Associate Regional Planner (Integrated Planning & Programming)

Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a skilled transportation planner with strong analytical skills to fill the role of Associate Regional Planner. The selected individual will support a variety of initiatives for the Integrated Planning & Programming department . If you are interested in contributing towards projects such as updating the Congestion Management Process, develop ing key components of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (Connect SoCal) , and supporting transportation system management and operations (TSMO) , this position is for you! T he successful candidate will possess principles of project management, knowledge of policy analysis, and have a strong interest in p reserv ing and enhanc ing efficiency of our transportation system .

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 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.

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 expected to follow the hybrid model and 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

• Support efforts to improve performance-based planning, programming, and project selection , enhancements to the financial planning process, and system performance and maintenance (including TSMO efforts) in preparation for Connect SoCal 2028 .
  

• Support the Congestion Management Process, including ensuring that new programmed capacity-increasing projects align with the region’s objective-driven, performance-based approach to planning for congestion management .
  

• Support the maintenance and updates to the regional intelligent transportation systems (ITS) architecture , including coordination across departments and with partners across the regio n.
  

• Support Connect SoCal amendments as needed, including coordination across departments.
  

• Supporting the FTIP business unit, while gaining knowledge of transportation programming.
  

• Participate in Planning Studio meetings on a monthly basis and actively participate in the various discussions therein.
  

• Under supervision, draft sections or whole project reports, staff reports, memos, grant applications and communications, for presentation within the agency or to outside groups .
  

• Under supervision, draft scopes of work for professional services support (consultants, academics, etc.), support coordinating the procurement process and resultant contracts, including reviewing deliverables and invoices for approval .
  

• Coordinate education and engagement efforts, develop stakeholder lists and analysis, and coordinate and support communications and meetings .
  

• Attend federal, state, regional and local meetings, take notes, synthesize pertinent details, and represent the agency at lower-level staff working groups.
  

• Strategize, design, draft, deploy, and conduct surveys including formatting the survey instrument in the chosen deployment platform, compiling, and reporting results .
  

• Perform o ther duties as assigned .
  

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 3 years' experience in urban planning and design, project management, planning regulations, 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 :

• Strong knowledge 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.
  

• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management.
  

• Ability to establish , maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships and collaboration with stakeholders.
  

• Ability to conduct research and prepare recommendations.
  

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking skills.
  

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly in Excel for conducting data and quantitative analysis, and in Word for developing clear, precise, and concise memos, reports, and letters.
  

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until April 17, 2025, with the first application review taking place on April 3, 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: 4/17/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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