Associate Modeler

Description

The maximum starting salary offer for this position is $98,529.60, which reflects the midpoint of the posted range.

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a data-driven Associate Modeler with programming skills to support the Scenario Planning Model (SPM) program within the Modeling Department. This position is responsible for preparing moderately complex land-use and transportation datasets, analyzing model outputs, and supporting model setup, operation, and enhancement. Leveraging tools like Python, PostgreSQL, and ArcGIS, this position is also responsible for transforming large-scale data into meaningful insights that inform policy decisions and advance regional planning efforts. In addition to working with SPM, the Associate Modeler will also contribute to SCAG’s other modeling initiatives, including transportation and air quality models, to address complex regional planning challenges.

SCAG’s Modeling Department supports the analysis of SCAG’s key plans and projects by providing essential modeling services. The department develops and maintains transportation, air quality, and scenario planning models, ensuring accurate outputs for both internal and external analysis. Residing in the Regional Planning Policy & Analysis (RPPA) subdivision, the department supports the alignment of planning research, analysis, technical tools, and capacity with regional and policy needs.

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 2 days 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.

VISION
Southern 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.

In this role you can expect to

• Conduct research and analysis using big data sources related to land use and transportation.
• Assist in compiling, processing, and updating input data and other key variables for the Scenario Planning Model (SPM).
• Support the maintenance and enhance existing data processing scripts and analytics tools.
• Operate SPM models, analyze outputs, and prepare summary reports to support regional planning needs.
• Assist with maintaining and updating SPM’s transportation and other multi-sector models.
• Ensure data and model quality through validation and QA/QC processes.
• Document workflows, model enhancements, and methodologies for transparency and reproducibility.
• Participate in program and project meetings and provide technical support and data insights.
• Contribute to Connect SoCal development efforts, including scenario planning, data exchange, off-model analyses, and related regional initiatives.
• Coordinate with outside agencies and other SCAG cross-functional teams to ensure consistency, reliability, and validity of regional plan analysis.
• Assist in developing and providing presentations for the technical committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 3 years of experience in transportation modeling, environmental/land use modeling, or related data analysis experience and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of regional planning and transportation/land use modeling, with strong research skills including literature reviews and methodology development.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis and programming languages such as Python, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, with the ability to process and analyze large datasets to provide meaningful recommendations.
• Familiarity with transportation models and related analytical or sketch planning tools.
• Proficiency in using GIS for spatial analysis, including creating and maintaining analytical maps and spatial databases.
• The ability to synthesize and analyze data to develop insights and prepare clear, actionable recommendations.
• Knowledge of statistical methods, data validation, and model calibration techniques.
• Experience with version control tools (e.g., Git) and workflow documentation for reproducibility.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management and organization skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to collaborate across departments and technical teams.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques for communicating technical results effectively.
• The ability to learn and apply new technical concepts, tools, and modeling methods.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until January 26, 2026, with the first application review taking place on January 12, 2026. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

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
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. 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.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Probationary Period
All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.

Closing Date/Time: 1/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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