REGIONAL PLANNER (P2)
$4,735 - $5,755 per month
ABAG Job #1481

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a 2-year position with the possibility of extension within the ABAG Planning and Research Department. Under supervision, the Regional Planner will perform a wide variety of professional and technical planning assignments. Major tasks include regional economic and demographic data management and modeling, regional land use planning, development of sustainable development strategies, housing affordability research and strategies, planning for and research on complete communities, neighborhood plans, and infill. In addition to analytic, planning and policy responsibilities, the Regional Planner works closely with city planners and county agencies on data collection, data reconciliation, and providing support for the implementation of regional strategies, assessment of investment priorities, housing policies and production, and development of neighborhood plans.

In addition to performing complex analytical tasks, the Regional Planner is expected to make presentations in public hearing settings and convey an understanding of regional analysis and governance and development challenges. The successful candidate should be capable of working as part of a team and have the ability to take initiative and exercise good judgment.

DUTIES INCLUDE: (The examples are representative and may not cover all duties which may be performed)

• Working with the research and analysis team to build analytic models to forecast employment, population and housing growth and the distribution of this growth within the region
• Conducting research, writing reports and presenting information
• Reviewing policies and legislation and drafting policy recommendations
• Representing the Association at various meetings
• Maintaining communication with related agencies, stakeholders and the public
• Gathering and analyzing economic, demographic, and housing data

QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of principles and practices of local and regional planning and development
• Strong analytic skills, including technical proficiency with electronic spreadsheets, databases, and GIS
• Strong technical abilities and facility with learning new analytic techniques
• Ability to read and understand documentation for basic economic forecasting models
• Knowledge of housing and infill development strategies
• Training in policy analysis and implementation
• Academic training in regional economics, economic geography, or related subjects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Creative problem-solving; good organization and documentation skills
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with agency partners

PREFERRED SKILLS AND TRAINING
• Coursework or experience with econometric analysis and statistical packages
• Experience using database software such as Access or PostgreSQL
• Introductory programming experience
• Coursework in regional analysis including introduction to input-output analysis

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, economics, economic geography or related field from an accredited college or university and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job is qualifying. A Master’s degree is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: $4,735 - $5,755 per month

Pension: Employee pays CalPERS 6.25% of salary toward 2.5% @ age 67 retirement plan

Social Security: Employee pays 6.2% of salary

Deferred Compensation: STARS/UTC 457 and/or ICMA-RC Retirement Plan (Voluntary)

Retiree Medical Account: $100 per month

Health and Dental Plans: Two HMO and two PPO Medical Plans, Dental Insurance, and VSP Vision. Out-of-pocket contribution may be required depending on selected coverage.

Life Insurance: ABAG Paid coverage equal to 2 times annual salary

Other Benefits: Public Transit Vouchers and pre-tax options for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays: Competitive leave package including 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually

APPLICATION PROCESS

Deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 11, 2014. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and employment application to:

ABAG H.R. 14-81
P.O. Box 2050
Oakland, CA 94604-2050

Reflecting the diversity of California, ABAG is an equal opportunity employer.

AN AGENCY APPLICATION IS REQUIRED AND MAY BE OBTAINED AT www.abag.ca.gov/jobs.html OR BY SENDING A SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE TO ABAG–H.R. 14-78, P.O. BOX 2050, OAKLAND, CA 94604-2050. FOR INFO CALL 510/464-8496. POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED AND MAY BE CLOSED AT ANY TIME. ABAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. QUALIFIED DISABLED INDIVIDUALS ARE PROTECTED AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.