Associate Planner/Planner/ Senior Planner

Associate Planner/Planner/ Senior Planner

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Heywood Office and Operations Facility, Minneapolis, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00367

Division

Metro Transit

Department

MT Asset Management

Opening Date

11/12/2026

Closing Date

11/25/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us can be found on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses and light rail, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Asset Management Department works collaboratively across Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council to advance the technologies, processes, and practices that strengthen our asset management program. Our goal is to strategically manage physical assets throughout their lifecycle to maximize value and support organizational goals.

As a Planner in the Asset Management Department, you will support data-driven decision-making across Metro Transit by transforming asset data and business partner input into insights, plans, and reports that guide operating and capital investment decisions. Your work will advance long-term asset stewardship, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning while helping ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit service throughout the Twin Cities region.

NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position will establish a six-month eligible list for current and future positions.

Associate Planner: $76,356.80 - $123,926.40 Annually

Planner: $82,555.20 - $133,972.80 Annually

Senior Planner: $89,232.00 - $144,830.40 Annually

What you would do in this job

• Develop and maintain asset management plans.
• Gather, analyze, and present data to guide budget and capital decisions.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to support collaboration and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Prepare planning documents, maps, diagrams, technical reports, budget documentation, presentations, and other materials.
• Support compliance, reporting, policy development, budget development, and asset management strategies.
• Provide leadership and guidance at increasing levels of responsibility.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultures and diversity among all employees.

Associate Planner:

• Collect and analyze data for planning and reporting needs.
• Research and compile information from various internal and external sources.

Planner:

• Prepare and deliver reports, maps, and communication materials to stakeholders.
• Facilitate meetings and coordinate with internal and external partners.

Senior Planner:

• Provide leadership and guidance by mentoring staff and advising leadership on planning strategies and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement policies, standards, and performance metrics.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Associate Planner

Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED AND four (4) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

• Associate's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field AND two (2) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

Planner

Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED AND Seven (7) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

• Associate's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field AND five (5) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field AND three (3) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

• Master's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field AND one (1) year of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

Senior Planner

Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED (Equivalency) AND eight (8) years of professional work experience capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field AND four (4) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

• Master's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field AND two (2) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Knowledge of transit operations, asset management, and capital planning.
• Professional asset management credentials, such as an Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Certificate or Diploma.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including GIS data analysis and mapping.
• Proficient in understanding database structures and using query tools to retrieve, organize, and analyze data for planning and reporting.
• Proficient in analyzing and managing data using Excel, Access, or similar applications.
• Proficient in using Power Apps, Tableau, and Power BI to develop reports, dashboards, and data-driven insights.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or completion of the Metropolitan Council Project Manager Development Program (PMDP).

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of transit asset management policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Knowledge of Council policies, practices, and operational procedures related to transit asset management, maintenance, and capital planning.
• Basic knowledge of the governmental and regulatory environment in which the Council operates as it relates to transit asset management, maintenance, and capital planning.
• Knowledge of project management, process improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies and tools.
• Working knowledge of Council asset management systems, data sources, and reporting tools used to support planning and decision-making.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to perform technical analysis using spreadsheet and database applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal and external partners.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and consistently apply Council policies and guidelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to understand and apply transit asset management policies and planning processes in daily work activities.
• Ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union: Non-Represented

Safety Sensitive: No

Full Salary Range/Grade (see below):

Associate Planner- Grade F/Non-Exempt: $76,356.80 - $123,926.40 Annually

Planner-Grade G/Exempt: $82,555.20 - $133,972.80 Annually

Senior Planner- Grade H/Exempt: $89,232.00 - $144,830.40 Annually

What your work environment would be:

You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites. This position may require work in outdoor weather conditions. May also work around moderate noise (i.e., computer printers, light traffic, work discussions).

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education and employment.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

05

Do you meet minimum qualifications? High School Diploma or GED AND four (4) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field. Associate's degree in business administration, public policy, transportation planning, engineering, or a related field AND two (2) years of professional work experience in capital planning, asset planning, public policy, or a related field.

• Yes
• No

06

Describe your relevant experience in public transportation, government, public-sector planning, infrastructure, or another regulated environment, including any experience with asset management, capital planning, maintenance, transit operations, or public policy. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

07

List the software applications or technical tools that you have used professionally that would pertain to this role.

08

Describe your experience using data and analysis to support planning or operational decisions. Include a specific example and the resulting outcome. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".

09

Describe your experience with asset management, capital planning, or asset lifecycle management, including your role, responsibilities, and contributions. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".

10

Describe your experience with asset, capital, operational, or strategic planning processes, including your responsibilities, contributions, and results. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".

11

Please share how you have promoted an equitable, positive, respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees. If you do not have this experience, please put "n/a".

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org