to a Statewide Transit Planning Manager of Strategic Planning – Richmond office, and will work on multi-disciplinary teams with other local, regional, and state agencies to carry out tasks assigned. As needed, this position will be responsible for managing consultant-led projects with varied geographical scopes.

The types of DRPT planning projects and studies this position may work on include: regional planning studies, corridor-specific planning studies, transit development plans (TDP), transit strategic plans (TSP), transit system redesigns, transit feasibility studies, local and statewide performance analyses, transit capital needs assessments, alternatives analyses, and environmental studies.

The DRPT processes and grant programs this position will be involved with include: DRPT MERIT Grant Programs – Capital Assistance, Operating Assistance, and Special Programs, DRPT capital planning efforts, transit asset management planning, and reporting to the National Transit Database (NTD).

This position will serve as the primary contact for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and other, state, and local organizations. This position will also coordinate with the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) and attend meetings throughout the state, as assigned.

The Department of Rail and Public Transportation offers a generous total compensation package.  Well qualified candidates will be eligible to negotiate Exceptional Recruitment Incentives.  New external candidates of the Commonwealth will be eligible to negotiate cash and leave bonuses upon hire.   Existing State employees will be eligible to negotiate leave bonuses upon hire.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of DRPT organization, mission, and operations
• Knowledge of transportation planning rules and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and/or local grant programs and policies.
• Ability to multitask, conduct, and manage a range of diverse transit planning projects.
• Ability to conduct GIS analysis, create maps, collect and interpret performance data, and collaborate with transit agencies in implementing performance data collection technology. 
• Ability to evaluate and assess issues, interpret laws and regulations, and communicate findings verbally and in writing to others.
• Ability to promote the organization, make critical decisions, manage conflict, promote organizational alignment, build relationships, conduct high-level negotiations, and monitor, and understand the environment, including economic, political, social, business, and demographic changes.
• Ability to conduct studies including managing consultants, lead working groups, public speaking, and advising technical and policy groups to formulate and implement recommendations. Ability to maintain clear communications and good rapport with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to lead project teams, motivate and provide feedback to team members, manage stakeholders, and carry out conflict resolution where needed.
• Ability to conduct outreach and engage diverse groups of stakeholders including the public.

Additional Considerations 

• A combination of work experience and education in urban planning, transportation planning, engineering public administration or any other related field strongly preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-786-4440

Email: [email protected]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer