SANDAG is one of the nation’s most recognized regional planning agencies, with responsibilities covering a broad range of complex, interrelated program areas. Our commitment to connecting people, places, and innovative ideas by implementing solutions with our unique and diverse communities 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. Commitment to Service. Innovation. Integrity. Collaboration. These are some of the values we embrace. And in return, we're committed to providing an environment where employees can do their best work. You can find a job anywhere. A fulfilling career that engages you in public service is hard to come by. SANDAG employees excel at meeting and exceeding the expectations of our Board of Directors and regional policymakers, business leaders, community groups, and the public. If you're excited by meaningful change, motivated by finding solutions to challenges, and eager to satisfy the people you serve, there's a place for you at SANDAG.
Career Areas
SANDAG has more than 400 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 and mid-level technical specialists to executives, and include the following specialty areas:
- Accounting and finance
- Business and customer services
- Contracts and procurement
- Data and analytics
- Economics and demographics
- Engineering and construction
- Facility and roadway maintenance
- Geographic information services
- Human resources
- Information systems
- Law
- Marketing and graphic design
- Program and software development
- Project management
- Public affairs and government relations
- Public safety and criminal justice research
- Regional and urban planning
- Transportation and land use modeling
Compensation and Benefits
SANDAG offers an attractive total compensation package for all benefit-eligible employees. Our salary ranges are competitive and align with other public and private sector organizations in the San Diego market.
SANDAG also offers comprehensive benefits, including a variety of health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs:
- Flexible 9/80 work schedule (every other Monday off)
- Merit increases
- CalPERS pension plan with employer and employee contributions
- Excellent health insurance options for employees and eligible dependents
- Dental and vision insurance at no cost for employees and eligible dependents
- Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for eligible employees
- Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
- Annual paid time off including 12 holidays, 2 floating holidays, and generous paid time off (PTO)
Employee Handbook
If you’re interested in finding out more about the employment practices and policies of SANDAG, please review the Employee Handbook.
How to Apply
Once you’ve identified a job you’d like to be considered for, let us know by completing the application process through our Government Jobs portal—this is required for all positions. You’re welcome to add a resume, cover letter, and other materials to your application package.
If you prefer, we can mail or email you an application package. Either call us at 619.699.1900 or send a request to hr@sandag.org.
SANDAG also accepts application materials via email, fax, regular mail, courier, and hand delivery:
San Diego Association of Governments
401 B Street, Suite 800
San Diego, CA 92101
Attn: Human Resources
hr@sandag.org
Fax: 619.699.6905
Requests for Accommodation/American with Disabilities Act
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SANDAG will accommodate persons who require assistance to apply for a position with our agency. Applicants requiring an accommodation due to a disability during any stage of the recruitment and selection process, including requesting this document and related application materials in an alternative format, should make their needs known by contacting Human Resources at hr@sandag.org, 619.699.1900, 619.699.1904 (TTY), or fax 619.699.6905.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
SANDAG is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. 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, Senior Director of Organization Effectiveness, at 619.699.1955 or melissa.coffelt@sandag.org.
Special Compensation Policy
SANDAG also maintains a Board approved special compensation policy that outlines additional forms of pay that may be considered by CalPERS for the calculation of pension benefits.
