Please note, this posting will remain open until July 12, 2022, with the first application review taking place on June 28, 2022. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

NOTE: An eligible list will be created for this recruitment and may be used to fill future limited-term and/or regular vacancies in this classification or classifications with similar knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Southern California Association of Governments is currently seeking two self-starters with a passion for serving the long-range planning needs of the Southern California region to join our team as Associate Regional Planners. The Associate Regional Planner position for Local Information Services will play a key role in the Local Information Services Program, which is dedicated to delivering technical assistance and information to local jurisdictions to assist with local planning and analysis while bridging Connect SoCal’s objectives (e.g., greenhouse gas reduction strategies, equity, housing, etc.). Individuals with technical backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Associate Planner position for Connect SoCal Development will support the development of Connect SoCal 2024, the next Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). Experience with stakeholder engagement and effective communication will contribute to success in this role.

These positions require individuals with an urban planning and regional background and experience supporting project managers, and experience with cross-departmental collaboration. The Associate Regional Planner position offers an opportunity for a regional planning professional to be at the forefront of policy development, data tools and exchange and technical assistance. New Associate Regional Planners at SCAG are expected to have surpassed entry-level experience working on the policy or program areas for which they are applying for and a keen interest in improving their skills. SCAG is seeking individuals to assist with programs and projects by conducting intermediate-level research, compiling and managing data, conducting analyses, preparing staff reports, and developing communications. Additionally, associate-level planners may be supporting more senior staff in project management by coordinating meetings and assisting with schedules and budgets.

In this role you can expect to:
-Conduct intermediate-level research, data gathering and analysis using intermediate functionality of MS Excel and other common analytical tools
-Research policies, publications and observe meetings of federal, state, and regional regulatory bodies
-Draft technical reports, presentations, communication documents, report sections, memos, and other materials as needed
-Support program managers by conducting project coordination, and communications
-Support engagement efforts by providing information to sub regional councils of governments, cities and counties, non-profit organizations and other stakeholders
-Coordinate meetings by scheduling internal and external stakeholders, preparing agendas, taking notes, and compiling materials
-Engage with a variety of stakeholders by responding to requests for data and information on the relevant program and making presentations to various audiences.
-Coordinate content development of the relevant related webpages and support program managers to ensure they are updated with recent program updates and relevant information
-Other duties as assigned.

You will be a good fit if you have these must-haves;
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Geography, Engineering, or other related fields. A Master's degree is desirable.

EXPERIENCE: Two years of progressively responsible experience in urban or regional planning, or including General Plan updates, GIS, transportation planning and policy, land use planning and policy, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, clean technology and general technology research or related field.

You will hit the ground running if you also have:
-Knowledge of planning theories, practice and research methodology
-Written and oral communication skills
-Ability to synthesize information and summarize data analyses
-Ability to analyze and manage tabular and spatial data
-Familiarity with community engagement with a focus on equity and environmental justice

To apply, visit link below:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scag/jobs/3591602/associate-regional-planner-multiple-departments