Transit Specialist I



Transit Specialist I

Salary

$81,335.07 - $98,887.75 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

23/05-1372-OC

Department

Transportation & Public Works (TPW)

Opening Date

05/16/2023

Closing Date

10/5/2023 9:00 AM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

05

Position Information


Grow your career in transportation planning with the County of Sonoma!

Starting salary up to $47.38/hour ($98,887/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

We are currently recruiting to fill a Transit Specialist position at either the I or II level. If you are interested in applying at the II level of this opportunity, you must submit a separate application to the recruitment currently being conducted for that level.
 
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 $57.03/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
  • 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
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

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.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

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

Any combination of education and experience that would demonstrate possession of the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, three years experience in transit operations and management coupled with academic course-work in transit related areas would provide this opportunity. Additional years of academic course work may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.

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.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
 
Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: CG
HR Technician: EV

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions
02
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
  • American Public Works Association (APWA)
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CALACT)
  • California Transit Association (caltransit)
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Google Jobs
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Handshake
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • ZipRecruiter
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
03
For this question and all subsequent questions please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.

Please list your certifications, coursework, and/or degree(s) in transit, transportation, engineering, or related planning field.
04
Please describe your work experience related to public transit and transportation planning, development, and/or operations. Highlight your experience scheduling fixed-route services, developing bus stops (design, safety considerations, and site evaluation), and using technology such as the Automatic Vehicle Locater System (AVLS), and/or electronic fare boxes for data gathering.

For each relevant position you list, include:
  • Job title(s)
  • Employer's name
  • Dates of employment (mm/yy - mm/yy)
  • A description of your primary responsibilities/the types of planning and development projects that you worked on
05
Please describe your experience preparing federal, state, and/or regional grant applications for capital and/or operating projects. Highlight your experience:
  • Researching and identifying opportunities
  • Completing applications
  • Tracking expenses and/or preparing invoices for funding reimbursement
  • Ensuring compliance with reporting requirements
06
Please describe your training and/or experience applying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the context of planning public transportation systems and/or fixed-route and paratransit operations.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331