SENIOR PLANNER/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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Position Summary

Under the direction of the Chief of Planning, Infrastructure and Development Officer, the Senior Project Manager / Senior Planner assists with the development and implementation of short-range and long-range transit plans, grant applications, service reports, special studies, and capital improvement initiatives for Chatham Area Transit (CAT). This position coordinates with regional and community partners to integrate multimodal transportation solutions into local and regional plans.

The incumbent serves as CAT’s representative on assigned committees, boards, and public forums and provides strategic recommendations regarding bus stop locations, route alignment, service enhancements, and transit capital project development. This role also provides project management leadership for infrastructure and construction initiatives funded through local, state, and federal sources.

Department Overview

The Planning Department is responsible for service planning, scheduling, capital programming, grants management, and intergovernmental coordination. The department develops CAT’s short-range and long-range plans, manages planning studies, and supports system growth, modernization, and compliance initiatives.

CAT Core Values
All employees are expected to model and uphold CAT’s Core Values:
Safety – Prioritize the safety of passengers, employees, and the public.
Integrity – Act ethically, honestly, and transparently.
Customer Service – Deliver courteous, responsive, and professional service.
Accountability – Take ownership of results and commitments.
Innovation – Seek creative solutions and continuous improvement.
Teamwork – Collaborate respectfully across departments and with stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Long-Range Planning
Assist in development of CAT’s 5-Year Transit Development Plan (TDP), Transit Master Plan, and strategic planning initiatives.
Conduct feasibility studies for expansion of public transportation services.
Analyze ridership trends, demographic shifts, and financial impacts for proposed services.
Develop case studies and coordinate with regional partners on long-term mobility initiatives.
Support planning efforts involving fixed-route, microtransit, park-and-ride, commuter, and emerging mobility services.
Short-Range Planning
Perform service evaluations and recommend route, schedule, or stop modifications.
Conduct cost-benefit analyses for new or modified transit services.
Assist with monthly public meetings, hearings, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
Coordinate service change implementation with Operations and Customer Experience teams.
Transit Program Development / Grants
Assist with preparation and administration of local, state, and federal grant applications.
Support compliance reporting for Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Georgia DOT, and other funding agencies.
Maintain grant performance data, milestones, and supporting documentation.
Research grant opportunities supporting fleet, technology, infrastructure, and service enhancements.
Capital Program / Project Management
Support development of CAT’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Manage assigned capital projects from planning through procurement, implementation, and closeout.
Coordinate contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, and internal stakeholders.
Monitor schedules, budgets, deliverables, and risk mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with design specifications and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
FTA Compliance Responsibilities
Support CAT compliance with applicable Federal Transit Administration regulations, circulars, and grant requirements.
Assist with National Transit Database (NTD) reporting and performance metrics.
Coordinate planning documentation related to Title VI, ADA, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights requirements.
Maintain records necessary for Triennial Reviews, State Management Reviews, and grant audits.
Ensure federally funded projects meet Buy America, procurement, and grant administration requirements where applicable.
General Functions
Present planning initiatives and project updates to CAT leadership, governing boards, elected officials, and community groups.
Maintain effective working relationships across all CAT departments.
Ensure accessibility needs of passengers and employees with disabilities are addressed in accordance with ADA regulations.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following or related fields:
Urban or Regional Planning
Transportation Planning
Public Administration
Civil Engineering
Geography
Economics
Political Science
Business Administration
Construction Management

Master’s degree preferred.

Experience
Minimum five (5) years progressively responsible professional experience in transit planning, transportation planning, capital project management, public administration, engineering, or related fields.
Experience managing federally funded projects strongly preferred.
Public transit agency or transportation consulting experience preferred.

Preferred Certifications

One or more of the following is highly desirable:
AICP – American Institute of Certified Planners
PMP – Project Management Professional
PE – Professional Engineer
GIS Professional certifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
Knowledge of transit planning principles, scheduling concepts, and mobility trends.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Strong stakeholder management and public engagement abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.

Computer Skills
Advanced proficiency in:
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Project management software
GIS platforms such as ArcGIS
Transit planning or scheduling software
Data analysis tools (SPSS, Power BI, Tableau preferred)

Physical Demands

Work involves sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and use of hands for office equipment. May occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

Primarily office and field environment with occasional visits to project sites, public meetings, and construction locations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Chatham Area Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CAT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities or requirements. CAT reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. Employment with CAT is at-will.

Code : 25-2

Location : PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Job Family : OFFICIALS AND ADMINISTRATORS

Posting Start : 04/21/2026

Posting End : 12/31/2026

SALARY RANGE: $51,248.00-$65,296.00