GFT · 23 hours ago
Transit & Rail Regional Planning Lead
GFT is a privately held AEC firm that innovates at the intersection of transportation, water, power, and buildings. They are seeking a Transit & Rail Regional Planning Lead to provide strategic leadership and technical direction for multimodal transit planning initiatives, while mentoring staff and managing client relationships.
ConsultingEnergyEnvironmental ConsultingFacilities Support ServicesFacility ManagementInfrastructureTransportationWater
Responsibilities
Lead the strategy, development, and delivery of regional transit and rail planning programs, including long-range transportation plans, corridor and feasibility studies, service planning, bus network planning, BRT planning, and implementation strategies
Serve as a senior advisor to public-sector clients by providing strategic guidance on transit investments, policy development, funding strategies, and program delivery approaches
Develop and maintain strong client relationships and serve as a primary point of contact for planning and program management services
Identify emerging industry trends, regulatory changes, and innovative technologies to support forward-looking planning solutions
Provide leadership and technical oversight for NEPA processes, including environmental documentation, alternatives analysis, interagency coordination, and regulatory compliance for transit, rail, bus, and BRT projects
Coordinate with environmental specialists, technical teams, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely and compliant environmental reviews
Integrate environmental planning considerations into overall project planning and program delivery strategies
Work across business lines and technical practices to identify planning opportunities, develop integrated service offerings, and build multidisciplinary project teams aligned with client needs and strategic goals
Coordinate with federal, state, regional, and local agencies to align transit and rail planning efforts with land use planning, economic development strategies, and multimodal transportation networks
Mentor and develop staff, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth within the planning practice
Support funding and grant development efforts, including preparation of federal and state grant applications, capital investment documentation, and funding strategy development
Lead or support proposal development, client presentations, and strategic pursuits to expand transit and rail planning services
Identify new market opportunities and support growth of planning and program management services
Qualification
Required
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in transit and rail planning, program management, or related consulting services
Demonstrated experience leading complex multimodal planning projects, including rail, bus, and/or BRT systems
Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating across technical disciplines and business lines
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation planning processes, funding programs, and regulatory requirements
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading NEPA documentation and environmental review processes
Proven experience managing project budgets, schedules, and client relationships
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
Ability to travel as required to support client and project needs
Preferred
Professional certification such as AICP, PE, PMP, or similar credentials
Experience supporting Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding programs, including Capital Investment Grants or other federal discretionary grant programs
Demonstrated success in business development, including proposal leadership and client relationship management
Experience working with large metropolitan transit agencies, state DOTs, or regional transportation authorities
Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement experience in complex or high-profile planning initiatives
Benefits
Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Company
GFT
GFT provides planning, design, technology, and construction management services.