Assistant Regional Planner (Housing) - Limited Term

Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking two organized and analytical Assistant Regional Planners to join the Housing department to significantly contribute to a variety of planning programs and projects. The Assistant Regional Planners will assist with gathering and analyzing data, preparing staff reports, developing communications, coordinating meetings, and providing project management support to senior staff. The duties performed in this role are crucial to support the projects and work of the Housing department. If you’re looking for an entry level opportunity and driven to shape the future of regional transportation, housing policy, and resiliency, SCAG may be the place for you!

This is a limited-term position with an estimated term length of 1 year. Term length may be adjusted based on available funding.

The Housing department is one of the nine departments within the Planning Division. The Planning Division coordinates efforts through cross-functional teams and projects to deliver SCAG’s planning, programming, and implementation functions. The Housing department develops and implements regional housing policies and manages the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) methodology and allocation processes. This team manages REAP 1.0 and the land use components of REAP 2.0.

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 policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is eligible for the hybrid model and will be in the office 2 days 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

• Serve as deputy project manager in order to support project manager s on REAP 2.0 projects , including supporting project coordination, communication, and engagement.
• Manage project timeline, REAP 2.0 framework, and HCD REAP 2.0 guidelines.
• Manage project day-to-day oversight, review, and routine evaluation of work to ensure agreement with relevant MOUs and SOWs .
• Facilitate the full execution of MOUs and exhibits for 7-9 projects during term .
• Co-lead and synthesize important details from project me etings.
• Draft literature reviews, reports, memos, scopes of work, grant applications, and communications under supervision for review.
• Support regional call for projects, including drafting sections of call applications, participating in meetings with potential project applicants and county transportation commissions, and reviewing applications.
• Conduct research, analyze source materials and data, and prepare data summaries related to housing legislation, planning policies, best practices, and relevant data.
• Contribute to regional housing work, including the preparation of content and materials, facilitation of meetings and webinars, and evaluating housing policies and legislation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 1 year of experience working in urban or regional planning, or related fields, 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 and experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods .
• Ability to conduct research, manage databases, and design survey instruments .
• A g rowth mindset and demonstrate willingness to participate in professional conferences, webinars, and other forms of professional education .
• Ability to establish , maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships and effectively collaborate with others.
• E ffective verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of Southern California region al and local challenges regarding housing expansion and conservation , specifically in relation to land use planning .
• Experience in policy development, research, and technical writing .
• S trong organizational and time-management skills.
• Use basic to intermediate features of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Interest in contributing to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging .

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until January 30, 2025, with the first application review taking place on January 16, 2025. 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 10 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: 1/30/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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