Paratransit Operations Planner - (Transportation Planner II – Accessible Services)
- Summary
This position is open to everyone as a term limited temporary (TLT) position and to internal career service employees as a special duty assignment (SDA) opportunity.
King County Metro Transit’s Accessible Service group is currently recruiting for a Paratransit Operations Planner - (Transportation Planner II). The person selected for this position will assist with monitoring operations for Metro Transit's Accessible Services group, which provides King County Metro Transit's paratransit services, commonly known as ACCESS. The majority of operational activities for Access are contracted out to private and non-profit contractors. Responsibilities will include ongoing monitoring of service provision under these ACCESS Contracts, with a focus on fleet safety and maintenance operations. Some activities will include operational field observations, auditing personnel and maintenance records, reviewing reports, and reviewing cases of contractor/customer contact and interaction.
This position will participate in meetings, gather data and provide recommendations for supervisory staff to make effective business decisions. This position's prime focus will assist in oversight through Key Performance Indicator (KPI) monitoring, reporting, and recommending successful and collaborative paths. The position is responsible for assistance in providing responses to communications received from its customers, which are predominantly senior citizens and persons with disabilities. This position will work closely with Metro's Fleet Planner and help coordinate activities and meetings.
The most competitive candidate will be able to analyze data from a variety of sources to determine if there are patterns and practices that reflect systemic breakdowns in service delivery. The selected candidate will need to work independently with confidential information and be prepared to support their conclusions with data. A basic understanding of risk from a human resources and operations perspective as well as safety and fleet management experience would be helpful.
Metro's Accessible Services Group
The Service Planning Section is responsible for ACCESS Transportation services. ACCESS Transportation provides over 1 million rides annually to seniors and people with disabilities using a fleet of over 300 vehicles. With a budget of $65 million annually, this position will help support a County staff of 22 as well as provide contract administration for the majority of services that are contracted out.
An Employer to be Proud of
King County Metro Transit is the winner of the 2018 award for best large transit system in North America. We are a national leader in getting people to work quickly, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and improving urban air quality, providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Metro has pioneered or refined dozens of innovations, which have made us a leader in the nation's public transportation industry.
Who May Apply
This position is open to everyone as a term limited temporary (TLT) position and to internal career service employees as a special duty assignment (SDA) opportunity.
This SDA or TLT position is expected to last approximately two years.
Work Schedule
Work schedule is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 40 hours per week. Alternative work schedules may be considered. Work outside of the normal workday is required periodically.
This position is designated non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay with prior supervisor approval.
Work Location:
This position will be located in the King Street Center Building - 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104, but is currently eligible for telecommuting during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Duration of telecommuting period is dependent upon guidance from County leadership; the current timeframe is through at least July 5, 2021. Access bases are located throughout the County and this position will be asked to travel to these locations as a part of regular duties.
Temporary Telecommuting Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed remotely, at least through July 5, 2021 in compliance with King County’s telecommuting mandate. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.
To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
Forms and Materials Required
Applicants for this position are required to submit a complete online employment application form, and answers to the supplemental questions. A resume is highly recommended, but not required. You can either attach your document in the "attachments" section or paste your document into the "text resume" section of the employment application.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit the completed online application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs and answer the supplemental questionnaire.
Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the Human Resources contact for this job announcement.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of minimum and desired qualifications. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a written exercise and/or other testing and one or more interviews. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks.
Union Membership
This position is represented by PROTEC 17 bargaining unit.
Class Code: 241704
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Mara Cardenas
Senior Talent Advisor
206-477-2358
Mara.cardenas@kingcounty.gov- Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. You will:
Provide Section Data/Reporting Support - Maintain data and provide reports
- Monitor and respond to customer contacts including comments, commendations and complaints
- Assist in creating customer responses in alternate formats for people with special needs
- Assist in monitoring and auditing paratransit contractors and sub-contractors
- Work with vendors, Metro Transit Division staff and regional committees to identify solutions to ensure best possible implementation for paratransit; submit relevant comments
- Support agency reporting requirement relating to the National Transit Database
- Identify potential operational problems; develop and communicate solutions
- Advise supervisors of issues and possible solutions
- Identify most effective use of software and enhancements for applicable software
- Coordinate weekly vehicle inspections and maintenance group meetings
- Assist with coordinating fleet management activities, including licensing, registrations and Washington State ”Good to Go” toll system
- Act as liaison with Safety and Risk for Access related inquires
- Investigate and resolve moving violations and collection issues
- Assist with fleet procurement activities
Participate on Teams
- Participate in Accessible Services working groups
- Coordinate and participate in contractor's maintenance group meetings and other implementation teams
- Gather staff and contractor input on optimizing use of scheduling and certification data base; determine implementation strategies
- Demonstrate a commitment to equity and sustainability. Promote an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment and support diversity and inclusion goals
- Serve at Divisional Operations Center when activated
Analyze Paratransit Operations
- Conduct ad-hoc analysis of a variety of issues and activities, either directly or through work of contractor IT staff
- Create reports for workgroup and system and identify appropriate and accurate data sources
- Monitor contractor fleet. Incorporate data analysis into system improvements Analyze and suggest policy and operating procedure changes
- Monitor subcontractor performance including:
- Fleet management
- Personnel Records review
- Safety and Training (Operators and Staff) documentation
- Maintenance and Safety staffing level monitoring
- Facilities (state of good repair review)
- Key performance indicator (KPI) review and tracking
- Field monitoring
- Internal meeting to update/review metrics and advise
- Attend meetings with contractors and go over KPI's
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Experience in basic vehicle and pedestrian safety practices and techniques, and basic terminology of vehicle mechanical systems
- Work experience in transportation, outreach, or related field
- Advanced skill composing correspondence, reports, specifications and other written materials/documentation
- Skill utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
- Ability to analyze and recommend policies, procedures and program elements related to delivery of service
- Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks and priorities
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and externally both verbally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy (must be able to communicate effectively and work successfully with seniors and persons with disabilities, people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, community agencies, vendors and decision makers etc.)
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with staff, coworkers and the public
- Proficiency in gathering and compiling information, solving data management problems and preparing accurate reports
- Ability to analyze data, make logical decisions and exercise independent judgment
- Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy while meeting critical deadlines
- Ability to read and comprehend manuals, diagrams, and schematics
- Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities
Desirable Qualifications- A bachelor's degree in a related field (Land Use, Urban, Regional, Transportation, Environmental), Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Economics, Public Affairs/Information, or Business
- Two years' experience in land use, transportation, outreach, analytical or environmental planning or related field
- Background in fleet safety and maintenance practices
- Knowledge of contract administration procedures including preparation of reports and general correspondence with contracted vendors
- Experience working in a technical environment, which included experience in paratransit service planning, service delivery and operations
- Ability to use SQL to develop queries and manipulate data and Crystal Reports to present technical data
- Experience with Trapeze Software Paratransit Automated Scheduling System (PASS)
- Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to paratransit services
- Experience in ADA service delivery practices, procedures, and techniques
- Experience in fleet safety and maintenance management
Necessary Special Requirements
A valid Washington State driver's license within thirty (30) days after hire, OR the ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner, is required.- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Thank you for your interest in this employment opportunity. In applying for this job, please follow the instructions provided on filling out your employment application. Data fields provided should all be completed. This includes but is not limited to: • the education and work experience sections of your employment application (do not merely refer to your resume). • A description of each position that you have held in the last ten years. If you held more than one position with an employer, please list each job separately, showing the dates of employment in each position. You should also include jobs that are prior to the last ten years if they were relevant to your qualifications. • For each position listed, state the month and year in which you started and in which you ended it, and your reason for leaving the position. If you have been terminated from any previous jobs, please state the specific reasons why. Your application, along with your resume, will be used to determine whether you meet the qualifications and/or are competitive for this position. If you have any questions about this, please contact the HR Analyst identified in the job announcement. I have read the above statement and certify that the statements made by me on the application are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.
- Yes
- No
02Are you applying to this position as an eligible Current or Previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant And Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County AND I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. AND The position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
03If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff04Please select the opportunity you are interested in being considered for.- Special Duty Assignment (SDA's are open to internal career service employees only)
- Term Limited Temporary position (TLT positions are open to everyone)
05Are you a current King County career service or term-limited-temporary employee?- Yes
- No
06If you are a current King County employee, please indicate below which union you belong to. If you are not a King County employee or are a King County employee not represented by a union, please put "N/A".07Please select which minimum qualifications, if any, you possess for this position.- Experience in basic vehicle and pedestrian safety practices and techniques, and basic terminology of vehicle mechanical systems
- Advanced skill composing correspondence, reports, specifications and other written materials/documentation
- Skill utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
- Work experience in transportation, outreach, or related field
- Ability to analyze and recommend policies, procedures and program elements related to delivery of service
- Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks and priorities
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and externally both verbally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy (must be able to communicate effectively and work successfully with seniors and persons with disabilities, people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, community agencies, vendors and decision makers etc.)
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with staff, coworkers and the public
- Proficiency in gathering and compiling information, solving data management problems and preparing accurate reports
- Ability to analyze data, make logical decisions and exercise independent judgment
- Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy while meeting critical deadlines
- Ability to read and comprehend manuals, diagrams, and schematics
- Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities
- I do not meet any of the minimum qualifications
08Please select which desirable qualifications, if any, you possess for this position.- A bachelor's degree in a related field (Land Use, Urban, Regional, Transportation, Environmental), Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Economics, Public Affairs/Information, or Business
- Two years' experience in land use, transportation, outreach, analytical or environmental planning or related field
- Background in fleet safety and maintenance practices
- Knowledge of contract administration procedures including preparation of reports and general correspondence with contracted vendors
- Experience working in a technical environment, which included experience in paratransit service planning, service delivery and operations
- Ability to use SQL to develop queries and manipulate data and Crystal Reports to present technical data
- Experience with Trapeze Software Paratransit Automated Scheduling System (PASS)
- Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to paratransit services
- Experience in ADA service delivery practices, procedures, and techniques
- Experience in fleet safety and maintenance management
- I do not meet any of the desired qualifications
09Describe your experience using software related to this position, as described in the job announcement. If you do not have experience, please put "N/A".Required Question