| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Salary | $82,555.20–$133,972.80 Per Year |
Planner or Senior Planner
Salary
$89,232.00 - $144,830.40 Annually
Location
Heywood Office and Operations Facility, Minneapolis, MN
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-00290
Division
Metro Transit
Department
Route and System Planning
Opening Date
08/04/2026
Closing Date
8/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
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.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Service Development is responsible for planning, analyzing, and scheduling existing and future bus and rail service schedules. Planners within the Service Development department analyze, develop, recommend, and implement improvements and innovations to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Metro Transit and regional transit service. Within the System Planning group, this role will focus on recommending and implementing Transit Advantage projects such as the Better Bus Routes program and bus lanes.
This posting will establish a six (6) month eligibility pool for current and future openings.
What you would do in this job
Planner:
Supports and administers Transit Advantage planning assignments; gathers and analyzes data on assigned projects; and prepares summary reports. Performs a portion of a major project as a team member under general supervision. Examples of projects include Better Bus Routes and bus lane implementations.
Coordinates with transitway and roadway projects, including participation in technical working groups, providing input on Transit Advantage elements to be incorporated with a project, and coordinating with internal stakeholders on review of designs.
Performs system performance monitoring, including understanding the impact of Transit Advantage projects, developing techniques to perform pre- and post-implementation analysis, and communicating performance information to internal and external stakeholders.
Researches, investigates, and surveys available sources for information related to various planning projects.
Prepares plans, maps, diagrams and graphs, and drafts staff reports.
Collaborate with internal planners and engineers to review roadway projects and design Transit Advantage projects.
May act as liaison with interest groups, communities, counties, regional, and state agencies.
Provides assistance on technical and procedural aspects of planning.
Performs other related duties.
Senior Planner:
Manages and administers Transit Advantage planning assignments; gathers and analyzes data on assigned projects; and prepares summary reports. Independently leads major projects as a team member with general supervision. Examples of projects include Better Bus Routes and bus lane implementations.
Manages elements of the overall Transit Advantages program such as the Better Bus Routes program. Analyze and recommend future projects; prepare budgets and capital improvements program or operating funding requests.
Coordinates with transitway and roadway projects, including participation in technical working groups, providing input on Transit Advantage elements to be incorporated with a project, and coordinating with internal stakeholders on review of designs.
System performance monitoring, including understanding the impact of Transit Advantage projects, developing techniques to perform pre- and post-implementation analysis, and communicating performance information to internal and external stakeholders.
Analyzes and interprets existing policies, plans and implementation programs relating to Transit Advantages.
Prepares plans; relates plans to goals and policies and analyzes possible conflicts or contradictions; prepares graphic material and prepares summary reports.
Develops scopes of work for various levels pf plans, projects, and guidance documents and manage assigned projects.
Act as liaison with interest groups, communities, counties, regional, and state agencies.
May oversee the work of lower-level professional planning staff, technicians and student interns on project basis.
Performs other related duties.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Planner:(Non-Represented Grade G, FLSA Exempt, Full Salary Range: $82,555.20 - $133,972.80 Annually
Any of the following combinations of experience (in city, urban, or environmental planning or related area) and completed education (degree field of study in Urban Planning, Geography, Urban Studies or closely related field):
Senior Planner:(Non-Represented Grade H, FLSA Exempt, Full Salary Range: $89,232.00 - $144,830.40 Annually
Any of the following combinations of experience (in city, urban, or environmental planning or related area) and completed education (degree field of study in Urban Planning, Geography, Urban Studies or closely related field):
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity
among all employees.
What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:
What you can expect from us:
More about why you should join us!
Additional information
Union/Grade: Planner: Non-Represented/Grade G; Senior Planner: Non-Represented/Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
Work Environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting. Position is required to work at outdoor events in various weather conditions. Travel between primary worksite and other sites. This position is eligible for hybrid flexibility.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. 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 drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check 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. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
PD/TCC postings that require fingerprinting:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. All applicants background checks and fingerprints must be cleared by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in order to be a user of their CJIS system. Failure to be cleared by BCA will automatically nullify any job offer extended. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. 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 drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check 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. All applicants background checks and fingerprints must be cleared by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in order to be a user of their CJIS system. Failure to be cleared by BCA will automatically nullify any job offer extended. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
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 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:
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:
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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.
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How did you first hear about this job opening?
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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
Any of the following combinations of experience (in city, urban, or environmental planning or related area) and completed education (degree field of study in Urban Planning, Geography, Urban Studies or closely related field):
05
Any of the following combinations of experience (in city, urban, or environmental planning or related area) and completed education (degree field of study in Urban Planning, Geography, Urban Studies or closely related field):
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Describe your experience leading planning processes for transit and/or multimodal transportation projects, using specific examples and including any Transit Advantage elements included. If you do not have experience in this area, type "N/A".
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Describe your experience engaging with minority and/or cross-cultural communities.
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Describe your experience navigating complex projects with multiple stakeholders representing distinct priorities and perspectives. If you do not have experience in this area, type "N/A".
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Describe your experience presenting and explaining complex planning issues to diverse audiences. If you do not have experience in this area, type "N/A."
10
Describe your knowledge of and experience using the Twin Cities regional transit system.
11
Describe your experience using ESRI ArcGIS, R, Python, or other tools to conduct analyses and present information.
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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.
Required Question
Employer Metropolitan Council
Address 390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Website https://metrocouncil.org