Principal Transportation Planner

ICF Olson; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 99,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF’s Transportation Line of Business is seeking a Principal Transportation Planner to lead state, regional, and local planning projects, with opportunities on national research and technical assistance efforts. The role emphasizes multimodal planning, performance-based processes, and business development, requiring strong leadership and collaboration with clients and staff.

The position requires 10+ years in transportation planning and related fields, and a Master’s degree or equivalent

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public policy, economics, environmental science, transportation/civil engineering, or related subjects, or equivalent professional experience.
• 10+ years of experience in transportation planning, policy, environmental issues, economics, or asset management.
• Experience working on state, regional, or local transportation plans or policy issues, especially in the Mid-Atlantic or southeastern states.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services, with a focus on state, regional, and local transportation plans and planning studies, typically working on multiple projects with all levels of staff.
• Managing project schedules and budgets.
• Facilitating workshops and other outreach activities.
• Leading development of 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.
• Leading the identification and recruiting of new hire candidates, as appropriate.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Business development

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in urban planning or related field

Job description

Principal Transportation Planner Target Start Date: Summer 2026 (Flexible)

About ICF’s Transportation Line of Business

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 (DOT), state department of transportation, and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). 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. We are seeking a Principal Transportation Planner for ICF’s Transportation Line of Business. A Principal Transportation Planner is responsible for leading teams on state, regional, and local transportation planning projects, 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: Multimodal transportation planning, including leading statewide, metropolitan, and/or corridor planning studies. Performance-based planning and programming processes, including project prioritization and selection processes. Transit planning and related transit and multimodal analyses addressing topics such as shared mobility, first-mile last-mile connections, bus rapid transit, park-and-ride planning, and travel demand management plans. Transportation financial analysis, asset management, and/or economic analysis, including risk assessment and benefit-cost analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development of innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services, with a focus on state, regional, and local transportation plans and planning studies, typically working on multiple projects with all levels of staff.
• Managing project schedules and budgets.
• Facilitating workshops and other outreach activities.
• Leading development of 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.
• Leading the identification and recruiting of new hire candidates, as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public policy, economics, environmental science, transportation/civil engineering, or related subjects, or equivalent professional experience.
• 10+ years of experience in transportation planning, policy, environmental issues, economics, or asset management.
• Experience working on state, regional, or local transportation plans or policy issues, especially in the Mid-Atlantic or southeastern states.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience within a consulting environment leading business development initiative(s).

Required Professional Skills

• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Proven business development capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and clients to achieve established goals.

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 ourEEO 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 [e-mail] 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 aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

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 [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

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: $98,614.00 - $167,644.00 Nationwide Remote Office (US99) Need help? We're here: [e-mail]

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.