Principal Transportation Planner

Salary range is $80k to $175k, with a midpoint of $125k.  New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.  

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance discount.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Under general direction, performs a full range of senior technical and/or team leader duties in planning, strategic thinking, and project management in support of the Service Delivery Department for assigned geographic area/function to ensure the Agency is positioned to accomplish its mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Leads large, complex service planning efforts and projects with strategic value to the Agency in a variety of highly visible forums.
• Monitors and leads ridership, service performance, service quality, and customer experience reviews; gathers and analyzes data and integrates in planning activities to make meaning and drive decision making for improved transit service.
• Leads and manages service integration planning, public processes, and operational implementation of light rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), commuter rail, and express bus service.
• Leads coordination efforts with other agencies and stakeholders to advance Sound Transit’s long-term opportunities to expand, enhance, and integrate the regional light rail, commuter rail, BRT, and express bus systems with local services and each other. Demonstrates ingenuity to develop agreements with other agencies.
• Develops presentations for executives and for Board Members, manages communication and supports public outreach on complex planning activities and service planning proposals.
• Leads and manages the development and implementation of regional transit system plans by preparing project scopes, work plans, and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for consultant services; serves as a technical resource and expert on assigned planning projects.
• Gathers, analyzes, and disseminates information to facilitate strategic decision-making.
• Reviews, develops, and revises multi-disciplinary policies, programs, and projects, as directed by the ST Board, to provide regional transit facilities and services.
• Performs policy analysis and development, data collection, budget, and cost analysis.
• Represents the Agency at regular meetings of elected officials and local jurisdictions; provides presentations on Agency policies, projects, and planning activities in area of assignment, as necessary and when requested; addresses questions and concerns about Agency through direct responses or arranging venues with other staff and parties as necessary; and represents ST at public forums.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in eve