JOB DESCRIPTION

The maximum starting salary offer for this position is $117,499.62, which reflects the midpoint of the posted range.

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a dynamic and innovative Senior Regional Planner (Limited-Term) to join the Sustainable and Resilient Development (SRD) Department within our Planning Division. In the years to come the region will need to make significant investments to plan and deliver the utility infrastructure necessary to support development that delivers new housing, jobs, and clean energy, and makes our communities and transportation network more resilient to the extreme weather that is both being exacerbated by climate change (extreme heat, drought, intense precipitation, etc.) and is fueling more severe natural disasters and resilience challenges (wildfires, flooding, water supply challenges, etc.). This position will play a critical role in the Clean and Resilient Utility Infrastructure Study (CRUIS), which will explore these issues and identify current and future utility planning and infrastructure needs to support this clean and resilient development and best practices for utility planning, implementation, and funding. Additionally, the Senior Regional Planner will be guiding a technical analysis of future utility demand stemming from economic and housing growth, impacts of climate change, the clean energy transition, and from emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and data centers. It will include exploring the role/opportunities of green utility infrastructure and nature-based solutions to reduce utility demand and increase resilience. The Senior Planner will also play a lead role in the stakeholder engagement process and project management for the study.

The Sustainable and Resilient Development Department focuses on advancing and implementing strategies and tools in support of Connect SoCal, the region's adopted Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, and its identified goals, policies, and strategies to enhance regional and local resilience. The Department is organized into business units and program areas, with work focused on two areas: Resilience & Resource Conservation and Clean and Resilient Infrastructure.

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.

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.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to:

• Play a critical role in the Clean and Resilient Utility Infrastructure Study (CRUIS) including research and technical analysis related to current and future utility infrastructure.
• Represent SCAG in engaging with regional utility agencies and peer organizations that have undertaken similar infrastructure projects.
• Research comparable infrastructure programs across the country to identify best practices, challenges, and considerations relevant to SCAG's efforts.
• Support the successful delivery of SCAG programs through project management activities including coordination of annual budgeting and work program reporting functions.
• Perform administrative duties related to project management and program delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience in 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 federal, state, and local funding sources and regulations, land use and transportation programs, and research methods related to planning and analysis.
• Knowledge of policy analysis techniques, planning theories, and practices.
• Knowledge of survey design, data collection, quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods.
• Experience developing and facilitating presentations, written and oral communication, stakeholder engagement, and budget administration.
• Experience developing and implementing programs and/or capital projects.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience using survey deployment platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (basic to intermediate features).
• The ability to plan policy analysis, write and administer grants, and lead planning projects in a policy area.
  The ability to synthesize and analyze information, design survey instruments, summarize data, and develop clear, concise communications and reports.
• The ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stakeholder and working group meetings.
• A strong focus on continuous improvement, introducing innovative new approaches and best practices from an administrative standpoint, with a commitment to enhancing efficiency, organization, internal clarity, and communication methods.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where complexity and rapid change require agility, creativity, and a focus on improving internal processes.

Supplemental Information:

Please note, this posting will remain open until October 20, 2024, with the first application review taking place on October 6, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.