Transit Service Planning Manager

Transit Service Planning Manager

Salary

$171,486.64 - $208,444.86 Annually

Location

San Jose, CA 95134-1927, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-CC-20257

Division

Planning

Opening Date

11/09/2026

Closing Date

12/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

VTAs Planning Division is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Transit Service Planning Manager! Help shape how more than four million residents and visitors move through Silicon Valley by leading transit service planning for one of the Bay Area's largest multimodal transit networks.

Planning Division

VTA's Planning Division includes approximately 80 staff across four functional areas: Transit Planning, Multimodal Planning & Real Estate, Grants & Fund Allocation, and Transportation Forecasting & GIS. The Service Planning Manager is part of the Transit Planning functional area, which is organized into three closely coordinated teams: Transit Service Planning, Transit Scheduling, and Transit Capital Planning. The Service Planning Manager will lead the Transit Service Planning team and will work closely with VTA's Transit Scheduling Manager, who translates approved service plans into operator schedules and runcuts, and the Transit Capital Planning Manager, who integrates those plans with capital project delivery.

What Youll Be Doing:

Definition

Under general direction, the Transit Service Planning Manager plans, organizes, manages, and directs the activities and staff of VTA's transit service planning function.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification has full managerial and administrative authority over service planning, passenger facilities administration, and related functions.

Areas of responsibility include the development and evaluation of transit service plans, route and network design, service change proposals, and ridership and performance analysis in support of service design; Title VI equity analysis of proposed service changes; coordination with the Transit Scheduling function to translate approved service plans into operator schedules and run cuts; and coordination with the Transit Capital Planning function to integrate service plans with capital project delivery.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished transit service planning leader with demonstrated experience overseeing service planning functions that support a complex transit network. The selected individual will bring exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to lead a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will have recent, relevant experience in transit planning for a public transit agency, ideally in service planning, route and network design, and service change development, though candidates with experience in related areas such as transit corridor studies, multimodal studies, or transit capital planning, are encouraged to apply. Experience using ridership, performance, and demographic data to evaluate and shape transit service is also desired. Upcoming and ongoing work of particular interest includes development of VTAs next annual service plan and VTAs 10-Year Transit Plan, along with other agency service transformation and network planning initiatives.

Additional beneficial experience includes Title VI service equity analysis and coordination with transit scheduling and capital planning functions to translate service plans into operator schedules and capital project delivery. The ideal candidate will also bring experience preparing and delivering clear, well-supported recommendations to a governing board, elected officials, and the public, and will be comfortable representing VTA in a range of public and interagency settings.

Above all, the ideal candidate will be motivated by VTAs mission and demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing fast, frequent, and reliable transportation improvements for the residents of Santa Clara County.

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)

The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Plans, organizes, manages, and directs the activities, operations, and staff of assigned functional areas; Manages consultant contracts as assigned;

• Selects, manages, trains, motivates, assigns, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines staff;

• Manages the development, evaluation, and implementation of transit service plans, route and network design studies, and service change proposals;

• Develops service change specifications for implementation by the Transit Scheduling function, and collaborates with staff on service change timelines;

• Manages the collection and analysis of ridership, operational, demographic, and travel demand data to inform service design and evaluate route and network performance;

• Conducts Title VI service equity analyses of proposed service changes in accordance with federal, state, and VTA's program requirements;

• Manages special studies and route/network design methodologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transit service;

• Coordinates with Transit Capital Planning staff to integrate service plans with capital project delivery, including service changes associated with new infrastructure, facilities, or system expansions;

• Coordinates with Transit Scheduling staff to translate service plans into transit schedules and operator assignments;

• Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, procedures, and work standards for the service planning team, and measures and communicates progress regularly;

• Manages the preparation of recommendations on transit service trends, needs, and regulatory requirements, including resource and financial requirements and environmental review as they relate to service;

• Manages complex statistical and data analysis projects, and the establishment and maintenance of records and databases, for service planning research;

• Manages the collection of operator, employee, rider, and community feedback related to transit service design and ensures appropriate and timely responses;

• Coordinates with other VTA divisions and departments, and with member agencies and external stakeholders, regarding the impact of service plans on VTA's business, financial, and capital plans;

• Prepares documentation in support of the procurement of goods and services related to service planning, including scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates, and manages contracted work efforts;

• Prepares materials for and conducts public presentations, representing VTA before the Board of Directors, city councils, and other state, federal, and regional agencies and commissions on service planning matters;

• Makes and executes major program decisions in working with staff, consultants, and technical representatives from member agencies;

• Reviews and applies federal, state and regional statutes, proposed legislation and regulations pertaining to area of responsibility;

• Directs the development of board memorandum, correspondence, reports, and plans;

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in transportation planning, urban planning, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in transit service planning, at least three (3) years of which must be demonstrated supervisory experience.

A master's degree in transportation or transportation planning, urban planning, or a related field is preferred.

A valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and employee development;
• Principles and practices of transit service planning, route and network design, and service evaluation methodologies;
• Federal, state, and regional requirements pertaining to transit service, including federal Title VI and charter bus service regulations;
• Operational characteristics of a public transit system as they relate to the delivery and design of transit services;
• Methods and techniques used in analyzing transit service and route performance, ridership, and productivity;
• Principles and practices of data collection, statistical analysis, and report preparation;
• Concepts, principles, and techniques of monitoring, evaluating, and planning transit services, including capital-service integration;
• Grant and funding processes relevant to transit service planning;
• Technical knowledge of the major functions within the assigned area of responsibility;
• Community interrelationships relevant to transit service planning;
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, fiscal and personnel management;
• Methods and techniques used for project management.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, select, supervise, train, motivate and evaluate the work of professional and technical personnel;
• Make and execute major program decisions in working with staff, consultants, and member agency technical representatives;
• Develop, evaluate, monitor, and present transit service plans, route and network design, service change proposals, and technical information;
• Develop, evaluate, and monitor budgets; effectively allocate staff and consultant resources;
• Successfully manage multiple complex projects with aggressive schedules across various functional areas;
• Effectively represent VTA before the Board of Directors, city councils, and other federal, state, local, and regional agencies, boards, and commissions and before local citizens in public meetings and hearings;
• Coordinate and supervise transit studies to evaluate, modify, and plan future service delivery;
• Conduct Title VI service equity analyses for proposed service changes;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Prepare correspondence, reports, memos; maps, and other documents;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Working Environment/Conditions and Physical Demands

Work Environment and Physical Effort:

Good Conditions

Primarily Sedentary Work

Work Locations:

Office or similar indoor environment - Frequently

Exposures:

Minimal exposure to environmental factors

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information

All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing

All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:

Oral Panel: January 6 - 14, 2027

Conditions of Employment

Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For safety-sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

STEM OPT

While VTA is an E-Verify employer, we do not participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program or host formal Form I-983 training plans for this position. Candidates must be independently authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring STEM OPT support.

Eligibility List

The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test.

Veterans' Preference Program

VTA welcomes and encourages the employment of veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Qualified veterans may be eligible to receive additional veterans' preference credit in the selection process for this recruitment.

To be considered for Veterans' Preference credit, please attach a PDF copy of your DD Form 214 (Service Copy 2) or other official discharge documentation showing your enlistment and discharge dates and character of service (i.e., type of discharge) in the "Attachments" section of your application. Applicants requesting preference based on a service-connected disability, please submit Standard Form 15 (SF-15) along with any required supporting documentation.

Veterans' Preference credit will only be applied after the required documentation has been received and eligibility has been verified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTAs benefits may be found here: https://app.strivebenefits.com/santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority

As defined by the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):

• Classic Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
• New Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.

All Classic AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employees bi-weekly salary.

01

I acknowledge that I have accurately entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position. Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified any aspect of the application, including but not limited to: their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

I have read this information and am aware of the importance of accurately entering in all Work Experience and Education on the employment application.

• Yes
• No

02

Please describe your work experience in transit planning, such as service planning, route and network design, service change development, corridor studies, station area plans, transportation plans, or transit capital planning. Provide three specific examples of transit planning efforts you led, including your role and the outcome.

03

Please describe your experience using ridership, performance, and other operational or planning data to inform transit service planning decisions, or decisions in a related transit planning area such as corridor or multimodal studies. Provide three specific examples of analyses you conducted and how they shaped the outcome.

04

Please describe your experience conducting Title VI or other equity analyses in transit planning, such as service changes, corridor studies, multimodal studies, or other transit planning efforts with an equity component. Provide specific examples, including the regulatory framework involved, if applicable, and how your analysis influenced the outcome.

05

Please describe your experience preparing and delivering presentations or recommendations to a governing board, elected officials, or the public as part of a transit planning process. Provide three specific examples relevant to this role.

Required Question

Employer Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Address 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B-1

San Jose, California, 95134

Phone (408) 321-5575

Website http://www.vta.org