Planner II (Land Use)

Salary : $84,468.00 - $102,672.00 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 201700102
Management Group: Planning and Programming
Opening Date: 04/08/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Description
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

Search Schedule:
Filing Deadline: May 2
First Round Interviews: Week of May 12
Second Round Interviews: Week of May 19
Exercise: An exercise will be required for this position during the interview process.
Desired Start Date: June 2
Examples of Typical Job Functions
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

Qualifications
We know and appreciate that everyone brings their own talents to a job. Ideal candidates will have a combination of:

• Analytical skills and experience with compiling and analyzing data for tracking, monitoring, and reconciling details

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• The ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with external stakeholders through regular contact

• The ability to interpret, evaluate, and explain local and state planning/housing laws and policies.

• An ability to work with and understand land use planning maps

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
This is primarily a sedentary classification and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other agency representatives, member jurisdictions, government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining SACOG policies and requesting and providing information.
Education and Experience
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.

SACOG offers a generous benefits package.

Paid Time Off

• 18.67 hours per month through the third year of employment, increasing to 22 hours per month in the fourth through fifteenth years, and 25.34 hours per month thereafter
• Paid Time Off balances over 350 hours rolled into 401(a) plan annually, with the option to cash out up to 80 hours

Holidays

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 4 floating holidays after 1 year of service

Flexible Work Schedule
SACOG allows alternative work schedules and teleworking

Cost of Living Adjsutment (COLA)
Employees will receive a pay increase up to 4 % on July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026.

Bereavement Leave
40 hours maximum per incident

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

• $2,225.80 monthly towards CalPERS health plans
• If employee has alternate coverage $150 will be paid in lieu of any premium contribution
• Fully paid dental insurance for employee and dependents
• Fully paid vision insurance for employee and dependents

CalPERS Retirement

• Classic CalPERS employees: 2% @ 55 with a 3-year average compensation formula
• New CalPERS employees: 2% @ 62 with a 3-year average compensation formula

Social Security
SACOG participates in Social Security.

Deferred Compensation

• 1% of salary contributed to a 401(a) plan for those who qualify for the 2%@62 pension benefit (PEPRA)
• Optional contributions subject to annual IRS contribution limits for 457 and 401(a) plans

Life Insurance

• Employer-paid coverage up to $50,000, based on salary
• Employer-paid spouse and dependent coverage of $2,000
• Additional coverage available for purchase

Short-Term and Long-Term Disablity Insurance
Insurance coveres two-thirds of salary for qualifying disabilities

Post-Retirement Health Insurance

• $157 per month in retirement if retiring from SACOG (adjusted for inflation)
• $50 per month contributed to a Health Reimbursement Savings Account for each month of employment. Contributions are available to employee after leaving SACOG at any age

Career Development and Professional Dues
Employer-paid career development and professional dues for job-related expenses

Medical FSA
Employees may contribute up to $3,300 in pre-tax dollars for qualified expenses

Dependent Care FSA
Employees may contribute up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars for qualified expenses

Computer Loan Program
After 1 year of employment, SACOG provides 12-month, zero interest loans for qualified computer purchases

Flexible Work Schedule
SACOG allows alternative work schedules and teleworking

Flexible Work Benefit
SACOG will provide each employee with a taxable benefit of $120 per month to cover costs of teleworking and/or commuting

Supplemental Insurance
Optional employee-paid insurance for the following types:

• Income-Loss Protection (Short-Term Disability, Life (term or whole));
• Asset-Loss Protection (Accident, Cancer, Critical Illness, Hospital Intensive Care); or
• Supplemental Medical (Hospital Indemnity, Dental, Vision)

On-Site Gym & Locker Room Facilities
Employees receive free access to an on-site athletic gym with locker rooms featuring showers and reservable lockers for gym use or bicycle commuting.
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Briefly describe a planning project that you've worked on and specifically your contributions.
Required Question