SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER (TAP)

Performs senior-level technical planning, programming, or project support and performs a range of functions in an assigned organizational unit. This position is responsible for processing fare transfer, refund requests, and supporting core programs such as GO TAP, STAP, and UPass. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of TAP business rules, the NextFare Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system, and the Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform.

Recruitment Timelines: Interviews are projected to be scheduled for the week of August 24, 2026. These dates are subject to change. We encourage you to monitor your governmentjobs.com profile and emails for the latest updates.

Application cut-off: Please be aware that only the first 100 applicants will be guaranteed consideration for this position. Be sure to submit your application promptly as the bulletin will close once 100 applications are received.

• Supports analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, of transportation projects, programs, and policies
• Prepares specific components of scopes of work, financial plans, schedules, contracts, and agreements
• Schedules and coordinates meetings with Metro departments and external parties
• Participates in meetings with Metro staff, community organizations, cities, and other public agencies
• Assists in negotiations and execution of various agreements
• Manages small, single-site or region-wide projects or funding programs; manages small consultant contracts or assists with the management of large contracts
• Manages project schedules, budgets, tasks, and assigned activities
• Conducts analyses and makes policy recommendations
• Provides technical guidance to local jurisdictions and outside agencies on Metro programs
• Assists in evaluating the costs, benefits, and risks associated with various plans, programs, and projects
• Prepares and delivers reports, presentations, and correspondence
• Coordinates with other Metro departments on programs and projects
• Applies, develops, and implements statistical analysis procedures

May be required to perform other related job duties

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Transportation Planning, Engineering (Civil, Transportation, Structural, Industrial, Mechanical, Architecture, etc.), Business, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Design, Public Policy, Finance, or a related field; Master's Degree in a related field preferred

Experience

• Three years of relevant experience in transportation planning, project management, urban design, transportation system design and research, travel simulation and demand modeling, transportation finance, operations planning, or other related area; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions preferred

Preferred Qualifications 

Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.

The following are the preferred qualifications:

• Experience utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) software, such as Salesforce, to troubleshoot patron issues and respond to transit agency inquiries
• Experience operating and navigating Automated Fare Collection (AFC) systems, such as NextFare and TAP, to manage customer transactions, transit passes, or account adjustments
• Experience performing transactional financial processes, including evaluating and processing fare refund requests
• Experience testing of new transit software technology and fare structures

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Theories, principles, and practices of transportation, urban and regional planning, land use planning and regulations, programming, public financing techniques mobility, and/or fiscal analysis
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing transportation policies, funding sources, real estate leasing, mobility and development practices
• Financial, analytical, statistical research, and mathematical processes and procedures
• Technical research methods, analysis, and innovation
• Best practices regarding project management and planning
• Applicable business software applications
• Emerging business models and opportunities to test new models of service delivery

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

• Conducting comprehensive planning studies and projects
• Identifying problems and analyzing data in pursuit of solutions and/or to test new models of service delivery
• Analyzing situations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions
• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
• Mediating and negotiating
• Communicating project opportunities, risks, and constraints

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

• Compile and analyze complex data
• Meet tight time constraints and deadlines
• Convey ideas clearly and in a timely fashion
• Think and act independently
• Navigate Metro's complex organizational structure
• Develop and execute strategies to meet project and department goals
• Be flexible, adaptable, and able to iterate as obstacles are encountered during project delivery
• Develop and maintain external relationships to ensure project success
• Understand, interpret, and apply theories, laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and agreements
• Represent Metro before the public
• Handle confidential information
• Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out
  

Working Conditions

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Communicating through speech in the English language required

(RW)