Planner II

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA); Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 74,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

COTA Bus Pass

Wellness initiatives

On-site chair massage

On-site health coach

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

OPERS pension

Job summary

COTA's Planner II leads complex route analyses, service design, and interdepartmental coordination. The role acts as a subject matter expert in data analysis, GIS, and operational feasibility, supporting system-wide planning initiatives such as corridor studies and Title VI analyses.

It reflects the organization's core values and Strategic Plan, including safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service to the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in city and regional planning, transportation, geography, or related field.
• 3-5 years' experience in transit planning, GIS, or data analysis; master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead route analyses and service design initiatives, coordinating with multiple departments.
• Perform advanced data analyses on APC, farebox, and demographic datasets; produce actionable reports.
• Design and oversee surveys; integrate demographic and equity data into Title VI analyses.
• Represent Planning in stakeholder meetings and interagency coordination.

Skills

Data analysis

Geospatial analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in city and regional planning or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GIS

APC data system

Job description

SALARY: $74,027.20 - $87,089.60

LOCATION: 33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

Position Summary

COTA's Planner II performs advanced professional transit planning work by independently leading route analyses, service design, technical studies, and interdepartmental coordination. This role serves as a subject matter expert in data analysis, GIS, and operational feasibility, and supports the development of system-wide planning initiatives, including corridor studies, Title VI analyses, and service standards. Performs duties that advance COTA's Strategic Plan and reflect the organization's core values of safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service, and support the mission of Moving Every Life Forward.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead complex data collection efforts and independently conduct advanced analyses of APC, farebox, on board, and demographic datasets; produce actionable monthly and annual reports with clear recommendations.
• Initiate and manage route performance studies, apply service design standards to develop and implement service adjustments, and author substantive sections of service change proposals and planning documents.
• Design and oversee surveys and field programs; analyze survey results, perform statistical summaries, and integrate demographic and equity data into Title VI analyses and service decisions.
• Serve as primary point of contact for assigned routes: resolve operational questions, prepare customer responses and public materials, and represent Planning in stakeholder meetings and interagency coordination.
• Coordinate and lead cross‑department planning for temporary and event services, manage schedules and resource needs, and produce professional outreach and service change materials.
• Conduct comparative research on transit practices, prepare peer reviews, and present findings to planning leadership to support policy and operational decisions.
• Facilitates public meetings, stakeholder sessions, and interagency working groups, representing the Planning Division and communicating technical concepts clearly.
• Performs advanced geospatial analyses including accessibility modeling, network analysis, service coverage assessments, and GIS scripting or automation (preferred).
• Assists on special projects including initiatives such as Bus Stop Service Improvement Project, Bus Stop Inventory, GIS data management and special event planning; manages collection of data, preparation of text and graphics, and coordinates with Marketing, Customer Experience and Government Affairs departments to create external facing materials, Title VI analysis, and other miscellaneous initiatives;
• Responsible for assigned sections in the Short‑Range and Long‑Range Transit plans including writing text and creation of maps and other graphics, and preparing information for and writing grants for project funding;
• Performs other duties as assigned; and
• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required.

Minimum Education & Experience Required

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in city and regional planning, transportation, geography, or a closely related field, and three-five (3-5) years' experience in transit, transportation planning, GIS, or data analysis. Master's degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, geography, business, or other related fields preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in planning, business or public administration will also be considered.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status