Planner II (Land Use)

Are you a passionate land use planner interested in joining a mission-driven team to help plan for the future of the Sacramento region? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment and want to be part of a forward-thinking agency that’s shaping the future of our communities? 

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Planner II (Land Use). This is the experienced level in the Analyst class series within the Planning and Programing team, working collaboratively across an agency of 60 staff. Employees in this class provide land use planning, housing policy, grant management, and analytical support on the Green Means Go program, which is SACOG’s effort to accelerate infill housing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and revitalize existing communities. Green Means Go is a key implementation strategy of SACOG’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS).

If you’re looking to contribute your expertise in a supportive, collaborative setting where your work has regional impact, we encourage you to apply! 

The Position:

This position will primarily provide support on SACOG’s Green Means Go program under the direction of the Senior Planner. Applicants would provide support across a variety of key program tasks, including:

Implementation of Existing Green Means Go Grants

• Track and monitor over $60 million in one-time federal and state discretionary grants already awarded to local governments to fund planning and infrastructure supporting infill housing. 

• Develop relationships with local planning staff grant recipients to support project completion and report progress

• Compile invoices, track budgets, and document lessons learned.

Housing Policy

• Provide support on SACOG’s evaluation and monitoring of progress towards both local government reforms to facilitate housing outcomes called for in SACOG’s long range plan as well as housing permits relative to those outcomes. Example reforms are summarized in SACOG’s “Mind the Gap” initiative.

• Actively track local policy development and planning processes 

• Proactively work with local government planners on supporting housing policy activities

Infrastructure

Under the supervision of the Senior Planner, review capital improvement plans, infill specific plans, and other plans and programs. Conduct analysis of findings and compile into report(s) with recommendations.

Future Program Development and Planning

Under the supervision of the Senior Planner, conduct research into different funding and financing tools and methods for infill development. 

The Organization  

SACOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the six-county Sacramento region. Formed as a Joint Powers Authority, SACOG is governed by a board of 31 elected officials that directly represent all six counties and 22 cities in the region, and one ex-officio member (Caltrans). While transportation is core to SACOG’s role as a Metropolitan Planning Organization, SACOG has over two decades of experience approaching regional issues from an integrated perspective that examines the linkages between transportation, housing, economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and air quality. Under the leadership of its executive director, SACOG has a vision of a vibrant and thriving Sacramento region for all. Its mission is: SACOG convenes and connects the region to advance an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Our Commitment to Racial Equity

SACOG acknowledges that residents living in the greater six-county Sacramento region face significant inequities, resulting in disparities and divides that exist by race and ethnicity, by income, and by urban and rural areas. SACOG is committed to tackling inequities and disparities in all forms. SACOG is committed to advancing racial equity in order to build a thriving economy and healthy environment for all residents of the Sacramento region, particularly for Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and other communities of color, that have been historically disenfranchised and excluded. SACOG envisions a Sacramento region where race is no longer a predictor of life outcomes, and outcomes for all groups are improved.  

SACOG employs a dedicated and professional staff of 60 who work together to advance solutions to some of the region’s shared challenges of transportation, housing, air quality, climate change and the protection of the region’s agricultural and natural resources. SACOG fosters an inclusive, mission driven, and fun employee culture and offers flexible schedules and a progressive telework policy.

Diversity at SACOG
SACOG values diversity and believes that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that contribute to an innovative and collaborative environment in which talents are fully utilized, uniqueness is valued, and SACOG’s objectives are met. SACOG is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

In addition to being an organizational value, we also uphold equal opportunity under the law. SACOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. SACOG provides fair and equal opportunity for all with no discrimination because of race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. 

SACOG will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental disabilities of an otherwise qualified individual who is an applicant or employee.

Why join SACOG? 

Teamwork:

• We work towards a shared vision while cultivating a workplace of collaboration, trust, and transparency. We create space for individual strengths and experiences to achieve more, together.

Community:

• We intentionally build an inclusive community where people can be themselves, share ideas, and pursue solutions. Together, we address challenges that are too big for any one person or group to solve on their own.

Dedication:

• We have the courage to tackle new challenges head on. We are driven by the opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact on the region. We are committed to quality performance as we accomplish the agency’s goals.

Innovation:

• We strive for continuous improvement by reimagining the work and the way we do it. We use data and input to measure our progress, extract new insights, and elevate our work. This allows us to pave new paths into the future.

Hybrid Position

As an integral part of our organization, employees will provide support in a flexible work environment. This position will have the ability to telework three days per week. 

The remainder of the work week will be in-person. Employees are required to live within 200 miles of Sacramento. 

We support telework because it:

• Enhances employee productivity, satisfaction, and ability to collaborate.

• Improves recruitment and retention

• Reduces greenhouse gas emission, vehicle miles travels (VMT), traffic and parking congestion, and air pollution

This is an experienced level in the analyst class series. Employees in this class provide analytical support to assigned programs, projects, and services on their assigned team. 

Typical job functions include: 

• Conducting research, analysis, and data interpretation to support planning initiatives, policy development, and program implementation

• Managing smaller-scale projects with defined budgets, durations, and scopes

• Preparing written reports, presentations, and visual materials to communicate findings and recommendations

• Coordinating with internal teams and external partners to support project goals

• Exercising discretion in selecting and applying methods and procedures appropriate to each assignment

• Contributing to team-based planning efforts with flexibility and adaptability 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Atypical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, housing, or a closely related field.

• At least two (2) years of increasingly responsible planning or housing experience.