JUNIOR ASSOCIATE TRANSIT PLANNER

About RLS & Associates, Inc.

RLS is a national consulting company that uses a person-centered planning approach to create innovative mobility solutions for our clients. RLS clients include public transit systems, the Federal Transit Administration, State departments of transportation, local government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This woman-owned business was established in September 1987 and has grown to be a highly respected and sought-after consulting firm in the transit industry today. Since its inception, RLS’ mission has been to “assist the transit community in identifying, facing, and meeting current and future challenges in an affordable, practical, and high-quality manner while maintaining the highest standard of integrity and professionalism.”

RLS is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio with other offices in Texas, Indiana, and Arkansas.

Job Details

The Junior Associate Transit Planner opening can be filled in RLS’ office in Dayton, Ohio, or San Antonio, Texas. The position supports various types of technical studies and transit planning projects for communities nationwide. The position will occasionally require travel to sites nationwide where RLS has clients. They will work both independently and as part of a team to develop innovative plans for communities seeking to create or improve their transit services. They will also have the opportunity to develop strategic operating plans and evaluate organizational and governance structures.

This position is designed for a self-motivated individual with an interest in transportation planning. The Junior Associate Transit Planner will be part of multiple small project teams. The work environment is fast-paced at times and will require a balance of self-direction and teamwork. The Junior Associate will work with teams to evaluate client public transit services, review transit policies and documents, research peers or community characteristics, conduct public engagement activities, meet with governmental bodies (i.e., City or County Councils, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, etc.), write reports, and potentially create maps using Esri ArcGIS.

This position requires substantial interaction with project team members, clients, and the general public. RLS expects excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills. Travel can be up to 20% of the time for project-related work occurring throughout the United States.

Duties:

• Assist project managers and collaborate across RLS teams to produce deliverables in line with our clients’ visions.
• Research, collect and evaluate relevant data in the process of designing plans for various client needs, including locating existing data (e.g., US Census data) and administering surveys.
• Analyze demographic and survey data, including writing narrative summaries and creating visuals (charts, tables, infographics, etc.) for reports and presentations.
• Support data analysis by creating accurate maps using ArcGIS.
• Support field (on-site) evaluations and assessments of transit operations.
• Interact with transit passengers, human service agency clients, and the general public during community outreach events.
• Research and document information to support transit planning projects.
• Support project managers with preparing short- and long-range transit plans that include descriptions, graphs, charts, maps, and other graphics.
• Communicate through email, virtual meetings, calls and in-person meetings with representatives of various governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and businesses.
• Create professional presentations for stakeholder or civil leadership groups of all sizes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Growth Opportunities

The Junior Associate Transit Planner will benefit from hands-on experience with local government agencies and transit systems. They will have the opportunity to support development of important professional client relationships as they provide valuable assistance and tools that clients need to achieve their priorities.

They will be exposed to a wide range of opportunities and topics within the public transit world including policy development, organizational structure, safety and security procedures, service design, alternative fuel vehicles, management and administration, compliance with Federal regulations, public engagement, and more. They will gain exposure to many aspects of the transit industry.

Required Skills and Background

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher, preferably in Geography, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Public Health, or an equivalent degree from an accredited university.
• Ability to manage technical assignments independently.
• Passionate about making communities a better place to live.
• Ability to compile data from a variety of sources and into a summary of key information that our clients can use to make decisions.
• Proficient in the use of all applications of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to analyze U.S. Census demographic data and produce charts and graphics that illustrate key data points.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent skills in prioritization and time management.
• Inquisitive self-starter and a natural problem solver.
• Applicants may be subject to credit, criminal, Federal, and National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) background checks.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Skills and Background

• Prior experience with a public transit system, state department of transportation, private or non-profit transportation provider, planning organization, or GIS department.
• Familiarity with mapping platforms (ArcGIS), modeling, and/or database analysis.
• Ability to work with U.S. Census information and Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD).

Applicants will be required to submit an original writing sample (professional or college coursework) completed in the last 12 months. Applicants should indicate the date it was created, for what type of project, and for what company or course.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $55,000 to $75,000, depending on qualifications and years of experience.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401k after introductory period
• Profit Sharing Plan after an introductory period
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick days

Position opening is in the Dayton, Ohio, or San Antonio, Texas, Office (located in northeast San Antonio). The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to the Dayton or San Antonio areas. When not traveling for company-related purposes, this position is required to be in-office/in-person, with the flexibility to work from home available on a case-by-case basis and as approved by the management team.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a writing sample to: Laura Brown at [email protected].

• RLS & Associates, Inc

Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Transit Planning: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person