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Transit Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of dedicated professionals. Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise will directly ...

Role Description Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of dedicated professionals. Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise ...

Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of dedicated professionals. Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise will directly ...

Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of dedicated professionals. Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise will directly ...

Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of dedicated professionals. Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise will directly ...

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Showing results 1-20

Transit Director information

See California salary details

$23K

$90.8K

$141.5K

How much do transit director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit director in California is $90,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,181.00 and $108,694.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a transit director do?

A Transit Director oversees the operations, planning, and administration of a public transportation system. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, developing budgets, and implementing policies to improve service efficiency and reliability. They also coordinate with government agencies, address public concerns, and plan for future transit needs within the community. The Transit Director plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of transit services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transit Director, you need expertise in public transportation management, budgeting, strategic planning, and a relevant degree such as in transportation, urban planning, or public administration. Familiarity with transit operations software, scheduling systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required, along with certifications like Transit Manager Certification. Outstanding leadership, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for driving organizational goals and managing complex teams. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and customer-focused transit operations that meet community needs and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by a transit director, and how can they be addressed effectively?

Transit Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with service demands, managing diverse teams, and responding to shifting community transportation needs. Effective communication with stakeholders, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making are essential to address these issues. Staying informed about regulatory changes and fostering partnerships with local governments can also help mitigate operational difficulties and ensure smooth transit operations.

What is the difference between Transit Director vs Transit Manager?

AspectTransit DirectorTransit Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire transit agency operations, strategic planning, policy developmentManages daily transit operations, supervises staff, ensures service delivery
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in transportation, public administration, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's in transportation, logistics, or related; relevant experience required
Work EnvironmentExecutive offices, strategic meetings, high-level planningTransit facilities, buses, stations, operational sites
Industry UsageUsed in larger transit agencies and government bodiesCommon in mid-sized agencies and departments

The main difference between a Transit Director and a Transit Manager lies in scope and responsibilities. The Transit Director oversees the entire transit system, focusing on strategic planning and policy, while the Transit Manager handles daily operations and staff supervision. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but the Director's role is more executive and broad in scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transit jobs in California?

The most popular types of Transit jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Transit Director jobs in California?

For Transit Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Transit Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Transit Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Transit Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,773 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Project Director - Rail Transit

Arcadis

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of dedicated professionals. Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise will directly influence the transformation of Southern California's rail and transit infrastructure. You'll drive the design, installation, and testing of innovative projects that improve mobility, sustainability, and quality of life for millions. 

Role accountabilities:

  • Manage all phases of complex, multimillion-dollar rail and transit projects-from early concept through design, installation, and commissioning.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for our valued clients, ensuring their expectations are exceeded and fostering long-term partnerships.
  • Develop comprehensive work plans, resource forecasts, and detailed schedules to deliver projects on time and on budget.
  • Guarantee all projects adhere to the highest standards, applicable codes, and best-in-class safety and engineering practices.
  • Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and technical teams to define scopes, allocate resources, and ensure seamless project delivery.
  • Guide, coach, and develop junior engineers and assistant project managers, building a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
  • Shape solutions by working closely with local and regional authorities, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
  • Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in track construction, with a strong preference for street-running light rail projects. Proven track record leading transit projects valued at $300 million or more.
  • Current California Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent (Peng).

Key Skills & Abilities:

  • Proficiency in managing production and delivery within a matrix organization.
  • Deep knowledge of rail systems engineering, design standards, and safety codes. 
  • Exceptional ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams, inspire collaboration, and communicate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Advanced mathematical, analytical, and time management skills, with a keen eye for identifying risks and opportunities.

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP,  401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.  We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $250,000 - $300,000. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

#LI-BB1 #LI-ONSITE


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US