Associate

San Diego Association of Governments•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The Regional Planning Department provides the regional framework to connect land use to transportation systems, respond to population growth, preserve the environment, and sustain economic prosperity. The department oversees the development and implementation of various long-range and short-range plans including multimodal transportation plans and projects, sustainable development plans and programs, tribal, binational, interregional, and land use coordination, environmental and habitat planning and programs, goods movement, transit planning, and performance monitoring to track implementation of plans. The Environmental Planning – Environmental Mitigation Section manages the implementation of the TransNet Environmental Mitigation and shoreline preservation programs as well as providing support to other environmental planning and capital improvement programs/projects. This position will support the implementation of the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP) and shoreline preservation programs. This role supports the coordination, monitoring and management of EMP and shoreline programs including advancing environmental and shoreline practices and collaboration with member agencies and environmental stakeholders.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban, regional, or environmental planning, environmental science, soil science, plant ecology, biology, geography, public administration, or a related field. A combination of education and recent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
One to three years of increasingly responsible, professional regional planning experience.
Knowledge of the principles and trends, of regional planning, particularly in the areas of environmental planning, stormwater management, shoreline management, environmental mitigation, natural resources, and related fields.
Experience conducting technical research and planning studies; experience supporting the preparation of project reports, and researching, and supporting environmental review activities associated with the preparation of long-range plans and capital project development; experience working with policies in relation to environmental assessment and impact analysis.
Experience supporting and participating in stakeholder meetings, including agenda preparation, reports, and meeting summaries.
Experience participating in the planning and delivery of projects and tracking the progress of deliverables, schedules, and budgets; experience or ability to monitor consultants, review invoices, and participate in various contract administration functions.
Ability to maintain working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including representatives from local, state, and federal agencies, other government officials, community and business leaders, and the public.
Ability to inform, educate, and involve the public in the regional and environmental planning process.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare reports and recommendations regarding results.
Organizational skills and the ability to support several concurrent projects at various stages of completion.

Responsibilities

Perform and coordinate professional, analytical, and administrative duties for assigned environmental mitigation and shoreline projects and activities with SANDAG staff, member agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Provide project management support for various projects and programs; track the progress of deliverables, schedules, and budgets; ensure timely project communication with staff and project partners.
Conduct research and participate in the development of planning studies; conduct data analysis and participate in the preparation of reports; provide assistance related to evaluating alternatives, assessing trade-offs, and developing project cost estimates and projected benefits.
Assist with the preparation of written, oral, and visual reports and presentations for various audiences and groups.
Liaise with a wide variety of interest groups involved in environmental issues concerning endangered species, habitat preservation, and open space.
Coordinate and participate in the preparation, administration, and evaluation of various grants from the state and federal government that provide funding for local programs and projects.
Participate in contract administration responsibilities; assist with preparing scopes of work, monitoring deliverables, project budgets, and other support activities.
Coordinate environmental and shoreline planning activities with other departments, external partners, and stakeholders; provide information and assistance regarding programs and projects; receive and respond to routine concerns and questions.
Review various reports, identify, and analyze impacts, and prepare comments/recommendations.
Attend, participate, and support Task Force meetings and public workshops; record and summarize minutes and actions for distribution; assist with specific follow-up requests that arise from meetings.
Participate in public outreach and community involvement activities related to SANDAG planning efforts, including documentation of public comments and responses.