*Please note: This position is on-site/office attendance required, located in the Greater Sacramento region.
About the Role
Our consulting firm is seeking an Associate Transportation Planner to join our growing team. We work primarily with public-sector clients in the transportation sector, including transit and rail agencies, cities, counties, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other public entities. Our core services include transportation planning, project funding strategy, grant writing, civil engineering, public outreach and engagement, and strategic communications.
In this role, you will support a wide range of projects across Northern California, working alongside experienced planners and subject-matter experts to help our clients secure funding, plan strategically, and deliver meaningful transportation projects across all modes of ground transportation. We value technical expertise paired with strong communication and people skills — our work depends on both producing rigorous analysis and building trusted relationships with the people we serve.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional seeking hands-on experience, to sharpen technical skills, and to make a tangible impact on the future of transportation in California. The job title for this position may be adjusted (e.g., Transportation Planner, Senior Associate) based on the selected candidate's professional experience and expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, development, and delivery of transportation studies, plans, and projects for public sector clients.
- Conduct research and analysis on transportation policy, planning, and funding topics at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
- Prepare professional technical deliverables, including memos, reports, plans, presentations, and grant applications.
- Assist in the identification and pursuit of transportation grants and funding opportunities, including drafting compelling narratives and supporting materials.
- Perform data analysis using Microsoft Excel
- Develop maps and perform spatial analyses using GIS software (Esri products).
- Support multimodal and sustainable transportation planning efforts that advance equity, affordability, safety, and public health outcomes for the communities our clients serve.
- Collaborate with team members across disciplines — including planning, civil engineering, public outreach, and strategic communications — to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
- Manage time and project tasks efficiently in a consulting environment, balancing competing priorities across multiple clients and deadlines.
- Participate in client meetings and public outreach activities.
- Stay current on transportation policy, best practices, and trends in Northern California and nationally, and contribute to the firm's growth by helping us learn and offer new services.
- Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment and support firm-wide initiatives as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Geography, or a closely related field. Candidates with a graduate degree or those completing one within the next 6 months will be prioritized.
- Experience: A minimum of3-5 years of professional experience in urban planning, transportation planning, or a related field. Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may still apply, and we can discuss how that experience affects the position title and compensation.
- Demonstrated experience with and understanding complex transportation planning issues.
- Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, well-organized professional memos, reports, plans, and grant applications.
- Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with clients, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
- Basic understanding of state and federal transportation policies and programs.
- Basic understanding of the transportation landscape in Northern California, including key agencies, funding sources, and regional priorities.
- Familiarity with transportation grants and funding sources (e.g., state and federal discretionary programs, regional funding mechanisms).
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel, including the ability to perform basic data analysis in Excel.
- Completion of at least one GIS-related course and basic familiarity with Esri products (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online).
Preferred Qualifications
- Intermediate or advanced proficiency in GIS software, with the ability to create professional-quality maps and conduct spatial analysis with minimal training.
- Experience preparing or supporting transportation grant applications.
- Familiarity with active transportation, transit, equity-focused planning, or sustainability initiatives.
- Coursework or experience in data visualization, statistical analysis, or transportation modeling.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply only through Indeed.
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and one to two writing samples (such as a memo, report excerpt, or grant narrative).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Our firm is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
