Active Modes Intern

Sacramento Area Council of Governments; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 2,755,000; Part time

Job summary

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is offering a student intern role focused on active transportation, including walking, biking, and non-motorized mobility. This part-time internship (~20 hours/week) spans one year and involves field work, data analysis, and report writing within SACOG’s Active Modes Program.

You will assist with continuing and reimagining the region’s Counter Loan Program and other initiatives, while gaining exposure to regional planning, funding mechanisms,

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level program related to urban studies and planning, public policy, sociology, transportation, data analytics, or related fields.
• Excel proficiency is required.

Responsibilities

• Learn about and work with bicycle and pedestrian counting equipment.
• Work in the field to document the region’s counters and deploy equipment.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Write reports and give oral presentations.
• Support regional planning efforts related to active transportation.
• Learn about funding and regional planning in transportation planning.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student in urban studies or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is looking for a motivated student intern to support projects focused on all thing's active transportation (walking, bicycling, and non-motorized rolling). This internship is a unique opportunity to support regional active transportation efforts that make streets safer and more accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

You'll be working under SACOG’s Active Modes Program, which is part of the broader Transportation Team, and will be focused on continuing and reimagining the region’s Counter Loan Program as well as other active transportation initiatives. This position will involve field work, data analysis, working with bicycle and pedestrian counter equipment, report writing, and more. This is a part-time internship, approximately 20 hours per week, for one year.

The Position

As an intern, you will:

• Have the opportunity to learn about and work with bicycle and pedestrian counting equipment
• Work in the field to tour and document the region’s permanent counters as well as work with agencies to deploy equipment
• Collect and analyze data
• Write reports and give oral presentations
• Support regional planning efforts related to active transportation
• Learn about funding, regional planning, and how active transportation and safety planning fits into broader regional transportation

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 one to two days per week 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

Filing Deadline: September14

First Round Interviews: Week of September 28

Second Round Interviews: Week of October 5

Desired Start Date: October 19

Examples Of Typical Job Functions

• Review and analyze bicycle and pedestrian counts
• Review efficacy of Counter Loan Program and provide a report with recommendations for improvement
• Support agencies in deploying bicycle and pedestrian counters
• Attend meetings and learn about regional planning and transportation more broadly
• Support other SACOG active transportation efforts, as directed

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Desired Skills

• Detail oriented and adaptable to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Passionate and excited about active transportation planning and initiatives
• Curious and willing to learn from planners and public agency professionals
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in the work environment
• Experienced with Microsoft Office tools

Education And Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

No experience required. Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level program field of study relating to urban studies and planning, public policy,

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.