DescriptionIf you’re looking for an opportunity to shap e the future of regional transportation, then the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) may be the right place for you! Th e Assistant Regional Planner Limited Term position in the I ntegrated Planning & Programming department offers an entry-level opportunity to be at the forefront of developing innovative financial strategies and mechanisms that support the preservation and efficient operation of our transportation system . Th is position will support the agency’s Federal Project Selection, Monitoring, and Management program. Under general supervision, th e Assistant Regional Planner will support SCAG’s regional call for projects selection process for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) , Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funds apportioned to the SCAG region. In addition, the Assistant Regional Planner wil l assi st with the tracking of selected projects ’ programming and implementation .
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 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) programming requirements and MPO selection of federally funded projects. Additionally, the department supports and coordinates transportation planning activities for the Connect SoCal update, prepares and coordinates transportation revenue and cost estimate, 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 operate s 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 (DEI B ) 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 dutie s 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.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
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- Support regional call for projects, including developing the schedule, drafting sections of call applications, participat ing in meetings with potential project applicants and county transportation commissions, and review ing applications.
- Assist the Principal Planner in tracking federal obligations , and timely use of funds for selected projects by engaging with agency staff and synthesizing pertinent details.
- Ensure the selected projects are programmed in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program .
- Support coordination, communication, and engagement efforts with county transportation commissions, local agencies, and Caltrans .
- Assist with program management, including meeting support , file management, updating reports, and tracking project status .
- Attend and synthesize important details from federal, state, regional, and local meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What you'll bring to this roleA typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 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.
- K nowledge of transportation planning and programming principles, and familiarity with federal transportation funding , programming strategies and data sets used by major MPOs, cities and counties to support transportation planning and programming.
- Knowledge of the Southern California region and local challenges, including knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities related to transportation planning and programming, and familiarity with stakeholder agencies and organizations.
- Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local planning laws, codes, and regulations.
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis.
- Ability to establish , maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Ability to conduct research and prepare recommendations.
- E ffective verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking skills.
Supplemental InformationPlease note, this posting will remain open until July 11, 2024 , with the first application review taking place on June 27, 2024 . Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.
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: 7/11/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
