Associate Transit Planner

For nearly 40 years, Nelson\Nygaard has led the transportation planning field with our values-driven approach. We’ve always been guided by the principle of putting people first—designing transportation systems for people, not just cars. This also extends to how we operate as a firm. We were founded by two women who believed in the benefits of a more egalitarian workplace, where leadership and creativity can blossom at all levels and where diversity is a core strength. Today, we are 170 talented and dedicated people in 15 offices across the U.S. and Canada who continue to live by those values. What unites us at Nelson\Nygaard is our steadfast commitment to make the world more just, more sustainable, more connected, and more beautiful. Nelson\Nygaard offers a dynamic and self-directed work environment that is fast-paced, collaborative, and fun. This is your opportunity to work with one of the most innovative groups of planners and engineers in North America, including highly talented junior and support staff. Our firm culture is built upon diversity and creativity. About You You’re resourceful, curious, communicative, and enthusiastic. You’re passionate about how transportation can make the world a better, more equitable place. You bring energy and a commitment to your teams and clients to do great work, together. You want to grow and evolve as a leading transit and urban corridors planning professional. Responsibilities Our Chicago Associate Tr ansit Planner will assist our teams working on studies for rural, mid -, and large-size transit systems and participate in transit corridor projects. Potential types of projects include, but are not limited to, Comprehensive Operations Analyses, Long Range Plans,Transit Development Plans, studies regarding emerging mobility and transit technologies, and FTA Capital Investment Grant corridor projects. Depending on your skills and our project needs, responsibilities include research, data collection and analysis, mapping, visual communications, writing and editing technical and public-facing reports, developing presentations and outreach materials, and supporting limited business development tasks. You will work both independently and as part of a team, working closely with Nelson\Nygaard’s Chicago and Atlanta office staff, and staff in offices throughout the country. Our approach is to bring the most appropriate staff together, irrespective of where they are based, as collaboration across offices produces better outcomes and staff growth. Qualifications and Requirements Above all, we are looking for someone who: Has a passion for sustainable transportation planning Is an inquisitive self-starter and a natural problem solver Understands the connection between transportation and equity and is committed to incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into their work Is interested in working with our diverse clients and communities across the U.S. and Canada to create more equitable, livable, and sustainable mobility systems Has experience, exposure, or passion for transit planning work Candidates must have one of the following prerequisites: A master’s degree in planning or an equivalent degree with a specialization in transportation planning and 0-2 years of relevant experience, OR A bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1-3 years of experience in transportation planning; other relevant degrees and concentrations include, but are not limited to, civil/traffic engineering, transportation operations, urban/city/regional planning, public health, urban design, geography, and landscape architecture The ideal candidate will demonstrate skills in at least three of the following areas: Excellent skills in writing and storytelling, oral presentation, data analysis, and/or problem solving Experience incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into academic and/or professional work Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint Experience with mapping platforms (GIS), graphics (Illustrator, InDesign, SketchUp), and/or database analysis (R, Python) Ability to manage multiple deadlines and communicate effectively with project managers, colleagues, and project partners Proficiency in Spanish or other foreign languages Strong candidates will have a passion for advancing equity through community-based efforts, including engagement with BIPOC communities, and will demonstrate an ability to work effectively with diverse communities. Salary and Benefits The annual salary range equivalent for this position is $68,835 - $84,132, depending on qualifications and years of experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax transit and bicycling benefits; a 401k program; life insurance; and paid time off. Additionally, we offer opportunities for in-person and in-office collaboration as well as flexibility for work from home up to 2 days per week. Applying for the Position To apply, please click on the 'Apply Online' link. Qualified and interested candidates should submit the following items: Cover letter (required) Resume (required) Work samples that highlight your skills. Please do not exceed 6 MB. (optional) At Nelson\Nygaard we believe that inclusion spurs creativity, and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people and ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status, we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities. We’re committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to hear from anyone who is passionate about our work. #LI-KK1