Salary: $66,560.00 - $125,466.00 Annually
Location : 1011 Union Street, San Diego
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Regional Planning
Division: Environmental Compliance/ Climate
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DescriptionOverview of the Regional Planning DepartmentThe 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.
Overview of Environmental Planning - Environmental Mitigation SectionThe 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.
RoleThis 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.
Salary Range: This position will be filled at the I, II, or Associate level depending on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
Annual Salary Ranges:
Regional Planner I: $66,560 -$103,168
Regional Planner II: $73,403 - $113,776
Associate Regional Planner: $80,933 - $125,466
Job 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.
Typical Qualifications- 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.
This recruitment is open for a two-week period or until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
This employer does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Employment is contingent upon the employee's ability to provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Expected start date: June/July 2026
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including:
- Hybrid work options
- 9/80 flexible work schedule
- Pay-for-performance merit increases
- Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
- Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
- Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
- Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
- Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
- Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
01
SANDAG employees are expected to live within the San Diego region and work in-person in our San Diego office; there are hybrid options available (on-site Tuesdays and Fridays), as well as a 9/80 work schedule (every other Monday off). This is not a fully remote position. Are you able and willing to adhere to the onsite and work schedule described above?
02
This employer does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Employment is contingent upon the employee's ability to provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by federal law.Will you now or will you in the future require employment visa sponsorship?
03
What is your highest level of education?
- Some or no college
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Other
04
Do you have 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?
05
How many years of professional experience do you have in professional regional planning experience?
- 0 - 1 years
- 1 - 2 years
- 2 - 3 years
- 3+ years
06
What is your level of 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?
- No experience
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advance
07
What is your level of experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams?
- No experience
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advance
08
How does SANDAG's Environmental Mitigation Program help contribute to promoting conservation planning for the region?
09
Please describe your experience working on projects that involved environmental planning, environmental compliance, shoreline and/or natural resource protections. What was your specific role and how did you contribute to moving the project forward.
Required Question
