The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking a Transportation Planner III to be responsible for planning and managing transit capital projects and advancing organizational goals related to Transit Oriented Development (TOD). This involves professional technical planning work and strong project management skills to be utilized in the development of transit projects, transit facilities, and transit programs and services. Work entails planning for future transit services and multi-modal facilities and may specifically include responsibility in one or more of the following areas: transit-oriented development/joint development; transit planning; and advancement of capital projects. Work requires the application of the principles and practices of transportation planning and land use planning to specific assignments.

 Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage, coordinate, and oversee the development of CATS Transit Oriented Development Program (TOD).
• Oversees consultants and staff working on transit planning projects and studies.
• Works with private developers on coordination between City capital projects and property development through construction.
• Assist staff with document controls.
• Manage economic development maps and reports for the FTA and staff.
• Assist the Real Estate and TOD Manager on updates to plans and policies.
• Coordinates CATS planning activities with other City capital projects.
• Prepares materials for presentations to citizen groups, technical groups, and others as required.
• Supervises and assists in the preparation of visual aids and maps.
• Directs and reviews consultant work products.
• Participates in the coordination of planning activities with local government jurisdictions, other public agencies, and consultants.
• Represents the Transit Department in meetings with the public and consultants.
• Directs the efforts of public information specialists responsible for public outreach efforts.
• Responsible for monitoring contracts, completing follow-ups with contractors, and ensuring adherence to state and federal requirements.
• Develops and makes presentations to the public and elected officials as needed to gain consensus and advance the project.
• Documents input from the public in response to public meetings.
• Supervises the UDO Transportation Planner and other staff, as assigned.
• As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the ASP. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Performs other duties as directed/assigned.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of planning and development matters.
• Knowledge and understanding of transit/land use relationships
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams, divisions, and departments.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to work on various projects simultaneously under strict timelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agencies, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to manage a high volume of transactions with short deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, urban design, architecture, engineering, or related field. 
• Requires five (5) years of experience in public transit/transportation planning or related field. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Exposure to rapid transit planning, land use planning, community involvement, and project management is highly desired.  AICP, AIA, PMP or closely aligned certification preferred.