Transit Specialist I

 
Join Our Team

The Sonoma County Public Infrastructure (SoCoPi) Department leads the way to a safe and sustainable community by planning, building, managing, and maintaining Sonoma County's investment in quality services and infrastructure. It is the responsibility of the Transit Division of SoCoPi to administer Sonoma County Transit, the County's own public transportation system. The system's state-of-the-art fleet serves numerous locations across the County. Benefiting Sonoma County residents and visitors alike.

SoCoPi is currently recruiting for a Transit Planning Specialist I to effectively prioritize and coordinate transit program objectives, analyze data to evaluate transit programs and systems and respond to public inquiries and complaints related to the transit system. The position's responsibilities also include processing American with Disabilities Act (ADA) applications and daily ridership updates, supporting the installation and maintenance of new bus stop amenities, working with both fixed-route and paratransit operators on operational issues, and providing input to the short-range transit plan and other planning documents.

The Transit Division is looking for someone who will thrive in a small office environment that oversees contract operations. As an integral member of the team, the ideal candidate will also:

• Understand transit system operations thoroughly, including fixed-route schedule development, vehicle deployment methods, transit service cost/benefit analysis, ridership analysis, and the development of fare alternatives
• Know the Short-Range Transit Planning process including, its purpose, preparation, approach, service and financial evaluation methods, and public review processes
• Possess knowledge of the ADA and its impact on County-provided, fixed-route, and paratransit services
• Have knowledge of how to prepare federal, state, and/or regional grant applications for capital and/or operating projects
• Be able to develop and effectively use spreadsheets to conduct transit operational analysis of fare revenue projections, level of service alternatives, ridership projections, service costs, and subsidy evaluation
• Have the ability to work with technical advisory committees that are related to the coordination of County-wide and regional fixed-route and/or paratransit services
• Be able to evaluate customer service requests and complaints for validity, determine corrective action(s), and take the appropriate response

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Transit Specialist II (salary up to $/hour)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
• May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment

This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Transit Specialist position at the I level in SoCoPi, formerly the Transportation and Public Works Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Two years of educational coursework at an accredited college or university in transit, transportation or engineering, or related planning field which provides the knowledge and ability listed, and two years direct work experience in an environment related to transit, transportation, or relevant planning field.

OR

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: county government organization and functions and their relationship with the organization of local government and districts.

Some knowledge of: travel and routing systems analysis which relates to public transit and transportation systems; federal and state funding sources leading to the development of new and improved county-wide transportation systems; public transit, policy and administration; public finance administration; laws, rules and regulations governing the operations of public and private transit and transportation systems planning.

Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with county and city officials, employees, public and private transportation operators and the public; speak effectively before groups, organizations and related audiences; research, assemble and present, either in written or oral forms, data and recommendations on transportation systems; learn to identify and secure federal and state funds relating to transportation development and systems; learn to analyze costs and effects of current and proposed countywide transportation systems.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.