The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a Principal Regional Planner to support the agency's environmental planning, analysis, and compliance efforts. This position will play a will play a critical role in guiding the agency's air quality andCEQA programs within the Planning Strategy Department (PSD), with responsibilities ranging from conducting transportation conformity analyses to overseeing environmental documentation as part of SCAG's role as a lead and comment agency. The Principal Regional Planner will collaborate closely with staff across multiple business units, contribute to the development of SCAG's Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), and support strategic planning initiatives and regulatory compliance. If you have deep experience in environmental policy, regional planning, and interagency collaboration, we encourage you to apply!

As one of three business units in the Planning Strategy Department, the Environmental Analysis Business Unit (EABU), is responsible for ensuring regional compliance with the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the Presidential Executive Order on Intergovernmental Review (IGR)including the required environment analysis, documentation, and public notices. EABU staff also work across units to support performance measurement and scenario planning efforts, with a shared goal of improving the quality of life for all Southern Californians.

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.

As part of our Work@SCAGpolicy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

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

• Oversee the preparation of environmental analyses and documentation to ensure SCAG's programs and projects, other than RTP/SCS, comply with all applicable CEQA procedural and substantive requirements.
• Co-prepare transportation conformity analyses for SCAG's Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), and their amendments.
• Co-lead all aspects related to regional transportation conformity challenges, including identifying potential regional transportation conformity failures and highway sanctions, monitoring and tracking status of major developments from all involved agencies, and proactively addressing transportation conformity challenges.
• Co-lead the planning and development of multi-year Air Quality Conformity (AQC) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Programs work plan including program goals, objectives, budgets, staffing plan, projects, consultant assistance, deliverables, and milestones.
• Collaborate with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local air districts on the development of Air Quality Management Plans/State Implementation Plans (AQMPs/SIPs).
• Monitor, engage in, and report on relevant federal, state, and regional air quality rulemaking.
• Lead the development and completion of legally defensible RTP/SCS PEIR and addenda.
• Provide strategic guidance and oversight on the Intergovernmental Review (IGR) Program.
• Prepare project reports, staff reports, issues memos, presentations, executive-level communications, and white papers including recommendations, and/or present to SCAG Executive Management, policy committees, internal and external working groups, stakeholder groups, and organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in urban planning and design, project management, planning regulations, or related field, 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:

• A solid foundation in project management, urban and regional planning, environmental compliance (including CEQA), and regional transportation conformity.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks, including the Clean Air Act, EPA's Transportation Conformity Regulations, CEQA, SCAG's RTP/SCS and FTIP, CARB, and AQMD rule-making.
• Experience managing complex environmental programs and preparing legally defensible environmental analyses and documentation.
• A strategic, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to analyze issues, anticipate challenges, and develop practical recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical data into compelling reports and presentations.
• Proven ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, lead public engagement efforts, and foster interagency relationships.
• Outstanding organization, time management, and attention to detail while managing competing deadlines and priorities.
• The initiative and judgment to operate independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams, consultants, agencies, and elected officials.