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Intern (Planning)
Southern California Association of Governments / Los Angeles
Posted on: July 12, 2023
Application Deadline: 08/01/2023 at 5:00pm
Job Description
- Description
- We are thrilled to offer a paid internship that provides students and recent graduates with practical work experience 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 eight interns in the Planning Division to support our Planning Strategy, Mobility Planning & Goods Movement, Sustainable and Resilient Development, and Integrated Planning & Programming departments.
Internships will begin approximately mid-September and will be limited to a maximum of 29 hours a week for the duration of the internship (499-999 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.
Planning Strategy – (5 Internship Positions Available)
The Planning Strategy Department is seeking five interns to fill the following roles:
The Planning Strategy intern assigned to the Performance Assessment, Monitoring and Strategy unit, will assist with projects related to environmental justice (EJ) and equity, transportation safety, and performance monitoring. General tasks include but are not limited to providing support for reports like the Connect SoCal 2024 Equity Analysis and the annual CMAQ Obligation Report, data acquisition and processing for projects like the annual update of regional transportation safety targets and Local Profiles, and providing support for various regional stakeholder meetings like SCAG’s Regional Equity Working Group and Safe and Active Streets Working Group. This internship position will offer an opportunity for interdisciplinary work and coordination with many different business units and departments across the Planning Division.
The Planning Strategy intern assigned to the Environmental Analysis unit will actively contribute to the logging, mapping, and reporting of project CEQA notices for the Interagency Governmental Review (IGR) process. Furthermore, the intern will play a crucial role in preparing comprehensive draft meeting minutes and providing essential administrative support during the monthly Transportation Conformity Working Group (TCWG) meetings. Additionally, the intern will be responsible for updating the master list of delay and scope change requests pertaining to committed Transportation Control Measures (TCM) projects while also maintaining the business unit’s website with utmost attention to detail.
The Planning Strategy intern assigned to the Local Information Service unit will play a pivotal role in supporting the Local Information Service Team (LIST) by aiding in the preparation of documents, providing valuable technical assistance, and assisting in the seamless coordination, organization, and management of tasks related to various local and regional planning topics. Moreover, the intern will actively contribute to a wide range of responsibilities associated with the engaging Toolbox Tuesday Technical Webinar.
The Planning Strategy intern assigned to the Local Planning unit will be responsible for supporting SCAG’s award-winning Go Human Community Engagement Program, collaborating with partners across the region to support unique approaches to participatory, community-led planning. The intern will be responsible for analyzing community engagement strategies, piloting creative social content strategies (including potential TikTok initiatives and a podcast), and developing a Story Library to develop a portfolio of community partner narratives that amplifies equity strategies and commitments. The intern may also engage strategic partners for the Affordable Connectivity Program to support digital equity and contribute to the development of the Community-Based Organization Partnership Strategy, including researching funding opportunities and leading the grant application narrative.
The Planning Strategy intern assigned to the Connect SoCal Development unit will play a vital role in facilitating the draft plan comments and response process, ensuring smooth and efficient communication. In addition, the intern will actively contribute to staff training on the Comment/Response system, diligently handle the intake of public comments, and provide valuable support in change management and the production of the final plan.
About the Department
The Planning Strategy department plays a central role in aligning SCAG’s plans and programs toward a common vision by leading the process of developing and implementing Connect SoCal. Planning Strategy Department staff work collaboratively across the Planning Division to produce innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for Southern Californians and provide information and value-added services to enhance member agencies’ planning and operations and promote regional collaboration.
Mobility Planning & Goods Movement – (1 Internship Position Available)
The Mobility Planning & Goods Movement intern assigned to the Technology and Innovation unit will provide support in various areas. They will assist in conducting literature reviews, analyzing trends and data for Intelligent Transportation Systems / Connected and Automated Vehicle (ITS/CAV) initiatives, and reviewing rulemaking documents. Additionally, they will contribute to Smart Cities efforts by conducting a literature review of the visioning plan and performing GIS and data analysis. In the Clean Tech/Cities domain, the intern will offer administrative support, assist with survey data collection, and coordinate workshops. Lastly, they will assist with grant applications, coordinate workshops/working groups, develop agendas, and perform literature reviews and data/GIS analysis for the Broadband Program.
About the Department
The Mobility Planning and Goods Movement department works to improve mobility, optimize the goods movement network, and broaden transportation choices. The Department accomplishes this through demand management, multi-modal system integration, increasing economic efficiency, and safety and air quality improvements supported by technology and innovation. The Department comprises three Business Units: Multimodal Integration, Technology and Innovation, and Goods Movement.
Sustainable and Resilient Development – (1 Internship Position Available)
The Sustainable and Resilient Development intern will support the coordination of the Regional Steering Committee and engagement activities for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This phase aims to establish eligibility for jurisdictions to apply for $5 billion in competitive funding. The intern will assist in coordinating the completion of Priority Climate Action Plans, managing the response to federal program guidance, and supporting grant applications. Their work is crucial for securing funding and managing engagement during a condensed timeline, exceeding the original workflow.
About the Department
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. The Department is organized into business units and program areas, with work focused on three areas: Resilient Communities and Resource Conservation, Sustainable and Connected Communities, and Regional Demographics and Growth Vision.
Integrated Planning & Programming – (1 Internship Position Available)
The Integrated Planning & Programming intern will support SCAG in managing the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funding programs. They will assist in call for projects processes, project tracking, and ensuring alignment with Connect SoCal priorities. As the work is new and ongoing, the intern will have the opportunity to collaborate with the department manager, planning supervisor, principal planner, and assistant planner to accomplish department goals. Their role will be crucial in framing how SCAG tracks project obligations and delivery, which is important for the region’s performance.
About the Department
The Integrated Planning & Programming department is dedicated to ensuring SCAG complies with key obligations as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the region. This includes complying with the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) requirements and MPO selection of federally funded projects. Additionally, the department supports and coordinates transportation planning activities for the Connect SoCal update, prepares and coordinates transportation revenue and cost estimate, develops and coordinates funding strategies, and leads congestion pricing studies and pilot initiatives. The team prioritizes transportation system preservation activities and supports strategic, integrated transportation planning initiatives.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. 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.
- In this role you can expect to
- Planning Strategy – Performance Assessment, Monitoring, and Strategy (one 999-hour internship position available)
- Assist with the development of the Connect SoCal 2024 Equity Analysis.
- Provide support for SCAG’s Regional Equity Working Group, equity-focused Toolbox Tuesday sessions and the Safe and Active Streets Working Group.
- Support acquisition and processing of performance monitoring and transportation collision data.
- Assist with data development in support of annual regional safety target updates.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Planning Strategy – Environmental Compliance (one 499-hour internship position available)
- Log and map project California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) notices for the Intergovernmental Review database.
- Support to monthly Transportation Conformity Working Group meetings.
- Support processing of change requests for Transportation Control Measure projects.
- Assist with the Air Quality and Conformity library, Air Quality Planning and Transportation Conformity websites.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Planning Strategy – Local Information Service (one 999-hour internship position available)
- Assist in developing and preparing various planning topics featured in the Toolbox Tuesday webinar program.
- Assist with Toolbox Tuesday quarterly newsletters, tracking systems and survey analysis.
- Assist in providing technical assistance related to tabular and spatial data processing.
- Support, coordinate, and document assistance to local jurisdictions and stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Planning Strategy – Local Planning (one 999-hour internship position available)
- Develop materials for the Community Hubs Call for Projects, including communications items.
- Analyze and track community engagement strategies.
- Research and pilot creative social content strategies (TikTok, SCAG Planning Podcast).
- Support the development of a Story Library (narrative portfolio).
- Engage strategic partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Planning Strategy – Connect SoCal (one 999-hour internship position available)
- Support the development of staff training materials on the Comment/Response system.
- Draft template responses to common comments received on draft plan.
- Support administration of change management system to ensure edits based on comments received are addressed in final plan.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Mobility Planning & Goods Movement (one 999-hour internship position available)
- Conduct a literature review for broadband, research rulemaking, and assist with analyzing trends/data.
- Assist the Clean Technology and Clean Cities Coalition programs with outreach, survey data collection, and coordinating workshops.
- Assist with Broadband grant applications, coordinating workshops/working groups, agenda development.
- Conduct literature review and technology research for the Smart Cities and Intelligent. Transportation Systems (ITS) program, including (but not limited to) data analytics and GIS mapping.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Sustainable and Resilient Development (one 999-hour internship position available)
- Support the Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) team by conducting research and compiling information on best practices for climate mitigation.
- Coordinate Regional Steering Committee and engagement activities, including developing agendas and summarizing meeting findings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Integrated Planning & Programming (one 999-hour internship position available)
- Support regional call for projects processes.
- Support development of call application, participate and support meetings with potential project applicants and county transportation commissions, review applications, and draft memos on recommendations.
- Assist with tracking of selected projects, including programming into the Federal Transportation Improvement Program, federal obligation, and timely use of funds.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
- What you’ll bring to this role
- An undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled in a university or community college taking classes towards an 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 multilingual skills in writing and speaking.
Application Instructions
Please apply through this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scag/jobs/4116236/intern-planning?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
