Transit Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:
We are seeking a highly accomplished transit professional with an excellent track report of managing complex transit operations, preferably in a public, university, and/or hospital setting, with an outstanding customer service record. Excellent communications and presentation skills are critical for this role.
Director of Transit for Transportation Department oversees a large and multi-functional department through subordinate managers. Oversees the strategic planning process in compliance with organizational objectives and external requirements. Establishes and ensures implementation of policies and procedures in support of departmental goals and objectives relating to transit services, fleet management, and compliance & safety. May act as the Executive Director in his/her absence or as needed.
UCSF's Transportation Department's Transit Division manages the operations of 12 shuttle routes within San Francisco. Transit is also expanding to BCH - Oakland in July, which will include an additional three routes around Oakland plus a connector to San Francisco. The entire transit system transports roughly 5k staff, faculty, patients, and visitors daily.
We are looking for a Director of Transit who posses a high level of technical knowledge and experience with transit operations. This includes experience with modern transit technology, knowledge of public transit operations, daily KPI monitoring (uptime status, ontime status, traffic implications, incident reporting and resolution, call-outs).
Some key projects that the Director of Transit will be involved with:

• Transit Division - oversees transit managers with a frontline staff of 80+ drivers
• Developing and/or in-sourcing new transit routes as required by the changing demands of the University
• In coordination with the Director of Parking and Assistant Director of Administration, the integration of our transit and parking management system, and integration of dispatch operations
• Closely working with the Assets Manager to maintain UCSF Vehicle Fleet
• Closely working with Safety and Compliance team for all incident reports, employee onboarding and training, compliance with CHP, and any transit-related audits

Department Overview
Transit Services is a core function of UCSF Transportation, providing critical connectivity across campuses and to regional transit systems. The program operates high-frequency shuttle services supporting clinical operations, academic activities, and daily commuting needs.
The operation includes a large and diverse unionized workforce, an extensive fleet (including electric vehicles), and service delivery across multiple campuses and routes. Transit plays a key role in supporting access, reducing single-occupancy vehicle use, and enhancing the overall campus experience.
The Director of Transit is responsible for ensuring operational reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction while managing the complexity of a growing and evolving transit system. This includes adapting to new technologies, regulatory requirements, and service expectations.
UCSF Department of Transportation manages transit and parking services for the UCSF students, faculty, patients, visitors and employees. Transit operations include 13 fixed routes and on-demand services supporting nearly 2.5 million annual riders. Parking operations include over 25 parking garages and lots across the City, with over 7,500 spaces. Parking team also manages an extensive permit program, parking enforcement, citation adjudication and other parking related services. The Department promotes clean and sustainable transportation modes that include walking, bicycling, carpool/vanpool, car-sharing program, electric scooter sharing program, etc. The Department has over 190 positions with an annual operating budget of over $45 million
Responsibilities
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
20
Leads all aspects of shuttle operations and service delivery, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transit service across all routes. Establishes operational priorities, oversees route planning and driver deployment, and ensures consistent service performance.
15
Oversees transit fleet operations, including vehicle lifecycle planning, maintenance strategies, and adoption of emerging technologies such as electric vehicles. Advises leadership on fleet investments that improve safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
15
Oversees transit safety and compliance programs in partnership with Compliance & Safety leadership, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. Reviews incidents and implements strategies to reduce risk and improve safety outcomes.
15
Leads and develops a large, unionized workforce, including managers, supervisors, and drivers. Oversees staffing, performance management, employee engagement, and labor relations in partnership with Human Resources and Labor Relations.
10
Directs and oversees multiple budgets, business plans and analyses. Takes action to mitigate budget or financial challenges as needed. Monitors progress towards departmental goals and objectives. Delegates to managers business plan objectives and holds department accountable for outcomes. Drives continuous improvement initiatives using data, performance metrics, and rider feedback to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
5
Oversees all standards and procedures regarding fleet inspection and reporting requirements, fleet maintenance and replacement, emergency assistance and certification requirements. Serves as primary point of contact regarding injury accidents involving department-owned vehicles.
10
Engages with internal and external stakeholders, Transit and Fleet managers from other UC campuses; networks with transit professionals and stays current with the technology and policy developments in the transit industry.
10
In capacity as the Director, provides expert technical advice in all operational areas of Shuttle Services, Fleet Management and Compliance & Safety; provides leadership guidance to the Executive Director and other members of the Transportation Leadership Team. Supports projects in other areas that include parking and Transportation Demand Management. Acts on behalf of the Executive Director, such as by leading or representing the department at stakeholder meetings that impact decisions about policies, investments, pricing and service offerings of Transportation Services.
100%
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Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, planning, economics, or related area and/or equivalent experience / training
• 10+ years relevant progressive experience
• A minimum of 5 years of direct experience in transit route planning, driver scheduling and bidding, en-route shuttle monitoring systems and real-time GPS tracking systems
• A minimum of 10 years of planning & operational experience managing a comparable transit program, which includes an emphasis on driver and passenger safety
• In-depth knowledge of shuttle operations and fleet management operations as well as related policy, and regulatory compliance requirements from governmental agencies
• Advanced knowledge of transportation industry best practices and transportation technologies such as electric vehicles and/or fleet management applications to ensure most efficient and effective use of resources and sustainability efforts
• Advanced skills in building and managing a team and operating a large and complex department
• Strategic leadership and interpersonal skills to work effectively, across all organizational levels, internally and externally
• Advanced ability to carry out complex business plans subject to multi-stakeholder perspectives
• Strategic negotiation skills
• Innovative thinking skills, and creative problem solving in a varied and challenging environment
• Proficiency in the use of business computer applications
• Committed to delivering high-quality customer service
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Class B License or the ability to acquire the license within six months of hire date
• Parking operations, transportation policies, commute alternatives, carpool/vanpool programs, transportation funding, etc.

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html