TRANSIT OPERATING PROJECT MANAGER-NORTHERN (TECHNICAL MANAGER III)

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Life, Vision, and Dental INS

Pension Plan

Hybrid scheduling

Tuition Reimbursement

(12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity LE

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking a Transit Operating Project Manager for the Northern Region. You will oversee projects and compliance for operating assistance funds and grants, serving urban and rural communities with funding programs and grant guidance.

You will monitor activities, assist recipients, report progress, and keep precise records while staying current on federal and state requirements. This role supports a large, multifaceted transit program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field or two years of college plus two years of related experience in fiscal activities.
• Six years of related experience with fiscal activities or high-level operations of a transportation system, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof.
• Combination of the above options as stated in the Minimum Qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist and direct recipients in developing applications, contracts, payment requisitions, audit schedules, and data reporting requirements.
• Evaluate funding program and grant documents including budgets to assess merit and identify deficiencies.
• Evaluate completed funding program and grant applications and provide recommendations for grant approval or other actions.
• Evaluate operational procurement submissions and prepare approval packets.
• Prepare correspondence and documents for management of applications and funding programs.
• Monitor all project activities and ensure compliance with funding program and/or grant requirements.
• Perform site reviews and prepare written compliance reports.
• Maintain thorough records, enter data, and ensure data retention per policies.

Skills

Financial management

FTA grant programs

Grant guidance

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

MS Office Suite

Organizational skills

Zoom

Webex

TEAMS

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, accounting, finance, management, planning, project management, applied business and technology solutions, business analytics, communications

Tools

Zoom

Webex

TEAMS

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58810 IPR #26-01796

Opening Date: 09/18/2026

Closing Date: 10/02/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Position Title: Technical Manager III

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,055 Monthly; Full Range: $5,055 - $8,800 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 ProTech Teamsters

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday

Work Office: Office of Intermodal Project Implementation / Bureau of Transit

Work Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: [e-mail]

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for managing projects and overseeing compliance of public transportation operatingassistance fiscal documents for the department funding recipients located in the northern portion of the state ofIllinois. This position assists both urban and rural communities with various populations with funding programs,grant related issues, technical assistance, and the meeting of federal and state program compliancerequirements. In addition, this position is responsible for assisting the Northern Transit Operating Section Chiefin managing day-to-day oversight, reporting, analysis, compliance, investigations associated with state, federaloperating funding programs, and grant assistance programs.

Essential Functions

• Assists and directs the department funding recipients in the development of applications, contracts, payment requisitions, audit schedules, and data reporting requirements.
• Evaluates operating funding program and grant application documents including budgets to assess meritand identify deficiencies.
• Evaluates completed funding program and grant applications and makes recommendations to the Northern Transit Operating Section Chief for grant approval or other actions.
• Evaluates operational procurement submissions and prepares approval packets.
• Prepares correspondence and documents necessary for the management of applications and fundingprograms assigned.
• Monitors all project activities and provides guidance on compliance with all funding program and/or grantrequirements.
• Performs site reviews and prepares written compliance reports.
• Evaluates requests for payment for accuracy and ensures conformity with the approved funding programrequirements.
• Maintains thorough and accurate records, enters data, manages data, and records retention in accordancewith departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates and contributes to the annual review and update of the internal transit procedure manuals.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state program compliance requirements.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive tothe fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• This position requires a completion of a bachelor's degree majoring in business, public administration, accounting, finance, management, planning, project management, applied business and technology solutions, business analytics, communications, OR completion of two years of college PLUS two years of related experience with fiscal activities or high-level operations of a transportation system, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof OR Six years of related experience with fiscal activities or high level operations of a transportation system, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with financial management and general accounting principles.
• Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant programs.
• Understanding of the United States Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations UniformFederal Grant Guidance (2 Code of Federal Regulations 200).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency working with Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, and TEAMS as well as working with ZoomVideo Communications and Webex.
• Strong organizational skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Frequent travel throughout northern Illinois with occasional overnight stays.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non- State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Transit Operating Project Manager - Northern Region.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment.We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to thisposition. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during Stateemployment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, priorto accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.