Design Associate (Federal)

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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