REGIONAL PLANNER/ANALYST (P3/P4)
ABAG Job #14-82
Location: 101 8th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Salary Range: $5,690 - $7,600 per month DOQ
Company Web Site: www.abag.ca.gov
To view the official job announcement go to www.abag.ca.gov/jobs.html

POSITION SUMMARY
As part of the Research Team within the Planning and Research Department, the Regional Planner/Analyst performs a broad range of analytic, research and planning duties particularly focused on regional forecasting, land use, employment, and housing. Under the supervision of the Chief Economist and the Planning and Research Director, the incumbent would be one of the lead members of a team performing regional forecasting, create regional databases and evaluate the impact of policies and trends in the region. Candidate will also engage with various local, regional, state and research agencies. Position requires initiative, independent judgment and action in successfully performing a wide variety of responsible and complex professional work.

In addition to performing complex analytical tasks, the Regional Planner/Analyst 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 may not cover all duties which may be performed)
• In collaboration with the Chief Economist and other research staff, prepare portions of regional forecasts focusing on population, housing, employment, and land use
• Oversee development, maintenance and access to regional, local and small area data sets used by the Planning and Research Department
• Design and perform professional and technical work on a variety of regional planning issues
• Represent the agency at various meetings and work closely with local planning professionals and agencies
• Prepare and produce studies and reports on regional planning issues

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge of planning methods, governmental policies and procedures
• Strong analytic skills, including technical proficiency with electronic spreadsheets, databases such as Access and/or PostreSQL, statistical programs, and GIS
• Demonstrated abilities to handle multiple large sets of data
• Ability to read and understand documentation for economic forecasting models
• Academic background in regional economics, economic geography, or related subjects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Work effectively with local and regional professionals and special interest advocates
• Ability to distill complicated data into easy-to-understand conclusions and recommendations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND TRAINING
• Experience with econometric analysis and statistical software
• Experience with programming languages underlying Access or PostgreSQL
• Other programming experience
• Coursework in regional analysis including input-output analysis
• Experience in writing planning and/or research reports
• Experience in presenting complex material to various audiences

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, economics, public policy, geography, or a related field and a minimum of three years of relevant professional planning/analytical experience for the P3 level or five years of experience for the P4 level, is required. A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of highly relevant experience and advanced coursework could also be considered as substitute for a Master’s degree at the P3 level.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: $5,690 - $7,600 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: Six HMO and three 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. on October 10, 2014. Please submit a cover letter, resume and employment application to:

ABAG H.R. 14-82
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. 14-82, 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.