Planning & Programming Intern

The Planning & Programming team is seeking a student intern to support work on the Cycle 7 Housing Element process and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in regional planning, data analysis, and policy development that directly shapes the future of housing in the region.

Hours are flexible within our regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interns may work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 30 hours per week in the summer, depending on school schedule.

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.

Join our Team

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 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.

SACOG will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental disabilities of an otherwise qualified individual who is an applicant or employee.

Why Intern with SACOG?

Make a Difference: Support planning work that improves mobility and equity in local communities.

Grow Your Skills: Gain real-world experience in data analysis, field methods, and transportation policy.

Work Flexibly: Flexible scheduling around your academic calendar.

Be Part of a Mission: Help SACOG plan for a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected 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 with occasional work in-office.

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

Posting: August 28

Filing Deadline: September 26

First Round Interviews: Week of October 13

Second Round Interviews: Week of October 20

Desired Start Date: November 3

Examples of Typical Job Functions

Assist staff with the preparation of SACOG’s regional technical assistance products for the Cycle 7 Housing Element Update, including but not limited to gathering, analyzing, and summarizing housing-related data.

Support SACOG in the development of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) survey and analysis, by organizing data and preparing materials for reporting on.

Conduct data visualization and analysis related to housing equity and fair housing, including using GIS and other visuals to interpret and present findings

Draft written summaries and reports that communicate technical data in a clear and accessible way.

Contribute to planning and policy activities related to housing, transportation, and land use in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS), also known as the Blueprint.

Provide technical assistance to staff and partner agencies on housing-related data and planning topics.

Participate in weekly team meetings and share progress.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level program field of study relating to urban planning, public policy, sociology, transportation, data analytics, or related fields at a college or university.

Excel proficiency

Accuracy and strong attention to detail

Desired Skills:

Detail oriented and adaptable to work in a fast-paced environment

Familiarity with GIS

Interest in housing policy or regional planning

Ability to understand and present technical information

Strong analytical, social and communication skills

Enjoy research, analysis and learning new things

Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting

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

Interns must be actively enrolled in relevant coursework in an undergraduate or graduate program.

No experience .