Associate Planner/Planner/ Senior Planner

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses and light rail, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.

The Asset Management department works collaboratively across Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council to advance the technologies, processes, and culture that strengthen our asset management program. Our goal is to strategically manage physical assets throughout their lifecycle to maximize value and support safe, reliable transit service.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

As a Planner in the Asset Management department, you play a critical role in shaping Metro Transit's planning and reporting efforts. These positions turn data and stakeholder input into actionable plans that guide operating and capital budgets in alignment with asset management strategies and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements.

NOTE: This posting will fill two (2) positions at the Associate Planner, Planner, and Senior Planner level. Candidates will be placed in the appropriate role based on relevant education and experience. These positions are eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position will establish a six-month eligible list for current and future positions.

• Develop and maintain asset management plans.
• Gather, analyze, and present data to guide budget and capital decisions.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to support collaboration and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Prepare planning documents, maps, diagrams, technical reports, budget documentation, presentations, and other materials.
• Support compliance, policy development, budget development, and asset management strategies.
• Provide leadership and guidance at increasing levels of responsibility.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultures and diversity among all employees.

• Collect and analyze data for planning and reporting needs.
• Research and compile information from various internal and external sources.

Planner:

• Prepare and deliver reports, maps, and communication materials to stakeholders.
• Facilitate meetings and coordinate with internal and external partners.

Senior Planner:

• Provide leadership and guidance by mentoring staff and advising leadership on planning strategies and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement policies, standards, and performance metrics.

Within six-months, we expect candidates to be competent in the following areas:

• Knowledge of asset management policies and best practices.
• Knowledge of Council policies, practices and operational procedures related to asset management, maintenance, and capital planning.
• Basic knowledge of the governmental environment in which the Council works, as it applies to asset management, maintenance, and capital planning.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management, process management, and continuous improvement methodologies and tools.
• Intermediate skills in MS Word and Excel with ability to perform technical analysis using spreadsheet and database programs.
• Knowledge of policy analysis and planning principles, methods, and theories.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing, to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment consistently and effectively apply the policy guidelines of the Council.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant Council stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze and interpret Council policy and apply it effectively in the policy analysis or development process.
• Ability to relate responsibilities to policy and planning process for transit asset management.

Associate Planner:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, asset management, engineering, or related field and at least 1 year of experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.
OR
High school diploma or GED AND four (4) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

Planner:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, asset management, engineering, or related field AND three (3) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.
OR
Master's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, asset management, engineering, or related field AND one (1) year of related experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.
OR
High school diploma or GED AND seven (7) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

Senior Planner:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, asset management, engineering, or related field AND four (4) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.
OR
Master's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, asset management, engineering, or related field AND two (2) years of related experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Knowledge of transit organizations, asset management, and capital planning.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Skills in GIS data analysis and mapping.
• Skills in understanding how databases are structured and comfort using query tools to pull and organize data.
• Proficient with working with small datasets (fewer than 2,000 records) in Excel, Access, or similar applications.
• Proficient at applications like PowerApps, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Professional asset management credentials such as Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Certificate or Diploma
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification; or completion of Metropolitan Council's Project Manager Development Program (PMDP) .

Union Grade: Associate Planner-Non-Represented Grade E
Union Grade: Planner-Non-Represented Grade G
Union Grade: Senior Planner-Non-Represented Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting. Position is required to work at outdoor events in various weather conditions. Travel between primary worksite and other sites.

The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.