Posting number: 26-CC-20257
Department: Planning
Job classification: TRANSIT SERVICE PLANNING MANAGER
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Planning and Development, Transportation, Transit
VTA's 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.
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.
Under general direction, the Transit Service Planning Manager plans, organizes, manages, and directs the activities and staff of VTA’s transit service planning function.
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 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 VTA's next annual service plan and VTA's 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 VTA's mission and demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing fast, frequent, and reliable transportation improvements for the residents of Santa Clara County.
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
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.
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.
Good Conditions
Primarily Sedentary Work
Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently
Minimal exposure to environmental factors
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.
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.
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.
Oral Panel: January 6 - 14, 2027
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations; congestion management; specific highway improvement projects; countywide transportation planning and provides these services to cities 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 ClaraCounty.
