Planner III

Transportation Planner role (Planner III) in Chicago focused on railroad planning and infrastructure programs. Responsibilities include supporting railroad/rail-transit planning studies (corridor, station-area, yard/terminal, grade crossing, service planning), alternatives analysis, data compilation and analysis (ridership, safety, operations, land use, demographics, economic indicators), and coordination with internal engineering teams and external stakeholders. Major emphasis on grants: contributing to FRA/CRISI/INFRA/USDOT discretionary applications, developing grant components (problem statements, project descriptions, outcomes, readiness, budget, schedule, partnerships), and assembling exhibits and attachments. Land-use and stakeholder coordination for rail investments, preparing meeting materials, and facilitating public engagement. Deliverables include memos, technical summaries, narratives, slide decks, and graphics to communicate complex concepts. Preferred qualifications include experience with federal/state grants, GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS), NEPA/CEQA/SEPA concepts, and familiarity with Metra/CTA/IDOT/CMAP-era planning in the Chicago region. Benefits include a comprehensive package and flexible/hybrid work options based on project needs.