Federal Planning Manager

Overview

$8,678.00 - $10,783.00 per Month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 2/10/2026

Electronic (Using your Cal Career Account) | By Mail | Drop-off

Under the general direction of the Assistant Federal Liaison, a Supervising Transportation Planner, in the Director’s Office, Office of the Federal Liaison, the incumbent will assist the Office in strategic engagement, strategy, and vision for advancing our federal priorities and short-term and long-term strategic direction for the State transportation system for federal programs as well as to ensure California receives its share of federal funding and competes effectively for directionally grant programs and federal earmarks.

This position will lead enhanced outreach efforts, strategy and coordinate on federal discretionary grant applications and management processes. This position will support MAP-21 transportation performance management and development of our federal policy positions, coordinate implementation of current and future federal transportation legislation, and provide enhanced outreach and technical assistance to Headquarters (HQ) Programs/Divisions and Districts seeking federal funding for their projects.

This work requires extensive coordination and communication with transportation partners, the public, and cross-organizational and cross-agency collaboration. Effective working relationships with internal and external agencies/partners is critical.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER $8,678.00 - $10,783.00. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Public outreach and engagement experience
• Understanding of federal appropriations and budget processes
• Federal transportation policy and legislation experience
• Grant writing experience
• Multi-disciplinary project management experience
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills
• Experience in graphics such as Adobe In Design
• Ability to develop innovative and effective solutions for transportation problems and effectively implement them

The incumbent will lead enhanced outreach efforts, strategy and coordinate on federal discretionary grant applications and management processes. The role includes coordinating implementation of federal transportation legislation and providing outreach and technical assistance to HQ Programs/Divisions and Districts seeking federal funding for their projects. It requires extensive coordination with partners, the public, and cross-agency collaboration.

Work Location:

Hybrid (in-office and telework possible). Telework eligible at department discretion and based on Caltrans policy. In-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. All commute expenses are the responsibility of the employee.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. The incumbent will work in an office environment (in-office and home office), with travel within-state and possibly out-of-state to attend meetings, conferences, and trainings. Travel reimbursements depend on headquarters location and applicable regulations.

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date. If applying electronically, use your Cal Career Account at  If submitting a hard copy, include a completed STD 678 and other required documents as described below.

Final Filing Date: 2/10/2026

Who May Apply:
Individuals currently in the classification or eligible for transfer, reinstatement, LEAP, or other eligible status. SROA and/or Surplus candidates receive priority.

Required Application Package Documents:
Current STD Form 678 (if not applying…