Junior Planner (Limited-Term)

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is hiring five entry-level Junior Planners to join our Planning Division. These limited-term roles are structured as a two-year cohort program and offer a unique opportunity for recent graduates and early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to a variety of planning disciplines across the region, while supporting initiatives that shape a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Southern California.

As part of SCAG’s Junior Planner Program, these positions are designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in urban and regional planning. Through practical training, professional development, and collaborative work, Junior Planners will build the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and launch successful planning careers.

The Junior Planners will be placed in one of five departments: Modeling & Forecasting, Community and Economic Development, Mobility Planning & Goods Movement, Sustainable and Resilient Development, and Planning Strategy for the duration of the two-year program. Given the program’s emphasis on early career development, preference will be given to recent graduates seeking to gain entry-level experience in regional planning.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

If you're selected to join our Junior Planner Program, your starting salary will depend on your highest completed degree:

• Bachelor’s degree holders will start at $58,974.29 annually
• Master’s degree holders will start at $64,871.72 annually

This is a full-time salaried position, and SCAG offers a comprehensive benefits package alongside opportunities for professional development, training, and mentorship. Participants in the Junior Planner Program will also receive membership to the American Planning Association (APA) and SCAG will cover the cost of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification for participants who meet the AICP eligibility criteria.

The Modeling & Forecasting Department consists of three business units: Modeling, Growth Forecasting, and Data & Visualization (GIS). This department collaborates with local jurisdictions to develop socioeconomic growth forecasts for planning activities and provides modeling services to support SCAG’s plans, programs, and projects. It is also responsible for geospatial data development, analysis, and visualization functions that support SCAG’s innovative planning and data-driven decision-making processes. The Junior Planner in this department will support the development and maintenance of SCAG's regional geospatial models and tools, assist with managing land use datasets, automate GIS workflows, and provide geospatial analysis for the 2028 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) and other key projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with developing and maintaining SCAG’s regional geospatial datasets and tools, including parcel-level land use data.
• Support GIS modeling, programming, and web application development using ArcGIS and other platforms.
• Contribute GIS analysis and visualization for the Connect SoCal 2028 plan and the Regional Data Platform (RDP).
• Respond to data requests with geospatial and statistical analysis from internal teams, stakeholders, and the public.
• Assist with researching planning policies, AI/big data applications, and best practices in geospatial planning.
• Attend and participate in GIS-focused working groups and meetings.

The Community and Economic Development Department focuses on advancing and implementing key strategies in support of Connect SoCal, the region’s adopted Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. The department consists of two business units: Capacity-building and Placemaking, and Land Use and Economic Development. The Junior Planner in this department will focus on empowering communities through initiatives like the Community Hubs Toolkit and Economic Empowerment programs, with an emphasis on outreach, stakeholder engagement, and support for major events and youth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the creation and implementation of the Community Hubs Toolkit to activate public spaces.
• Contribute to economic empowerment initiatives aligned with regional major events such as LA28 and FIFA.
• Assist in planning, documenting, and analyzing community and stakeholder interviews and activation summaries.
• Engage in the development of a Young Leaders Initiative curriculum.
• Support general administrative and planning tasks as needed for the department.

The Mobility Planning & Goods Movement Department focuses on improving mobility, optimizing the goods movement network, and expanding transportation choices. The department achieves its goals through demand management, multimodal system integration, and initiatives aimed at enhancing economic efficiency, safety, and air quality. It is divided into two business units: Goods Movement & Aviation and Multimodal Integration. The Junior Planner in this department will support SCAG's efforts related to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the development of transportation demand management strategies. The role includes research, analysis, and coordination across stakeholders and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with conducting research, data collection, and analysis for multimodal transportation projects, including event and freight planning.
• Provide technical and administrative support for Games-related projects like the TDM Initiation Plan and Freight TDM Plan.
• Assist in coordinating meetings, documenting follow-up actions, and supporting project management activities.
• Serve as a liaison for internal and external stakeholder coordination across various transportation initiatives.
• Support committee meetings, workshops, and task forces through agenda development and staff presentations.

The Sustainable and Resilient Development Department focuses on advancing and implementing strategies and tools in support of Connect SoCal, the region’s adopted Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS).   The Junior Planner will assist with implementing Connect SoCal 2024 strategies related to climate resilience, natural lands preservation, and sustainable development. This includes research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support implementation strategies from Connect SoCal 2024 by preparing technical analysis, GIS analysis, research, and presentations.
• Assist with conducting policy research and developing materials that contribute to the next phase of the 2028 RTP/SCS.
• Assist with stakeholder outreach and coordination related to SCAG’s Natural and Agricultural Lands Economic and Resilience Benefits Study.
• Engage with climate resilience, farmland preservation, and sustainable development issues.
• Provide project administration support and contribute to memos and reports on regional resiliency efforts.

The Planning Strategy Department works collaboratively across the Planning Division to produce innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for Southern Californians. It leads the development of Connect SoCal, SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, and is responsible for several state and federal compliance requirements as well as the regional performance assessment program. The Junior Planner will support foundational activities for SCAG's 2028 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). This role is situated within the Performance, Assessment and Monitoring (PAM) Business Unit, which focuses on developing, refining, and coordinating SCAG’s regional performance assessment and monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development of regionwide performance assessment, like a State of the Region report.
• Assist with conducting research and administrative tasks related to CARB’s SCS target and guideline update processes.
• Support agencywide coordination and early development of the 2028 RTP/SCS.
• Assist with enhancements and analysis in the Performance Monitoring Technical Report.
• Facilitate inter-agency coordination and monitoring of state-level planning policies and communications.

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:

• Conduct research and analyze data to support a wide range of planning initiatives.
• Assist with preparing reports, memos, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Provide project coordination support, including meeting logistics, follow-up tracking, and consultant engagement.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement activities such as workshops and public meetings.
• Collaborate with teams across departments to support regional goals and cross-functional projects.
• Contribute to SCAG’s long-range planning efforts, including the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
• Engage in mentorship and learning opportunities as part of the two-year Junior Planner Program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role:

To qualify, applicants must have graduated from an accredited college or university within the previous 24 months with a degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Health, Data Science, or other related field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered. Due to the foundational nature of this cohort program, priority will be given to recent graduates seeking to gain entry-level work experience in regional planning.

We’ll be a great match if you also have: 

• Strong research skills, policy, data, and/or statistical analysis and experience extracting data.
• The ability to handle multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with a successful outcome.
• Experience preparing, writing, and presenting reports.
• Knowledge of urban planning theories and principles, local general plan, specific plan, and zoning planning process, demographics and economics, planning analysis, and research methods. 
• Great customer service skills with effective clerical and administrative skills.
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills with a strong focus on Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to thoughtfully cultivate relationships with community partners.
• Ability to engage with communities and participatory planning processes.
• Knowledge and/or experience with GIS concepts, principles, and/or programs.