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Transit Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Shafter, CA · On-site

$181K - $220K/yr

Assume full management responsibility for all Finance and Transit Division programs, services, and activities. Develop, direct, and coordinate the implementation of goals, objectives, policies ...

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Shafter, CA · On-site

$181K - $220K/yr

Assume full management responsibility for all Finance and Transit Division programs, services, and activities. * Develop, direct, and coordinate the implementation of goals, objectives, policies ...

Kern Transit Location: Bakersfield, CA Starting Pay Rate: $21.00 What You'll Do (Essential Functions) * Wash, Fuel and Service vehicles * Cleans buildings and grounds as directed * Perform daily ...

Utility

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Kern Transit Location: Bakersfield, CA Starting Pay Rate: $21.00 What You'll Do (Essential Functions) * Wash, Fuel and Service vehicles * Cleans buildings and grounds as directed * Perform daily ...

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager to support major rail and transit capital programs in the Bay Area, including direct engagement on projects for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). This role is critical ...

Make a Difference At MTM Transit, you're not just part of a team-you're at the heart of a movement ... Cleans buildings and grounds as directed * Perform daily Facility maintenance and repairs * Assists ...

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager to support major rail and transit capital programs in the Bay Area, including direct engagement on projects for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). This role is critical ...

Showing results 41-60

Transit Director information

See California salary details

$23K

$90.8K

$141.5K

How much do transit director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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.

Practice Builder - Transit Planning

Kimley-Horn

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$145K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Senior Transit Planner to join our team in Los Angeles, California (CA) overseeing various, large transportation and transit infrastructure projects. 

Responsibilities
  • Has a strategic mindset and a passion for leading large transportation/transit planning projects.

  • Leading transportation planning for transit projects including Commuter Rail, Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail, and Fixed and On Demand services.

  • Collaborating with municipalities, regional entities, transit agencies, and members of the public.

  • Play a role in business development by tracking transportation planning opportunities.

  • Mentor and develop staff, provides leadership in an environment that encourages teamwork, initiative, and growth.
  • Lead project outreach activities including guiding the direction of public engagement, giving presentations, meeting with community members, businesses, and organizations to explain the project scope, impacts, benefits, mitigations, etc.
  • Collaborate with agencies and municipal clients on complex planning and project delivery challenges.
  • Perform project management duties such as managing large tasks and projects, performing research, report writing, leading public involvement meetings and maintaining client relations in support of transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Develop schedules, review invoices, manage progress reports, prepare scopes, and track budgets.
  • Leadership responsibilities include:

    • Lead a team while building and managing relationships with key clients.

    • Operate with integrity and sound business principles.

    • Provide practice vision, business planning and strategy, establishing goals, building and maintaining positive client relationships.

    • Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a Transit Planning practice.

    • Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and mentor staff, help recruit, and be a positive role model.

  • Our system for rewards is designed to recognize staff as they move along a path to success. Bonuses, promotions, path to ownership recognition, and other forms of advancement are performance based, because as a firm we focus on results.
Qualifications
  • 15+ years of years of planning experience, including large capital transit infrastructure projects
  • Bachelors Degree or higher in city or regional planning or related
  • Registered American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Preferred
  • Local and regional experience preferred
  • Provide high quality deliverables with exceptional client service
  • A desire to lead and grow a planning practice
  • Business development and marketing experience including writing proposals, scopes of work, and budgets for projected work.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and effectively communicate at all levels of the organization.

Base Salary Range

  • $145,000 - $250,000
  • Eligible for performance-based bonus compensation
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967