Job Description:
Intern (Planning) - Multiple Positions
Description
DescriptionThis posting will remain open until May 11, 2026, or until 450 applications are received, whichever occurs first.
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is thrilled to offer paid internships that provide college students and recent graduates with practical work experience in regional planning and the opportunity to build valuable relationships with industry experts, community partners, and colleagues. As interns at SCAG in the Planning Division, you will be an integral part of our team, supporting our departments 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 10 interns in the Planning Division to support our Community & Economic Development, Integrated Planning & Programming, Mobility Planning & Goods Movement, Modeling, Forecasting & Spatial Analytics, Planning Strategy, Sustainable & Resilient Development, and Partnerships, Technology & Innovation departments.
SALARY Interns’ salary will depend on their in-progress or highest completed degree:
Interns working toward or who possess a Bachelor’s degree will start at $21 per hour
Interns working toward or who possess a Master’s degree will start at $24 per hour
WORK HOURS & SCHEDULE The selected intern will establish a work schedule in consultation with their supervisor. Interns are expected to work at least 15 hours but may not work more than 29 hours per week. This internship is anticipated to begin in July 2026 and conclude by June 2027, or once the intern exhausts all 750 hours, whichever comes first.
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@SCAG policy, 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 at least 1 day 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
VISIONSouthern 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.
Community & Economic Development Department (2 Internship Positions Available) The Community and Economic Development Department focuses on advancing and implementing key strategies in support of Connect SoCal, the region’s adopted Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. The department consists of two business units: Capacity-Building and Placemaking, and Land Use and Economic Development.
Key Responsibilities: First internship opportunity: - Support the development of an evaluation strategy and tool(s)for the Go Human traffic safety and community engagement program to assess the impact of temporary traffic safety demonstration projects. Evaluation shall support storytelling, project catalogue development, data tracking, impact and mapping.
- Coordinate materials and proposal development to replicate Go Human’s Kit of Parts Lending Library for peer agencies across the state and nationally.
- Support Go Human ’s community-led messaging research, strategy and expansion.
- Support social media content development and management to amplify program and partner work and expand engagement.
- Collect feedback for grant program guidelines and application development.
- Provide administrative support and curriculum development for SCAG’s Future Leaders Initiative to support leadership development, civic engagement, and skill-building projects for young adults in the planning field.
- Support the integration and implementation of action plans and research findings to improve and expand the reach and accessibility of the Go Human program.
Second internship opportunity: - Support the coordination of Connect So Cal outreach related activities; including:
- Supporting stakeholder coordination, including tracking contacts, participation, and follow-ups.
- Assisting in the planning and execution of outreach activities and community engagement efforts.
- Maintaining and updating outreach tracking systems to ensure consistent documentation of engagement activities.
- Provide administrative support and curriculum development for SCAG’s Future Leaders Initiative to support leadership development, civic engagement, and skill-building projects for young adults in the planning field.
- Contribute to storytelling efforts that highlight Planning Division projects, initiatives, and implementation successes.
- Assist in developing content for presentations, reports, and outreach materials.
- Provide logistical support for meetings, workshops, and events (virtual and in-person).
- Support coordination across internal teams to align outreach and communication efforts, ensuring consistency in messaging, timing, and execution.
Integrated Planning & Programming Department (2 Internship Positions Available) 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 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) requirements and MPO selection of federally funded projects. Additionally, the department supports and coordinates transportation planning activities for Connect SoCal updates, 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.
Key Responsibilities: First internship opportunity: - Learn and contribute to the process of analyzing FTIP amendments.
- Prepare transportation project reports via the FTIP database.
- Assist with mapping FTIP and RTP projects for public availability on the FTIP and RTP public websites.
- Contribute to the development of data used for Title VI and Performance Measures analysis.
- Assist with integrating the RTP project list into the combined FTIP-RTP database for Connect SoCal 2050.
Second internship opportunity: - Learn and contribute to the process of analyzing projects for federal funding.
- Assist with updates to Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding programs guidance documents.
- Participate in the evaluation of projects during the call for projects processes and help ensure alignment with Connect SoCal priorities.
- Support tracking of selected projects for programming and delivery.
- Contribute to obligation plan development and progress reporting.
Mobility Planning & Goods Movement Department (1 Internship Position Available) The Mobility Planning and Goods Movement Department focuses on improving mobility, optimizing the goods movement network, and expanding transportation choices. The department achieves its goals through demand management, multimodal system integration, and initiatives aimed at enhancing economic efficiency, safety, and air quality. It is divided into two business units: Goods Movement & Aviation and Multimodal Integration. The position available is with the Multimodal Integration business unit.
Key Responsibilities: - Assist with data collection, assembling plans, and developing maps using GIS for the Transit/Rail, Active Transportation, and Aviation components of Connect SoCal 2050.
- Support Connect SoCal 2050 stakeholder engagement, especially with the Regional Transit Technical Advisory Committee, the Aviation Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC),and the Safe and Active Streets component of Regional Planning Workshop Groups, including developing staff reports, presentations, and minutes related to the meetings.
- Assist with research and date entry related to the development of the regional transit target setting and performance monitoring as required for Connect SoCal 2050.
Modeling Department (1 Internship Position Available) The Modeling Department provides essential modeling services to support regional transportation planning through data, forecasting, and scenario analysis, to help decision-makers understand current conditions and evaluate future transportation and land use strategies. The department maintains an Activity-Based Model, a Heavy-duty Truck Model, and a Scenario Planning Model. In addition, this department supports air quality conformity analysis, verifying that regional investments meet federal Clean Air Act standards and state greenhouse gas reduction targets to secure vital transportation funding.
Key Responsibilities: - Assist with preparing, updating, and managing datasets (demographic, land use, network, survey, socioeconomic data, traffic counts, etc.)
- Assist in running, calibrating, and validating the SCAG travel demand model.
- Perform basic data analysis using tools such as Python, R, SQL, or Excel.
- Create maps and visualizations using GIS software.
- Document model processes, assumptions, and results, and assist in preparing technical memos reports, and presentation materials.
- Support scenario testing and comparison analyses.
- Conduct research on modeling methodologies and emerging tools.
Forecasting & Spatial Analytics (1 Internship Position Available) The Forecasting & Spatial Analytics Department provides essential data services to support the analysis of SCAG’s key plans and projects. It develops and manages socioeconomic and GIS data, ranging from parcel-level to the regional level, for a variety of planning analyses and modeling operations.
Key Responsibilities - Assist with developing base year land use parcel data and updating Local Data Exchange (LDX) GIS datasets.
- Assist with producing the Draft Data/Map Books for Connect SoCal 2050 plan.
- Provide geospatial data, analysis, and visualization support for Connect SoCal 2050 plan development.
- Provide planning and research support to the Forecasting & Spatial Analytics Department
- Contribute to data-driven decision-making and regional analysis.
Planning Strategy Department (1 Internship Position Available) The Planning Strategy Department works collaboratively across the Planning Division to produce innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for Southern Californians through leading the development of Connect SoCal, SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The department is also responsible for several state and federal compliance requirements and the regional performance assessment program.
Key Responsibilities: - Assist with preparing, updating, and managing tabular and GIS datasets (Disadvantaged Communities, SCAG Local Profiles, and average vehicle occupancy).
- Assist with federal reporting requirements, including collecting, reviewing, and entering project information in an online database and managing e-mail outreach to cities for updated traffic count information.
- Support the Intergovernmental Review (IGR) process by reviewing and entering projects and federal grants into SCAG’s IGR database, and drafting comment letters for regionally significant projects.
- Support Connect SoCal 2050 stakeholder engagement through the Regional Planning Working Groups by developing staff reports, presentations, and minutes related to the meetings.
Sustainable and Resilient Development Department( 1 Internship Position Available) 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 Clean and Resilient Infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities: - Support the Natural and Agricultural Lands Economic and Resilience Benefits Study by:
- Assisting in the development of landscape analysis on natural and agricultural lands.
- Supporting the Project Manager's review and validation of consultant deliverables through desktop and GIS analyses.
- Supporting outreach activities by tracking engagement, stakeholder participation, and organizing feedback.
- Support the completion and launch of the SoCal Greenprint by:
- Assisting the Project Manager by taking notes in stakeholder engagement meetings.
- Keeping records of technical updates to the web-based tool to ensure alignment with the SoCal Greenprint Data Standards.
- Support the development of Connect SoCal’s Land Use & Communities Technical Report by:
- Conducting research on best practices and case studies on climate resilience policies and programs at the local level.
- Authoring summaries and literature reviews of research conducted.
- Support the Clean and Resilient Utility Infrastructure Study (CRUIS) by:
- Assisting with engagement activities, including the coordination of interviews, listening sessions, and working groups.
- Assisting with key research efforts included or related to the study across the relevant utility sectors (ex. Green utility infrastructure best practices).
Partnerships, Technology, & Innovation Department (1 Internship Position Available) The Partnerships, Technology & Innovation Department is committed to advancing transformative technology and transportation initiatives in line with Connect SoCal, other policies, and SCAG’s Regional Council directives. It operates through two main units: Regional Pilots and the Technology and Innovation Business Unit, fostering partnerships for innovative pilot projects. The selected intern will support both business units.
Key Responsibilities: - Support the Regional Pilots Initiatives program by providing outreach support, assisting with project management, conducting document review, and taking general notes during project meetings.
- Support the close out and evaluation of the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) program.
- Provide support for planning efforts related to the Smart Cities Strategic Plan by researching various topics related to smart cities.
- Assist with meetings of the Technical Advisory Committee/working group.
- Assist with the Smart Cities Program (SCP) Call for Projects implementation.
- Conduct quarterly fuel pricing reporting, support stakeholder coordination, and assist with reviewing documents for the Clean Technologies and Clean Cities program.
In this role you can expect to- Perform a wide variety of administrative and technical assignments to assist departments or sections and to receive on-the-job exposure to various government issues; depending on assigned work area, learn to perform various administrative, planning, analytical, and financial tasks.
- Research, write, and present reports and recommendations on a variety of government topics; participate in conducting studies and analyses involving assigned programs and functions concerning policies, practices, procedures, financial resources, facilities, proposals, staffing, new programs and projects, effectiveness of programs, and planning.
- Collect, compile, describe, organize, analyze, interpret, and present data and information related to areas and issues under study.
- Assist in the coordination of data and materials for the department or section; consult with businesses, citizens, SCAG personnel, consultants, governmental agencies, and associations to obtain and distribute information and data.
- Perform a variety of clerical or technical tasks in support of SCAG programs; answer phones and assist the public; maintain a variety of records.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What you'll bring to this roleAn undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled in a university or community college taking classes towards a Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Geography, 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.
- 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 witheffectiveclerical 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.
- Ability to thoughtfully cultivate relationships with community partners.
- Ability to engage with communities and participatory planning processes.
- Knowledge and/or experience with GIS concepts, principles, and/or programs.
Supplemental InformationPlease note, this posting will remain open until May 11, 2026, or until 450 applications are received, whichever occurs first. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.
Transit Reimbursement Program SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.
Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide two work model options (office and hybrid) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.
Technology Allowance Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.
Closing Date/Time: 5/11/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Salary:
$21.00 - $24.00 Hourly