Rail & Transit Policy and Analysis Consultant

Overview

Kimley-Horn is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Rail & Transit Policy and Analysis Consultant to join our Sacramento office! This specialized role offers the opportunity to support rail and transit agencies by combining financial expertise, data analysis, and strategic thinking to drive impactful decisions for clients. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, have a passion for solving complex problems, and are eager to grow in a dynamic field, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Cost Sharing Policy Analysis: Develop expertise in how cost sharing policies influence financial and service decision-making, including understanding the quantitative methods used and how to develop options for change.
• Organizational and Procedural Structuring: Analyze how changes in organizational structure or processes affect service and financial outcomes.
• Cost Modeling: Learn how to design and apply cost models to understand the impacts of service or network changes, including development of scenarios that could be considered by strategic decision-makers.
• Strategy Development: Utilize quantitative and policy analysis to propose strategic options for decision-makers and leadership teams.
• Client Interaction and Communication: Grow communication skills to ask insightful financial, service and capital program questions, brief senior executives, and deliver clear, concise analyses.
• Mentorship and Learning: Embrace a role that offers mentorship in a unique and interdisciplinary field, prioritizing asking questions and seeking iterative feedback to ensure deliverable success.
• Financial Models for Decision Makers: Assist in building financial models incorporating capital, operating costs, and revenues to evaluate policy options and strategies for boards and senior leadership.
• Benefit-Cost Analysis: Engage in quantitative methods related to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), Greenhouse Gas reductions, and business case development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, engineering, public policy or a related field (Master’s degree or comparable experience is a plus).
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in rail/transit and trasnportationg consulting
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into strategic insights.
• Proficiency in Excel and other financial modeling tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills—comfortable working with senior executives and presenting ideas clearly.
• A positive attitude with a growth mindset—open to mentorship and guidance in a dynamic field where creativity and adaptability are essential, and where written documentation is rarely available.
• Interest in learning technical and policy-related aspects of rail/transit services and sustainability impact quantification (e.g., VMT and Greenhouse Gas metrics).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a team environment.

Salary Range:

$120,000 to $150,000

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.