The Organization

SACOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 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 an MPO, SACOG has over two decades of experience approaching regional issues from an integrated perspective of transportation, land use, and air quality. Our mission is to convene and connect the region to advance an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future. Our Strategic Plan is structured around four priorities: (1) Build vibrant and inclusive places; (2) Foster the next generation of mobility solutions; (3) Modernize the way we pay for transportation infrastructure; and (4) Build and maintain a safe, equitable and resilient transportation system.

The Transportation Team
The ideal candidate would be joining a team of professionals with diverse transportation planning backgrounds, including transportation funding and grants, transportation demand management, alternative mobility, active transportation, public transit operations and planning, and corridor planning.

This is a new position at SACOG, and would be one of three Principal Planners on the Transportation Team. With the other Principal Planners focused on funding, grants, and strategic corridor planning initiatives, this position would complement the team’s expertise and provide leadership within a critical element of the agency’s work program.

This position will be an integral part of the Transportation Team at SACOG and will regularly coordinate with staff of other teams.

About the SACOG Region
The six-county Sacramento region exemplifies physical, cultural, and economic diversity. This makes it a stimulating place to work for people in the planning profession but perhaps more important, it also makes it a great place to live. Landscapes range from fertile agricultural lands to the high Sierra Nevada mountains, encompassing a vibrant collection of small towns, established and emerging suburbs, and an urban core that houses the capital of the fifth largest economy in the world, with cultural and sporting events year-round. Pacific coast beaches, Tahoe region ski resorts, and wild Sierra Nevada lakes and mountains are less than two hours’ drive from the City of Sacramento, which sits at the confluence of two major California rivers — the American and the Sacramento — that also offer many recreational opportunities. The American River Parkway provides access to more than 50 miles of paved bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting Downtown Sacramento, through the river canyon, several historic mining camps, and towns, to Folsom Lake; the 20th largest lake in the state and one of the most frequently visited parks in California’s state park system.

Sacramento is a richly diverse region, home to a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and immigrant communities that contribute to its dynamic character. The region’s much lower cost of living and housing compared to coastal California, as well as its ethnic diversity, have led to a population boom and a revived and vibrant downtown. Its reputation as the Farm to-Fork capital of America also draws foodies and tourists. The 22nd largest metropolitan region in the nation, Sacramento lies at the confluence of commerce in northern California. Interstate 80 delivers an east-west connection from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and Interstate 5 opens the entire West Coast from Mexico to Canada for goods movement, recreation, and economic vibrancy. Multiple rail lines extend in all directions through the heart of the region and provide quick and frequent passenger train service between San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Commuting and traveling within and beyond the Sacramento region are easy thanks to the region’s integrated transportation network. With two interstate freeways, an international airport, and 6 Amtrak stations with long distance connections to Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and Chicago. The region’s light rail system provides commuters, residents, and visitors a ready alternative to driving with more than 40 miles of track and 26 stations with connections to the region’s most robust job centers, the historic Sutter Street in Downtown Folsom, the Sacramento Valley Amtrak Station, and numerous suburban communities along the Interstate 80 and Highway 50 corridors.

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

Culture and Organizational Values

The dynamic nature of SACOG’s work, combined with its small staff, requires a flexible staff and a flat organizational structure. Teams are the focal point of all of SACOG’s project work. Team Managers have more authority and responsibility than in a traditional organization. SACOG is a team-based organization that strives for excellence in both its external work and its internal operations and structure.

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.

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.

To comply with applicable disability laws, SACOG will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental disabilities of an otherwise qualified individual who is an applicant or employee.

For over a decade, SACOG has used Gallup StrengthsFinder to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture by leading with strengths through regular training, coaching, and our performance evaluations, aligning growth with our organization values of teamwork, community, dedication, and innovation.

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.