Organization Overview:
SANDAG is one of the most recognized regional agencies in the nation with responsibilities that cover a broad range of complex, interrelated program areas connected by a Quality of Life theme. We are best known for our efforts related to transportation and this role continues to expand as we push beyond traditional boundaries to deliver a state-of-the-art transportation system for the region. With an employee group about 300 strong, we work for our Board of Directors - mayors, city council members, county supervisors, and other leaders representing the jurisdictions within the San Diego region and neighboring areas. They play the important role of making policy decisions that shape the future of the region. Our collaboration with stakeholders, partners, and the community, the precision of our data, the completeness of our reports and studies, and our sound recommendations are essential components of the regional decision-making process.
Position Overview:
The Active Transportation Planner will work with a broad cross-section of disciplines within SANDAG including engineering and construction teams, communications, and transportation demand management (TDM) to coordinate projects, programs, and studies related to the development and implementation of active transportation projects identified in the Bike EAP and San Diego Forward: The Regional Plan.
Responsibilities:
This position is ideal for a planning professional with a strong interest in furthering their expertise in active transportation and project management. We anticipate significant career development will occur while working on the types of duties and responsibilities described:
- Research funding opportunities for active transportation programs through local, state, and federal grants; participate in the development of grant proposals; coordinate the submission of funding applications.
- below and through mentoring and close collaboration with senior staff. Examples of primary responsibilities include:
- Coordinate the development, preparation, and implementation of a diverse range of active transportation projects.
- Participate in programs to implement the Bike EAP and active transportation elements of The Regional Plan.
- Develop project plans, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), scopes of work, project deliverables, budgets, and schedules; participate in the selection of consultants and vendors; administer contracts.
- Manage project consultants and ensure projects progress and are completed on schedule, within the approved budget, and at a consistently high level of quality; ensure projects are completed in adherence to funding agency requirements.
- Prepare and present written, oral, and visual reports and recommendations to member agencies, committees, working groups, community groups, private organizations, and members of the public.
- Participate in major multi-modal transportation planning projects at the corridor or subregional level; develop and recommend active transportation improvements for subregional areas that align with the objectives of the Bike EAP and The Regional Plan.
- Foster collaborative working relationships with local jurisdictions and various partners in the region to advance active transportation planning and implementation of projects.
- Review proposed state and federal legislation in support of the agency’s active transportation programs, objectives, and plans.
- Provide technical assistance to senior managers and executives.
Experience and Qualifications:
Numerous factors contribute to an individual’s ability to be successful in any given role. For this position, we are searching for a candidate with an aptitude for analytical thinking and problem solving who is responsible, organized, and demonstrates initiative. Excellent project management skills, oral and written communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and the use of sound judgment are important.
The minimum education, training, and experience qualifications include a bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban, regional, or transportation planning, geography, public/business administration, or a related field, and at least three years of progressive career development in transportation, preferably with an emphasis in non-motorized or active transportation. An advanced degree is desirable.
The following information describes the specific types of career experiences that are most relevant to this position.
- Demonstrated experience with effective project management techniques; experience managing consultants or leading staff to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and at a high level of quality.
- Experience with the development of RFPs, scopes of work, project deliverables, budgets, and schedules, consultant selection, and contract administration.
- Experience developing, preparing, and implementing programs, projects, and studies related to active transportation.
- Experience with public participation and public outreach efforts designed to inform, educate, engage, and involve the public in the regional transportation planning process.
- Knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian design standards; experience developing projects and programs that incorporate the principles of Complete Streets and Safe Routes to School is desirable.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations, and requirements pertaining to regional transportation policies, programs, and plans; familiarity with current political trends in these areas is desirable.
- Working knowledge of the California Environmental
- Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidelines and requirements for project development and delivery.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply the principles and practices of comprehensive regional planning, particularly in the areas of non-motorized or active transportation, sustainable community development, or general transportation planning; familiarity with the goals and objectives of The Regional Plan is desirable.
- Experience participating in technical research and planning studies in the field of active transportation.
- Ability to prepare clear and concise reports that present research results and recommendations, including the interpretation of data, trends, maps, charts, and tables.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain and foster positive working relationships with other agencies on a variety of land use and transportation planning coordination issues.
- Demonstrated experience researching funding opportunities, designing research study methodologies, and writing fundable grants.
- Demonstrated computer software proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite, conducting research on the Internet, and other PC-based applications.
Salary and Benefits:
SANDAG rewards the efforts of its employees with a comprehensive compensation package. Competitive salaries are supplemented with a flexible offering of health, financial security, and time-off benefits to meet the work and life needs of employees and their families.
The Active Transportation Planner position will be filled at the Associate level with an annual salary range of $55,583 to $88,932; the starting salary will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
The benefits we offer include traditional health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. To support the need to rest and rejuvenate, employees are provided with a bank of paid time off in addition to paid holidays. And contributions to financial security are provided through a pension plan and deferred compensation program.
To Apply:
We encourage all interested candidates to apply for this position by completing a SANDAG Employment Application form. Resumes, cover letters, and work samples may be submitted in addition to the Employment Application but are not a substitute for this document.
The Employment Application can be downloaded in PDF format from the SANDAG website. Alternatively, a copy can be requested by calling (619) 699-1900 or emailing hr@sandag.org.
Completed applications and related materials can be submitted via email, fax, regular mail, courier, or delivered by hand. See our Careers / How to Apply webpage for additional information.
Applications for the Active Transportation Planner position will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SANDAG will accommodate persons who require assistance in order to apply for a position at SANDAG. Applicants requiring an accommodation due to a disability during any stage of the recruitment and selection process, including requesting this document and related application materials in an alternative format, should make their needs known by contacting Human Resources at (619) 699-1900, (619) 699-1904 (TTY),fax (619) 699-6905, or hr@sandag.org.
Application Supplement:
To help us further evaluate the skills and experience of individuals interested in this position, applicants are asked to respond to the two Supplemental Questions below. The information can be up to 500 words per question and should be submitted with the Employment Application. This is considered a required component of the application; applications received without a response will be screened out of the selection process.
Supplemental Questions:
- Identify some of the challenges SANDAG and local jurisdictions may face in implementing bicycle and pedestrian programs and facilities, and what you, as a SANDAG staff member, could do to help overcome these challenges.
- Provide an overview of a project you have been involved in. Outline the tasks you were responsible for and describe the strategies you used to complete the project.
Candidate Selection and Notification:
All candidates will receive written confirmation that their application has been received. The hiring manager will begin reviewing and evaluating applications within a few days of the close date. Based on this evaluation, the best qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. All candidates will receive written notification as to the final outcome of their application.
Further Information:
The SANDAG website contains a wealth of information about our various project and program areas. The Careers section of the site lists all of our current Job Openings as well as information on how to apply for positions and Frequently Asked Questions about our recruitment program.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, applicants hired by SANDAG must show acceptable proof of identity and evidence of authorization to work in the United States.