Associate Regional Planner (Integrated Planning & Programming)

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.

• 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 region.
• 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, takenotes, synthesize pertinent details, and representthe 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 other duties as assigned.

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.