Job Abstract

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a Senior Regional Planner to support SCAG’s Integrated Planning & Programming Department. The Senior Regional Planner will lead and support a broad range of Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) initiatives such as assisting with the FTIP and FTIP amendments financial plan, coordinating with county transportation commissions on the submittal and analysis of federal funded/regional significant projects, and representing SCAG in statewide regional programming and planning meetings as directed by the department manager. In addition, the Senior Regional Planner will assist in the development of the FTIP guidelines and FTIP updates.

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 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 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.

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 hybrid approach, employees’ eligibility in the three work models (office, hybrid, remote) will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties at the discretion of management. All work models require employees to work from a location based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to be in the office 1 day per week.

• 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.

• Perform analytical and program tasks including maintaining, updating, and analyzing FTIP project submittals from assigned county transportation commissions.
• Assist with the development of the FTIP documents and guidelines.
• Develop and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences including internal staff, management, and external stakeholders.
• Confer with staff and outside agencies in coordinating assigned projects and meet with and serve as liaison to representatives of outside agencies, partner agencies, community organizations, and other groups.
• Determine research methods and ensures adherence to defined processes.
• Attend local, regional, state and federal meetings to represent the agency.
• Monitor and keep informed of current trends, legislation, court rulings, and professional practices in the field, evaluate their impact, and apprise supervisory and management staff.
• Conduct complex geospatial analysis and create maps and other Geographic Information Systems (GIS) products as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience in federal programming, urban planning and design, project management, or 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 funding programs and familiarity with transportation analysis tools, financing strategies and data sets used by major metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities and counties to support transportation planning.
• Experience and ability to develop, support, and manage innovative projects and programs, with the ability to quickly assess risks and opportunities.
• Knowledge of advanced project management principles and concepts.
• Experience working with local elected officials and knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities related to transportation.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative, data analysis methods.
• Experience using platforms such as GIS, Microsoft Office, and database software.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
• The ability to develop clear, concise communications and reports.
• The ability to summarize data analyses.
• The ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a stakeholder and working group meeting and is politically astute.
• The ability to synthesize and analyze information to prepare recommendations.

The information you provide on the application and supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the hiring process. Please be advised that failure to provide complete and accurate information in the application and supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a sufficient response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.