Transit Planner – GIS and Data Visualization Specialist

Transportation Management & Design, Inc.; Carlsbad, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Transportation Management & Design, Inc. is seeking a collaborative Transit Planner – GIS and Data Visualization Specialist to deliver precise spatial analyses and engaging visuals for transit planning projects. You will translate complex data into clear visuals and contribute to public engagement efforts.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years in GIS within planning or transportation, strong data visualization skills, and proficiency in ArcGIS Desktop/Online including StoryMaps.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of GIS experience in planning, transportation, or a related field.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Online including StoryMaps.
• Background in transportation or urban planning is preferred.
• Ability to produce publication-quality maps and visuals; Illustrator experience is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated accuracy with multiple data sources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct spatial analyses related to demographics, transit planning, and land use.
• Create GIS analyses, publication-quality maps, and clear data visualizations.
• Analyze demographics using Census, ACS, LEHD, and other data sources.
• Visualize transit information including ridership, patterns, and service performance.
• Produce maps, exhibits, charts, and tables using ArcGIS and related tools.
• Develop online maps, StoryMaps, and interactive visuals for client presentations.
• Manage multiple data sources and streamline recurring tasks.
• Review data for accuracy and apply quality control across projects.
• Support GIS skill development and client meetings as needed.

Skills

GIS

Data visualization

Demographics analysis

Cartography

Tools

ArcGIS Desktop

ArcGIS Online

StoryMaps

Adobe Illustrator

Python

Model Builder

Job description

Transportation Management & Design, Inc. is an industry-leading transportation consulting firm dedicated to helping transit agencies improve public mobility since 1988. Our dedicated and collaborative team supports the full range of transit planning, including network redesigns, operational optimizations, Title VI compliance, and public engagement.

We’re looking for a collaborative Transit Planner – GIS and Data Visualization Specialist with strong GIS skills to deliver accurate spatial analysis, clear mapping, and engaging data visualizations across a range of transit planning projects. This position plays a key role in projects that improve transit in communities while working alongside seasoned industry professionals.

Strong candidates will bring at least two years of GIS experience in planning, transportation, or a related field, along with strong data visualization and cartography skills. Preferred candidates will be able to translate complex data into meaningful insights and clear, compelling visuals for a wide range of audiences.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct spatial analyses related to demographics, transit planning, and transportation/land use projects, as well as provide visually engaging graphics based on diverse, complex transit-related data sets.
• Create GIS analyses, publication-quality maps, and clear data visualizations using a variety of data sources and visualization tools.
• Conduct demographic analyses using U.S. Census, ACS, LEHD, and other data sources to understand transit opportunities and needs in communities.
• Support effective transit design decisions by visualizing transit-related information, including ridership, travel patterns, service levels, and service performance.
• Produce high-quality maps, exhibits, charts, and tables using ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, Adobe Illustrator, and related tools to build audience confidence in analysis results.
• Develop online maps, StoryMaps, and interactive visualizations for client presentations and public engagement using ArcGIS Online or comparable platforms.
• Collect, organize, manage, combine, and analyze multiple data sources and identify opportunities to streamline workflows and automate recurring tasks.
• Review all data for accuracy and completeness, including data developed by or acquired from outside organizations.
• Develop, maintain, and apply standards and methods across projects while conducting quality control/assurance processes for all work.
• Support the GIS skill-development of team members by building awareness of fundamental skills and responding to questions.
• Contribute to transit planning projects as needed, including data collection and analysis, report writing, and public engagement.
• Proactively coordinate work assignments to meet project priorities and deadlines.
• Support business development through proposal research and preparation.
• Participate in client meetings and presentations as needed.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum two years of experience applying GIS, producing data visualizations, and creating maps in transportation planning, urban planning, geography, or a related field.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Online including StoryMaps. Preference for Python scripting and/or Model Builder experience.
• Background in transportation planning, urban planning, geography, or a related field. Knowledge of transit planning fundamentals and transit operations preferred.
• Ability to produce clear, publication-quality maps and graphics. Adobe Illustrator experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, experience managing multiple large data sources, and a track record of delivering accurate, error-free work.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment and manage assignments to meet priorities across multiple projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to apply feedback to improve results.
• Understanding of design fundamentals to create maps and data visualizations tailored to a variety of audiences, from technical experts to the general public.