Associate Regional Planner - Integrated Planning and Programming (Limited-Term)

Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a limited-term Associate Regional Planner to jo in the Planning Division and support the Integrated Planning & Programming Department in assisting with federal transportation funding programs. Th is position will help track and administer projects funded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. The Associate Regional Planner will also support the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) project submittal analysis, assist with the regional call for projects, and engage with county transportation commissions, local agencies, and Caltrans.

The Integrated Planning & Programming D epartment 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 operation and 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.

As part of our Work@ SCAG hybrid approach , employees ’ eligibility in for two work models : in-office and hybrid . Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities , and dutie s , as determined by management . All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region . This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 day s 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

• Assist with executing the regional CMAQ and STBG call for projects and updating program guidelines.
  

• Assist with tracking the programming and implementation of CMAQ and STBG funded projects.
  

• Support FTIP project submittal analysis and ensure timely project delivery.
  

• Ensure adherence to federal and state requirements for project programming and selection .
  

• Engage with project applicants, county transportation commissions, and Caltrans on project obligations.
  

• Assist with the tracking of Obligation Authority (OA) to ensure agencies and counties are obligating their projects in a timely manner .
  

• Represent SCAG at statewide and regional planning/programming meetings.
  

• Provide presentations at policy committees, external meetings, and workshops.
  

• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 3 years of experience in urban planning and design, project management, 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 transportation funding requirements, including CMAQ and STBG programs.
  

• Experience in transportation planning, project programming, and fund administration.
  

• Ability to analyze and evaluate project applications based on programming and funding criteria.
  

• Experience in data tracking, reporting, and fund administration to ensure project compliance and timely obligations.
  

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  

• Ability to develop program guidelines and policies for project selection and funding distribution.
  

• Familiarity with public sector grant programs and funding mechanisms.
  

• Experience working with Caltrans, local municipalities, and transportation agencies on project development and implementation.
  

• Experience making presentations to committees and external stakeholders.
  

Supplemental Information

Important Applicant Information:

Please note, this posting will remain open until March 19, 2025 , with the first application review taking place on March 5, 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: 3/19/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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