Please note, this posting will remain open until the position is filled, with the first application review taking place on September 1, 2021. 

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a skilled, energetic, and team-oriented professional for the position of Assistant Regional Planner, focusing on data science. This position seeks someone with an understanding of analytical and programming skills in the context of supporting complex regional planning issues.
 
The Modeling and Forecasting department is responsible for model software development and enhancement, model input setting and quality control, model run operation and monitoring, model output process and analysis, and model result summary. One of the tools developed and utilized in the Modeling and Forecasting department is the SCAG Scenario Planning Model (SPM). The SPM is a comprehensive web-based land use sketch planning tool used for scenario development, modeling, and data organization developed to support a collaborative and seamless local and regional plan development process. The primary purpose of SPM is to enhance the Region's ability to address complex issues and evolving challenges by providing better information about alternative future scenarios and by building an improved linkage between local and regional planning. For more information on SPM, please visit https://scag.ca.gov/scag-scenario-planning-model.
 
This position will work closely with senior department staff to support various tasks in the enhancement and operations of SCAG's Scenario Planning Model (SPM), including but not limited to: model input setting and quality control, model run operation and monitoring, model output process and analysis, and model result summary. This position will also support transportation and land use data collection and analysis, local outreach for technical assistance, and perform other duties assigned. This position provides a great opportunity for entry-level planners to develop and expand professional capacities through involvement in many innovative projects at SCAG.
 
When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. SCAG is proud to support a work environment that promotes meaningful work while encouraging work/life balance.

At SCAG, we are committed to ensuring employee safety and well-being. Therefore, all SCAG staff are working remotely until further notice. 

OUR LOCATION
SCAG headquarters is located in the hub of busy downtown Los Angeles, at Figueroa and 7th streets. Located in the 900 Wilshire Building, a new, multi-use hotel and office complex that features state of the art architecture and technology and LEED Gold Certification. The downtown location is vibrant and exciting with LA Live, new restaurants, music, sports, shopping, libraries, museums, theaters and residential opportunities. SCAG is in a culturally diverse area near excellent public transit access and Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Olvera Street and Grand Central Market. Southern California boasts near-perfect weather and close proximity to mountains, beaches and deserts, which encourages physical fitness and year-round activities.
 
The office is located across the street from the 7th Street/ Metro Center Station and is easily accessible by LA Metro's Blue, Expo, Purple, and Red lines, commuter trains, and bus service.  Metro light rail and the subway connect downtown LA to Hollywood, Universal City, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Azusa, Long Beach and many vibrant and up-and-coming neighborhoods.
 
WHO WE ARE: 
Founded in 1965, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is a Joint Powers Authority under California state law, established as an association of local governments and agencies that voluntarily convene as a forum to address regional issues. Under federal law, The SCAG region encompasses six counties (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura) and 191 cities in an area covering more than 38,000 square miles. The agency develops long-range regional transportation plans including sustainable communities' strategy and growth forecast components, regional transportation improvement programs, regional housing needs allocations and a portion of the South Coast Air Quality management plans. Currently, the Regional Council consists of 86 members.
 
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

1. Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
2. Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region. 
3. Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
4. Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

• Assist in the calibration and validation of Scenario Planning Model's analytic modules. 
• Assist in the enhancement, maintenance and monitoring of Scenario Planning Model, including front-end user interface, system software and hardware and database.
• Support Scenario Planning Model operation in the analysis of transportation/land use plans and strategies.
• Compile, collect and organize input data related to the Scenario Planning Model.
• Provide technical support to internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Assist in transportation and land use data collection and statistical analysis.
• Perform transportation related data research and analysis, including "Big Data".
• Develop and provide presentations for the technical committees.
• Coordinate with outside agencies and other SCAG departments to maintain consistency, reliability, and validity of the regional plan analysis process.
• Other related duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, transportation planning/engineering, civil engineering, urban planning, geography or a related field. A Master's degree or PhD can substitute for one year of the required experience.

EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience in  data analysis and programming.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS 
The ideal candidate has:

• Knowledge and some experience  in quantitative analysis with an understanding of programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, R, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, and the ability to process and analyze large datasets to provide meaningful recommendations
• Knowledge and some experience using GIS and spatial analysis with ability to compile and analyze technical information
• Knowledge of web-based tools and applications
• Strong time management and organization skills with a high attention to detail and accuracy 
• Effective communication skills both orally and written, with the ability to communicate model concepts and information effectively in oral and written format
• The ability to learn new technical skills and procedures quickly and efficiently
• Strong critical thinking skills and is a creative problem-solver 
• The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with the ability to complete projects in a specified timeframe and meet short deadlines