Planner II

Planning Practice

We create, integrate, visualize and communicate planning concepts as they move from the initial vision through implementation. Our planning professionals build strong client partnerships, working with residents, businesses, developers, educational and medical organizations, state and local governments, the military and other federal agencies to successfully plan the future of their communities or institutions. At Michael Baker International, we focus on people and places, improving communities and creating more sustainable, convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places.

What We're Looking For:

Michael Baker International is looking for a Planner I or Planner II who enjoys turning complex data into clear stories, policy into action, and community input into plans that get used. You'll work alongside planners, designers, engineers, and GIS specialists on high‑impact planning efforts across Southern California and beyond.

If you like connecting dots—between analysis, policy, visuals, and people—this role was built for you.

You'll contribute to (and increasingly lead) long‑range planning projects for federal, state, regional, and local agencies. Your work will shape how cities plan for land use, hazards, housing, coastal resources, and future growth.

What You'll Do:

• Turn data into insight: analyze quantitative and qualitative information to support planning decisions
• Prepare and support General Plan element updates, Specific Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, and Local Coastal Programs.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data for planning studies and reports.
• Conduct policy analysis and research best practices, regulations, and standards.
• Prepare clear technical writing for both professional and public audiences.
• Develop maps, graphics, and visual materials.
• Support and participate in community engagement—both in‑person and virtual
• Conduct field observations and site visits, primarily in the southern California market
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver thoughtful, implementable plans
• Contribute to proposals and business development efforts as opportunities arise

You'll contribute to (and increasingly lead) long‑range planning projects for federal, state, regional, and local agencies. Your work will shape how cities plan for land use, hazards, housing, coastal resources, and future growth.

Typical projects include:

• General Plan element updates
• Specific Plans
• Hazard Mitigation Plans
• Local Coastal Programs (LCPs)

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related field.
• 2–7 years of professional planning experience.
• Experience preparing diverse plan types including General Plans, Specific Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, and Local Coastal Programs.
• Ability to present information to internal staff, clients, and members of the public and coordination and engagement events
• Proficiency in GIS and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong skills in information design, data visualization, and translating technical content to everyday language.
• Experience with proposal development and marketing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Planning or related field.
• AICP certification or interest in pursuing AICP.
• Coastal planning experience and Local Coastal Program preparation under the California Coastal Act.

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $69,721.60 - $109,844.80. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us

Michael 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. *It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. *There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

Job Info

• Job Identification 309278
• Locations 5 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA, 92707, US (Hybrid)