Working at SANDAG

SANDAG is one of the most recognized regional planning agencies in the nation, with responsibilities that cover a broad range of complex, interrelated program areas. Our commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone who lives in the San Diego area is at the forefront of everything we do and is a shared goal among our team members.

We know that all employees - no matter what role they play or how long they've been with SANDAG - are essential to our continued success. Dedication. Competence. Innovativeness. Integrity. These are some of the qualities we look for. And in return, we're committed to providing a nurturing atmosphere where employees can develop to their full potential.

You can find a job anywhere. But fulfilling careers that engage you in serving others are hard to come by. And that's what SANDAG employees excel at - meeting and exceeding the expectations of our Board of Directors and other regional policymakers, business leaders, community and special interest groups, and the public. If you're excited by change, motivated by challenges, and eager to satisfy the people you serve, there's a place for you at SANDAG.

Career Areas

In 2018, SANDAG has approximately 370 employees with expertise in a broad range of professional, technical, and business support functions. Our positions represent all stages of career development from entry-level interns through to senior executives and include the following specialty areas:

Compensation

The SANDAG salary ranges are reviewed periodically to ensure competitiveness with the market. Our job openings attract numerous well-qualified candidates, and our employee retention rates are very high. Salary increases are provided via a Pay-For-Performance Program; this merit-based approach rewards employees who successfully meet their goals and show sustained levels of excellent performance. Merit increases are tied to annual Performance Evaluations and approved by the Executive Director. Evaluations and approved by the Executive Director. SANDAG also maintains a special compensation policy that outlines additional forms of pay that may be considered by CalPERS for the calculation of pension benefits.

Awards and Recognition

SANDAG's innovative approach to developing and implementing regional solutions has attracted attention and received awards across several industries. View our most recent list of awards.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

SANDAG is an equal employment opportunity employer. The SANDAG EEO policy describes the agency's commitment to actively recruit, hire, train, promote, and make all other employment decisions without regard to any category protected under federal or state law.

As an applicant for employment, it is your right to file a complaint with the SANDAG EEO Program Officer if you feel you have been discriminated against on the basis of any category protected under federal or state law. The SANDAG EEO Program Officer is Melissa Coffelt, Director of Organization Effectiveness, at melissa.coffelt@sandag.org or (619) 699-1955.

Employee Handbook

The Employee Handbook contains the employment practices and policies of SANDAG. All SANDAG employees are responsible for reviewing the Handbook and being familiar with its content. The Handbook is reviewed and updated at least annually. As the need arises, the information in this Handbook may be revised without notice.

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