FEDERAL PLANNING PRACTICE
Michael Baker delivers a multitude of award-winning, innovative planning services nationwide, creating the highest level of value for our federal partners. Since World War II, we have been providing the full range of technical competencies to the U.S. federal government. We are recognized as highly competent, detail oriented and committed to outstanding customer service. Working under multiple, concurrent task order awards, we are called upon again and again to meet urgent deadlines all over the world to satisfy various sustainability, facility management, master planning, emergency management, design and community planning needs.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Design Associate will join a collaboration of experienced planners, landscape architects, engineers, and project managers dedicated to having a positive impact through effective federal master planning. The ideal candidate will be driven, intellectually curious, committed to excellence, and demonstrate a desire to make a difference in the communities we serve.
The Design Associate will support the project planner or project manager on multi-disciplinary planning projects, concept plans, site plans, and design-build projects and will be responsible for the preparation of master planning documents for Federal, State, and Local Government Clients.
Can you walk me through a typical day of a Federal Design Associate?
As a member of the Federal Planning Practice, the Design Associate will have a number of activities on any given day, which include:
- Supporting federal master plans and revitalization projects of varying sizes and complexities in diverse Federal and Military communities by utilizing hand-drawing techniques, SketchUp, and other computer-based modeling;
- Drawing proposed site plans in AutoCAD and rendering plans using Adobe CreativeCloud software
- Analyzing land conditions, such as drainage and topography to make recommendations on site planning
- Facilitating small group exercises at on-site workshops to engage stakeholders on long-term development priorities and potential courses of action
- Collecting and compiling a variety of quantitative and qualitative data to prepare reports, maps, and related graphics
- Conducting field evaluations and assessments
- Researching requirements and standards
- Developing reports under the direction of the project manager
- Other duties as assigned
What can I expect for a career path, and where might this role take me?
There are numerous career paths for a Design Associate. The typical next level position, as you gain more experience, showing commitment to quality and hard work, can either be a Project Management or Technical Management position.
Job Requirements
- Four-year degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related discipline
- AICP Candidate or other related professional certification or licensure preferred
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, SketchUp, or ArcGIS is required
- Knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as master planning, urban planning, community planning, economic development, or land use
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently as well as in multi-disciplinary teams
- Ability to conduct research and prepare statistical planning reports on land use, physical, social & economic possibilities, and constraints
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
- Ability to accommodate moderate travel (domestic and international); around 25%
- Valid driver’s license
- This role requires U.S. Citizenship
How do I apply?
Select the Apply Online button at the top or bottom of this ad, and provide us a cover letter, resume, and work samples or a portfolio.
COMPENSATION
The range for this role is $69,000 – $91,000; this will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.
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About UsMichael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
Skills Required
- Four-year degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related discipline
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, SketchUp, or ArcGIS
- Knowledge of planning disciplines such as master planning, urban planning, community planning, economic development, or land use
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to conduct research and prepare statistical planning reports
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
- Ability to accommodate approximately 25% domestic and international travel
- Valid driver's license
- U.S. Citizenship
- AICP Candidate status or related professional certification or licensure
Michael Baker International Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Michael Baker International and has not been reviewed or approved by Michael Baker International.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered fair-to-good for the A/E sector, with ranges aligning to role, seniority, and location. Market-competitive bands are visible in postings and salary snapshots across geographies and disciplines.
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Parental & Family Support — Enhanced maternity and paternity leave are highlighted as part of the core package. Flexible work arrangements are also emphasized as supportive of family needs.
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Flexible Benefits — Multiple medical plan options, HSA/FSA, EAP, and wellness programs indicate meaningful choice and wellbeing support. The overall suite covers standard health, financial, and lifestyle components typical for the industry.
Michael Baker International Insights
What We Do
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country.
