Principal Planner

Salary : $158,995.20 - $193,315.20 Annually
Location : 1011 Andersen Drive, San Rafael, CA
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Division: District Division
Opening Date: 02/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Opening(s): 1
Selection Process: THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THIS POSITION may include: ** • Assessment of education, training and experience • Skills Assessment • Oral Panel Interview • Department Interview for Final Candidates • Background, Employment and Security Investigation


Position Summary
Under general direction from the Director of Planning, manages projects, leads and supervises staff and performs difficult and complex transit planning studies, investigations and analyses. Supports the three elements of the department work program: Short-Range and Service Planning, Long-Range Strategic Planning, and Facilities Planning. Develops various transit and traffic analyses, plans, and projects which include complying with requirements of Title VI and ADA. Develops environmental compliance documents in support of CEQA and/or NEPA approvals. Develops, executes, analyzes and summarizes complex planning projects or manages consultant efforts to accomplish such projects. Coordinates the District's data using sources from, Golden Gate Bridge Traffic and Toll Revenue Collection System and data from outside the District, and will plan for new data resources to be integrated into the District's systems as they become available on-line. Provides District data regarding bridge, road and transit facilities, traffic data and performance, transit ridership and performance, and toll and parking policies to outside and partner agencies.
Makes regular personal contact with District staff to interpret planning policy and interacts with outside public works and transit partner agency representatives to exchange planning and conceptual design information. Regularly works with the public and other agencies to develop and implement District programs. Receives general assignments or objectives from the Director of Planning, and performs related duties as required or assigned.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT(S) MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OF APPLICATION:
Applicants must apply online and submit the following documents at the time of application:
1. GGBHTD Online Employment Application
2. Resume (Scan and attach as PDF to your online application)
3. Completion of Supplemental Questionnaire
Essential Responsibilities

• Develops environmental compliance documents in support of CEQA and/or NEPA approvals
• Researches, compiles, analyzes and interprets complex technical, demographic, economic, financial and other statistical data for the development of various roadway and transit facility plans and projects such as the District's transit service plan, transit capital improvement program, proposed bridge tolls or parking facilities.
• Monitors and evaluates transit service performance, bridge traffic patterns, parking occupancy and trends, and transit service patronage, including the use of computer techniques or models where appropriate
• Prepares, or supervises preparation of, routine evaluations of the efficiency and effectiveness of bus on-street operations, major transit facilities and bus stops. Recommends specific improvements based on these evaluations
• Assists in the preparation of the District's Short-Range Transit Plan and other federal and state required reports, including the organization of meetings between various staff providing input to these reports on an as-needed basis
• Leads teams of planning and other staff working on planning projects. Develops project staffing requirements and timelines
• Prepares official recommendations and informational reports for consideration by the general public, the District's Board of Directors, technical staff of the District or other agencies and other groups on technical and planning subjects. Prepares or assists with verbal presentations to staff groups, public groups, and the boards of local municipalities and advises District personnel on matters related to interactions with these groups
• Supports and coordinates staff responsibilities with regard to monthly meetings of the District's Service Review Committee and other internal and external coordination meetings as directed
• Acts, when directed, as liaison between the District and other agencies on planning matters by reviewing outside reports, attending meetings, drafting correspondence and providing technical information to public agencies and other transit groups. Communicates with the general public on technical matters related to facility planning and District data
• Supervises or provides staff support and coordination to certain advisory groups to the District, including the District's three Passenger Advisory Committees (Bus Passengers Advisory Committee, Ferry Passengers Advisory Committee, and Advisory Committee on Accessibility), as appropriate when specific questions related to bus, ferry, or bridge traffic operations or facilities need a response.
• Prepares scopes of work for planning projects to be undertaken by consultants; coordinates the process of consultant selection; provides technical liaison with consultants and coordinates contract administration
• May assist District Engineering Department with development of capital projects related to transportation and traffic support facilities
• Represents Director of Planning in their absence at various District meetings, meetings with other public agencies, and with the Planning Department
• May assign and supervise work of Senior Planner and Associate Planners
• Performs related duties as assigned
• Ensures that employees under his or her supervision follow established safe work practices and obey all safety rules
• Regular and reliable attendance and performance is required

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Experience:

• Four year degree in Planning, Engineering, Public Administration or a closely related field
• Five years' recent, full-time position related experience in transportation planning, systems planning or a closely related field, two years of which must include strong project management experience
• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for education; applicants substituting additional qualifying experience for education must attach a statement explaining the additional qualifying experience
• Master's degree is highly desirable
• Two years supervisory experience highly desirable

Required License: Desirable to possess and maintain current, valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record. Position occasionally travels to other District offices and meetings using District vehicles.
Physical Requirement:

Mobility to work in a typical office setting. Ability to communicate in person and over the telephone. Ability to read printed materials and a computer screen. Routine use of computer, telephone and other office equipment. Ability to travel to District facilities or to Bay Area locations to communicate with various groups. May conduct field inspections of facilities
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Working knowledge of:

• Systems analysis, principles, practices and purposes of traffic engineering, transit facilities planning, statistical and research methods, bus, ferry and rail transit operations and development, and economics, financial analysis and budgeting
• Project Management
• Team building and supervision
• Federal, state and local regulations related to traffic engineering and traffic and transit operations
• Contract administration

Ability to:

• Solve problems at both the micro- and macro-level
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on technical report writing, interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate a consensus in a contentious situation
• Demonstrate initiative in taking on new projects
• Use computer systems routinely and effectively
• Collect, analyze and interpret traffic and transit operations data
• Analyze and make financial and operational recommendations as needed
• Use a personal computer for general analytical and report writing tasks; competence with traffic engineering software is, highly desirable

The following are some of the excellent benefits that the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District offers to its employees:

• Paid Time-Off: Competitive vacation accruals, generous sick leave accruals, holidays per year, and floating holiday(s).
• Health Plans: The District offers three (3) medical plans, namely PERS Kaiser HMO plan, PERS Gold PPO plan, and PERS Platinum PPO plan, with a District contribution toward the premium. All plans offer an HRA reimbursement account for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your District-sponsored group health and prescription drug plans.
• Retirement Programs are available through CalPERS or an applicable Union Pension Plan, Mission Square 457 B, 401 (a) and Social Security.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): A FSA allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for certain health and dependent care expenses for you and your family. This can be used for Health Care Reimbursement Account and Dependent Daycare Reimbursement Account.
• Life Insurance: The District provides a basic life and accidental death insurance benefit. Life insurance is used to replace the lost income of the deceased. Life insurance coverage is provided through Minnesota Life.
• Employee Assistance Program: This is a confidential and free service that provides support, counseling, referrals, and resources for issues that impact your life. The EAP program offers support or assistance for financial/legal concerns, depression, stress, parenting and family issues, and child and elder care. Services are available 24 hours-a-day and are available to all family members.
• Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, professional development and more .

*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.


**The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District is a Social Security participant.
For more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.
01


Describe your professional experience in preparing or managing environmental documentation under CEQA and/or NEPA with respect to transit facilities, fares, or operations.
02


Describe one major transportation project where you served as a lead or project manager. Include your role, team structure, and project outcome.
03


Describe your experience coordinating with internal teams, consultants, and external agencies (e.g., local public works or traffic engineering staff).
Required Question