Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is thrilled to offer a paid internship that provides students and recent graduates with practical work experience in regional planning and the opportunity to build valuable relationships with industry experts, community partners, and colleagues. As an intern at SCAG in the Planning Division, you will be an integral part of our team, supporting our department through various administrative and technical tasks. From conducting in-depth research to crafting compelling reports, supporting participatory community engagement, and delivering impactful presentations, you will have the chance to make a real difference. Join us in a dynamic and engaging environment where you can develop your skills and leave a lasting impact on sustainable and resilient development in the Southern California region.

SCAG is seeking ten interns in the Planning Division to support our Planning Strategy, Mobility Planning & Goods Movement, Modeling & Forecasting, Sustainable & Resilient Development, and Integrated Planning & Programming departments.

Internships will begin approximately mid-July and will be limited to a maximum of 29 hours a week for the duration of the internship (499 hours). Interns are expected to work at least 15 hours per week.

SCAG is deeply committed to embodying the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancing racial equity throughout the Southern California region. SCAG encourages applications by members of all underrepresented groups and from a broad range of educational programs and backgrounds.

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 as needed but encouraged to be in the office one day a week when the relevant business unit meets.

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.

What you'll bring to this role

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: An undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled in a university or community college taking classes towards Arts and Culture, Business, Computer Science, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Environmental Science, Digital Arts, Geography, Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Work degree, or other related fields, or who has graduated within the previous 24 months.

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.
• Knowledge and/or experience with GIS concepts, principles, and/or programs.
• 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.
• Knowledge of urban planning theories and principles, local general plan, specific plan and zoning planning process, demographics and economics, planning analysis and research methods.
• Strong equity and racial justice analysis.
• Experience with thoughtful relationship building/cultivation with community partners.
• Experience with community engagement and participatory planning processes.
• Strong communication skills in writing and speaking.

Please note, this posting will remain open until May 22, 2024, with the first application review taking place on May 8, 2024. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.