Associate Modeler

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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, Postgre

SQL, and ArcGIS, the Associate Modeler will transform large-scale data into insights that inform policy decisions and advance regional planning efforts. In addition to working with SPM, the modeler will also contribute to SCAG’s other modeling initiatives, including transportation and air quality models.

This range is provided by Southern California Association of Governments. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$83,865.60/yr - $/yr

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

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.

• 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 enhancement of 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.

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.

• 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, Postgre
  
  SQL/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)…