Lead Public Transit Planner
Location is flexible, with a preference for the mid-Atlantic region and proximity to ICF offices in Arlington, VA or New York City.
About ICF - Transportation Consulting Portfolio
ICF’s Transportation Line of Business specializes in addressing complex planning, policy, and program issues at the nexus of transportation and the environment, energy, and communities. ICF’s work focuses on integrated approaches that support sustainable transportation decisions, addressing mobility, safety, environmental, social, and economic effects of transportation. Our work includes strategic planning, research, policy analysis, outreach, training, and program evaluation for federal, state, and local governments, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, state departments of transportation, and metropolitan planning organizations. We specialize in developing multimodal transportation plans; conducting needs assessments; analyzing transportation system performance data; evaluating the impacts of infrastructure projects, programs, and government policies; developing technical assistance resources; and documenting best practices related to integrated planning, transportation operations, and the environment.
ICF is seeking a Lead Public Transit Planner to join our Transportation Line of Business. The Lead Public Transit Planner is responsible for managing or supporting transportation planning projects at the state, regional, and local level, as well as work on national-level research and technical assistance efforts. This is an opportunity to contribute to an important mission and work on emerging transportation planning issues, and all while building a great career at ICF.
The position requires experience in one or more of the following areas:
Fixed‑route and demand‑responsive transit system planning, including route design, span and frequency analysis, stop spacing, productivity review, and service restructuring.
Transit route, corridor, and network analyses using land use, demographic, travel, and performance data for rural, regional, and statewide systems.
Development of transit service concepts, operating scenarios, and phased implementation strategies.
Market demand, ridership, productivity, and equity analysis to identify service gaps and opportunities.
Application of planning and technical tools such as GIS, Remix, Conveyal, Excel, and statistical methods to support service evaluation, benchmarking, and funding justification.
First‑ and last‑mile service, mobility-on-demand, workforce access, and integrated mobility strategies.
Emerging and flexible mobility options, including microtransit, vanpool, carpool, employer‑based transportation, and innovative shuttle services.
Development, validation, and use of standardized transit data, including GTFS, GTFS‑RT, GTFS‑Flex, and FTA GTFS compliance tools.
Preparation of transit and mobility plans, technical memoranda, reports, and client deliverables.
Key Job Responsibilities
Leading the development of innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services, with a focus on transportation plans and related planning studies, typically working on multiple projects with all levels of staff.
Managing project or task schedules and budgets.
Planning and/or facilitating workshops and other outreach activities.
Pursuing new business opportunities with a focus on state and local clients.
Identifying industry trends and working closely with the division senior leadership to position ICF for long-term growth.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, public policy, public administration, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
7+ years of experience in transit planning, public transportation program administration, long range transportation planning, or related technical roles.
Experience working with FTA‑funded transit programs and state or regional transit agencies.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$108,006.00 - $183,610.00Arlington, VA (VA31)Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in urban planning, transportation planning, public policy, public administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years of experience in transit planning, public transportation program administration, long range transportation planning, or related technical roles.
- Experience working with FTA‑funded transit programs and state or regional transit agencies.
- Experience in fixed‑route and demand‑responsive transit system planning (route design, span/frequency analysis, stop spacing, productivity review, service restructuring).
- Transit route, corridor, and network analyses using land use, demographic, travel, and performance data for rural, regional, and statewide systems.
- Development of transit service concepts, operating scenarios, and phased implementation strategies.
- Market demand, ridership, productivity, and equity analysis to identify service gaps and opportunities.
- Application of planning and technical tools such as GIS, Remix, Conveyal, Excel, and statistical methods to support service evaluation and funding justification.
- Development, validation, and use of standardized transit data, including GTFS, GTFS‑RT, GTFS‑Flex, and FTA GTFS compliance tools.
- Preparation of transit and mobility plans, technical memoranda, reports, and client deliverables.
- Project management experience managing project or task schedules and budgets.
- Experience planning and/or facilitating workshops and outreach activities.
ICF Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICF and has not been reviewed or approved by ICF.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage start on day one with multiple plan options, employer HSA/HRA funding, and company‑paid mental‑health care that includes 10 therapy and 10 coaching sessions annually. These features indicate comprehensive coverage with meaningful mental‑health depth.
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Parental & Family Support — Family‑building and caregiving support include 24/7 specialists and reimbursements ($10,000 lifetime for fertility/surrogacy and $5,000 for adoption), alongside inclusive paid parental leave. These resources broaden support for diverse family needs.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) offers immediate vesting with a company match up to 4% when contributing 5%, and an ESPP provides an additional ownership avenue. This structure supports long‑term financial security.
ICF Insights
What We Do
ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Why Work With Us
At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.
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