DescriptionThe Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a Senior Regional Planner to support SCAG’s Integrated Planning & Programming Department. The Senior Regional Planner will lead and support a broad range of Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) initiatives such as assisting with the FTIP and FTIP amendments financial plan, coordinating with county transportation commissions on the submittal and analysis of federal funded/regional significant projects, and representing SCAG in statewide regional programming and planning meetings as directed by the department manager. In addition, the Senior Regional Planner will assist in the development of the FTIP guidelines and FTIP updates.
The Integrated Planning & Programming department is dedicated to ensuring SCAG complies with our obligations as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the region. This includes complying with FTIP programming requirements and MPO selection of federally funded projects. Additionally, the department supports and coordinates transportation planning activities for Connect SoCal (Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy) updates, prepares and coordinates transportation revenue and cost estimates, develops and coordinates funding strategies, and leads congestion pricing studies and pilot initiatives. The team also prioritizes transportation system preservation activities and supports strategic, integrated transportation planning initiatives.
WHO WE ARE As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.
SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.
As part of our Work@SCAG hybrid approach, employees’ eligibility in the three work models (office, hybrid, remote) will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties at the discretion of management. All work models require employees to work from a location based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to be in the office 1 day per week.
MISSION To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.
VISION Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.
SCAG CORE VALUES - Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
- Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
- Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
- Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
- Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.
In this role you can expect to- Perform analytical and program tasks including maintaining, updating, and analyzing FTIP project submittals from assigned county transportation commissions.
- Assist with the development of the FTIP documents and guidelines.
- Develop and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences including internal staff, management, and external stakeholders.
- Confer with staff and outside agencies in coordinating assigned projects and meet with and serve as liaison to representatives of outside agencies, partner agencies, community organizations, and other groups.
- Determine research methods and ensures adherence to defined processes.
- Attend local, regional, state and federal meetings to represent the agency.
- Monitor and keep informed of current trends, legislation, court rulings, and professional practices in the field, evaluate their impact, and apprise supervisory and management staff.
- Conduct complex geospatial analysis and create maps and other Geographic Information Systems (GIS) products as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What you'll bring to this roleA typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience in federal programming, urban planning and design, project management, or planning regulations and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.
We’ll be a great match if you also have: - Knowledge of state and federal funding programs and familiarity with transportation analysis tools, financing strategies and data sets used by major metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities and counties to support transportation planning.
- Experience and ability to develop, support, and manage innovative projects and programs, with the ability to quickly assess risks and opportunities.
- Knowledge of advanced project management principles and concepts.
- Experience working with local elected officials and knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities related to transportation.
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative, data analysis methods.
- Experience using platforms such as GIS, Microsoft Office, and database software.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
- The ability to develop clear, concise communications and reports.
- The ability to summarize data analyses.
- The ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a stakeholder and working group meeting and is politically astute.
- The ability to synthesize and analyze information to prepare recommendations.
Insurance Coverage Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.
Retirement Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERSor an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAGor in a CalPERS(or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.
Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.
Paid Parental Leave 12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connectionwith adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after12 months of employment at SCAG.
Holidays Employees receive 9 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.
Vacation Accrual Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.
0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours
Sick Leave Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.
Flexible Spending Accounts Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.
Transit Reimbursement Program SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.
Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide three work model options (office, hybrid, and remote) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.
Technology Allowance Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.
Other Benefits Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.
Probationary Period All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.
Closing Date/Time: 7/10/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
