Design Manager, Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Design Manager, Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Salary

$101,774.40 - $165,152.00 Annually

Location

Heywood Office and Operations Facility, Minneapolis, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00294

Division

Metro Transit

Department

Arterial BRT

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/21/2026 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 on our website.

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

The Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

The Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) department is responsible for planning, design, and implementation of high-profile BRT corridor projects in the Twin Cities region, like the highly successful METRO A, B, C, D, and E lines. These projects bring fast, frequent, and high-quality transit service and customer facilities to the regions busiest bus routes in the core of the region. The current program of projects in active development includes the METRO F Line (Central), METRO G Line (Rice/Robert), and METRO H Line (Como/Maryland).

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

As the Design Manager in the Arterial BRT department, you will join a passionate and skilled team of transit professionals committed to growing regional prosperity and addressing inequity through building out the Twin Cities regions bus rapid transit network. Bringing enthusiasm for transit, strong technical skills, and advanced organizational abilities, youll lead a team responsible for design of stations, systems, and bus priority treatments on arterial BRT projects. Youll manage and coach a growing team of professional staff, oversee consultant teams, coordinate design decisions with cities, counties, and MnDOT, and provide engineering support during construction.

This recruitment will establish an eight (8) month Eligibility List for current and future vacancies.

What you would do in this job

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager for Project Delivery, Arterial BRT, youd lead a team responsible for engineering activities across design, construction, and activation for multiple high-profile transitway projects. This position is responsible for providing management and oversight for the arterial BRT engineering team; leading procurements, contract management and oversight; and developing plans, specifications, and estimates for arterial BRT construction projects valued at $20-70 million, ensuring all necessary actions meet Metro Transits requirements for schedule, cost, quality, and safety related to project implementation.

Supervision / Management: Manage Metro Transit arterial BRT design staff in project engineering activities, including procurement of A/E & consultant services (RFP), corridor civil and systems design development, internal/external review of plans and specifications, procurement of construction contracts (IFB), and other project related functions. Has overall responsibility for teams project execution.

• In alignment with arterial BRT program goals and work plans, manage performance of design team: set clear expectations and accountability, develop work plans and goals, manage progress, remove barriers, coach for desired results, and clearly communicate feedback to develop and retain staff and achieve project goals.
• Develop positive coaching relationships, maintain ongoing communication, and meet regularly with direct report staff to provide support and oversight for project tasks, remove barriers to progress, and ensure accountability for project goals.
• Generate work plans for multiple projects/phases to define capital project staffing budgets for design staff positions.
• Meet bi-weekly with arterial BRT management team to report progress and barriers to project advancement, and define strategies to overcoming these barriers.

BRT Corridor Project Engineering: Manage engineering activities related to design of BRT projects, including working with other units of government, consultants and contractors, and internal staff.

• Develop scopes of work for engineering services, materials testing, and other engineering phase consultant contracts and direct work of consultant teams under contract to the Council, managing large and interdisciplinary work efforts valued at $10-20 million in engineering services per project.
• Lead coordination with internal stakeholders/customers and external agency staff, working to communicate BRT project goals, understand stakeholder needs and concerns, and seek consensus in design solutions while working within defined budget and schedule.
• Coordinate proactively with other arterial BRT project delivery staff including Project Managers, Agreements Lead, and Environmental Compliance Lead, to inform project decision-making related to design and construction phases.
• Develop plans, specifications, estimates, and other design documents for BRT projects, including civil, structural, traffic, and systems design disciplines, that comply with local / Council / State / Federal regulations. Manage design reviews at 0%, 30%, 60%, and 90% completion, tracking and resolving stakeholder comments to ensure internal/external buy-in and plan signoff.

Contract Management: Prepare and review/modify contract scopes of work, review proposals, recommend contract execution and administer contracts on behalf of Metro Transit, following all applicable procurement processes and procedures. Provide QA and QC oversight on contracts managed by supervised staff.

• Develop scope and budget for engineering/construction administration services contracts spanning preliminary design through project operations, working closely with internal BRT project management peers and Procurement, Grants, and Finance staff.
• Administer contract changes, including scope revisions, amendments, and maintain project control; manage scope, schedule, and budget of engineering contracts.
• Supervise and provide QA and QC oversight on contracts managed by supervised staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Procedures: Develop, modify, and ensure compliance with technical policies, procedures and standards for Metro Transits BRT project activities in alignment with overall Metro Transit procedures.

• Apply applicable agency procedures to BRT engineering activities and ensure procedures are followed by direct report staff.
• Where existing procedures do not exist, develop best practice documentation and project-specific procedures to standardize approaches to common BRT issues (such as design checklists for standalone BRT station construction projects, temporary, or partial implementations).
• Identify and manage updates to documentation of arterial BRT design standards, engage internal / external stakeholders in updates as needed, and disseminate information clearly to stakeholders.

Construction Engineering: Serve (or supervise staff serving) as contract project manager during construction phase. Coordinate with peer Manager, Construction Services to resource construction-phase staffing between Councils Authorized Representative (CAR) and consultant staff.

• For projects directly managed, direct consultant development of Invitation for Bid (IFB) documents and lead procurement and contract award of construction contract. Review and approve change orders, invoices, schedule revisions, and other contract actions.
• For projects directly managed, serve as contract project manager for construction phase in close coordination with Manager, Construction Services and Councils Authorized Representative (CAR). Manage interdepartmental coordination and construction-phase activities from Information Services, Facilities Maintenance, Revenue Operations, Street Operations, Asset Management, and other departments to ensure project activities are completed on time and on budget.
• Supervise and provide QA and QC to direct report staff managing engineering on other projects in the above tasks.

Support pre-engineering project phases: Serve as BRT engineering subject matter expert for (a) BRT projects yet to enter engineering and (b) early coordination for BRT-ready street construction projects.

• Review corridor plan documents assembled by BRT planning staff to identify engineering/constructability risks, apply best practices in early siting, and advise on early station concepts.
• Identify future BRT-ready needs on externally-led street construction projects (by cities, counties, MnDOT, et al.) and lead negotiation of the early implementation of design needs outside of full BRT corridor advancement.
• Lead development of design document inputs on externally-led projects to coordinate placement of platforms, conduit, wiring, civil design details and other station requirements to minimize rework and maximize efficiency of public investment. Ensure project components are constructed according to Metro Transit standards.

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

Any of the following combinations of experience in multi-discipline engineering or architectural project management of capital construction projects and completed education in Engineering, Architecture, Transportation Planning, or related industry. Experience must include three (3) years of supervisory experience or project team leadership

• High School diploma/GED with ten (10) years of experience
• Associates degree AND eight (8) years of experience
• Bachelors degree AND six (6) years of experience
• Masters degree AND four (4) years of experience

Licenses:

• Valid drivers license and good driving record.
• Professional Engineering/Architecture registration from the State of Minnesota or ability to obtain such registration within six months from the date of employment.

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

• Experience in the design and construction of public transportation facilities, urban streets, and/or intelligent transportation systems
• Skills in performance management and performance coaching.
• Skills in project management and coordination of multiple disciplines.
• Experience and technical knowledge in the preparation of plans and specifications.
• Experience in leading and facilitating meetings with very complex and detailed materials.
• Knowledge of or aptitude to learn the geography and transit system of the Twin Cities. A thorough understanding of the current regional transit system is critical to successfully execute job duties. This can be learned, but strong experience using the current system, and attention to detail on how the system could be improved will make the difference between adequate and exceptional performance of job responsibilities.
• Ability to work with municipalities, metropolitan agencies, community groups and the public.
• Experience with Microsoft Office365 tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, etc.).
• Experience working with diverse populations and understanding the value different experiences bring to the workplace.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for public transit.

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

• Knowledge of bus rapid transit and urban street design / engineering principles, best practices, and technical resources and tools.
• Knowledge of bus transit and/or urban street construction practices.
• Knowledge of contract preparation, negotiation, and administration in the areas of construction, architectural/engineering, and other professional/technical services.
• Knowledge of project management tools, practices, and principles.
• Skills in researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Skills in verbal and written communication, including writing concisely and presenting to large groups.
• Skills in Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook to clearly communicate project needs and fulfill business practices.
• Skills in budget development and management.
• Ability to persuasively and clearly communicate in multiple forms and with different audiences to gain consensus between divergent points of view, while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and consistently and effectively apply the policy guidelines of the Council.
• Ability to manage, prioritize, and deploy direct report staff resources to most urgent department priorities, efficiently delegating and addressing necessary workload to accomplish project and department objectives.
• Ability to motivate, coach, clearly define expectations, and hold accountable professional staff in order to develop and retain a talented team and ensure completion of project goals.
• Ability to organize and readily recall a broad array of project technical details, schedules, budgets, and stakeholders.

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/Grade: TMSA/Grade J

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:

The majority of the work is performed in a standard office setting. Some duties may require work to be performed at off site work locations (e.g., field inspections) where the position may be exposed to moving parts, fumes, airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions and vibration. Confined space entry at industry and various facilities is required.

Physical Requirements:

Regularly required to sit for long periods, stand/walk occasionally, around moderate noise, speak, hear normal conversation and telephone ring tones, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands/arms frequently below chest height and occasionally overhead, must occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds, must have adequate close vision for reading and computer work, as well as distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.

2. We rate your education and experience.

3. We conduct a structured panel interview.

4. We conduct a selection interview.

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council,you must pass a background check, which verifies education and employment, covers driving record and any criminal record. 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 if not verified previously. If the job youre applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards, you must pass a pass a criminal background check. 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.

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 an 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

Which of the following describes your level of education and experience relevant to the Design Manager, Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) requirements?

• High School diploma/GED with ten (10) years of experience
• Associates degree AND eight (8) years of experience
• Bachelors degree AND six (6) years of experience
• Masters degree AND four (4) years of experience
• None of the above

06

Do have an Engineering or Architecture registration in the State of Minnesota, or the ability to obtain such registration within six (6) months from your first date of employment?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a Professionals Engineers License (PE)?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have a valid drivers license with good driving record?

• Yes
• No

09

Please describe your supervisory experience and/or your experience leading a project team. Type N/A if not applicable.

10

Please describe at least one project you led that was successfully completed, including the project type and scope and how you overcame any issues. Type N/A if not applicable.

11

Please describe your experience related to working across disciplines and/or business units in the public transit or transportation industry to achieve desired outcomes. Share an example of how you have successfully facilitated collaboration between different departments. Type N/A if not applicable.

12

Please describe your knowledge of the principles and practices of transit facility design and/or construction. Type N/A if not applicable.

13

Please describe your experience working with diverse populations and understanding the value that different experiences bring to the workplace.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org