OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Performs a wide range of RRD operations planning functions, conducts technical analysis for support of branch line optimization, coordinates planning efforts with appropriate SEPTA departments and external entities.

Responsible for longer range development of Railroad Division train planning for SEPTA’s 13 line segment commuter rail network operating over SEPTA and AMTRAK territories in Southeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey and Delaware.

Responsible for coordination of planning information with outside agencies, including AMTRAK, New Jersey Transit Corporation, Delaware Transit Corporation and PennDOT.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts technical analysis for a range of decisions on service capacity and efficiency improvements.
2. Assesses optimization for branch line operations.
3. Coordinates with Strategic Long Range Planning and Operations on regional rail planning efforts for 5-year horizons.
4. Coordinates planning efforts with Rail Transportation, Control Center, Rail Equipment Maintenance, Infrastructure and Engineering, Design and Construction Departments.
5. Assists in coordination of related planning information requested by other SEPTA departments or outside agencies such as the FTA, PennDOT, DVRPC, the City of Philadelphia and suburban counties.
6. Supervises the work of Operations Planners, and performs other related duties as required.
7. Assists in preparation of the Annual Service Plan document and related material, when applicable.
8. Assists in the public hearing process, develops and presents testimony as required for recommended route changes and service improvements, when applicable.  Serves as a SEPTA witness at public hearings, when applicable.  
9. Assists and supervises in monitoring the performance of new or revised railroad routes for the purpose of determining ridership and budgetary impacts.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• B. A. or B. S. in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Business, or related field plus a minimum of three (3) years progressive experience in railroad or similar operations required.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience equating to one (1) year of formal post-high school education or M.A. in related field) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and good analytical skills required. Must demonstrate ability to serve as a representative spokesperson for the Authority.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Train Plan Software and Swiftly or Tardy systems preferred.
• Data management experience highly preferred.
• Knowledge of SEPTA’s railroad operation or similar system preferred.
• Familiarity with the physical characteristics of SEPTA’s Regional Rail Operations or a railroad system of similar complexity preferred.
• Familiarity with the geography of the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania Region preferred.