Planning Intern, Fall 2026 - Spring 2027

What We're Looking For

Michael Baker International is seeking a detail-oriented Planning Intern to support our Santa Ana, California Planning Department. This position will assist multidisciplinary teams with a variety of planning projects, including long-range planning efforts throughout California and other regions of the country.

The internship is anticipated to run from October 2026 through Spring 2027 and will require approximately 4 to 16 hours per week. Work schedules and internship start and end dates are flexible and will be coordinated with the selected candidate.

What You'll Do

• Assist in preparing long-range planning documents, including General Plan Updates, Specific Plans, Objective Design Standards, Parks and Recreation Master Plans, and Urban Design Master Plans.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to support planning studies and reports.
• Conduct policy research and evaluate planning best practices, regulations, and standards.
• Prepare clear, concise technical writing for both professional and public audiences.
• Develop maps, graphics, presentations, and visual communication materials.
• Assist with modeling in a variety of modeling programs.
• Support community outreach, stakeholder engagement, workshops, and public meetings.
• Conduct field observations and site visits.

What You Need to Succeed

• Currently enrolled, in good academic standing, at an accredited college or university.
• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Geography, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Experience with GIS and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.

• Experience with 3D modeling and visualization software, such as SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Lumion, and Enscape, is preferred.

• Strong information design and data visualization skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into accessible content.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform a variety of tasks typical of an entry-level planning position.
• Ability to work from the Santa Ana or Los Angeles office, with opportunities for remote work.

Compensation

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $26 per hour. Actual compensation will be based on factors including education, qualifications, experience, skill set, and work location.

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.