Planning Department Lead

Michael Baker International•Santa Ana, CA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Michael Baker International is seeking an experienced Planning Department Lead to grow strategic planning initiatives for cities, counties, and other clients, such as general plans/general plan elements, specific plans, community plans, master plans, zoning ordinances, and other advance planning initiatives. This role is pivotal in shaping sustainable, resilient, and community-aligned environments across a variety of local government contexts. You will bring deep expertise in urban planning, local regulations, and interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience preparing general plans, specific plans, zoning codes, or other long range policy documents in California.
Demonstrated experience working with public-sector clients.
Deep understanding of local government operations, community engagement, and planning frameworks.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, CAD, visualization platforms and emerging planning technologies.
Strong leadership, facilitation, communication, and strategic project management skills.
Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
AICP certification.
Experience with private developers or public–private partnerships.

Responsibilities

Partner collaboratively with senior leadership to shape and execute a bold growth strategy for Michael Baker’s planning, urban design, and resilience practice in Southern California and across the West.
Lead the identification, positioning, and pursuit of transformative planning, master planning, and design-led opportunities with cities, counties, special districts, and select private-sector clients aligned with Michael Baker’s strategic priorities.
Expand the firm’s portfolio to include visionary master plans, district plans, design frameworks, and resilience-driven implementation plans.
Collaborate with senior leadership to craft and implement growth strategies that expand our planning portfolio.
Champion innovation, creativity, and thought leadership in long-range planning, urban design, and resilient community development.
Represent Michael Baker at professional conferences, industry panels and public forums, e.g., APA, ULI, AIA, resilience and design-focused convenings.
Provide executive oversight and strategic guidance on complex planning and design projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives, schedules, budgets, and quality expectations.
Position Michael Baker as a strategic partner in the marketplace, by emphasizing value creation, placemaking, resilience, and long-term community outcomes.
Lead and support business development with public and private sector clients, and bring established professional relationships in the Southern California marketplace.
Anticipate client needs and proactively address challenges, fostering trust and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
Lead the development of general plans/general plan elements, comprehensive plans, specific plans, community plans, zoning updates, and site planning efforts for cities and counties.
Integrate urban design, landscape, mobility, sustainability, and resilience principles into planning projects from the outset.
Ensure planning and design solutions are innovative, equitable, and grounded in strong technical and regulatory understanding.
Provide expert guidance on California planning practice, including the Planning and Zoning Law, housing legislation, Safety Element and climate mandates, and related state and local requirements.
Ensure all work products meet technical, legal, and professional standards while remaining accessible and actionable for decision-makers and the public.
Partner with internal multi-disciplinary leaders (including land development, engineering, water, transportation and resilience teams) to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Lead a multi-disciplinary planning team in Santa Ana, working closely with other planners throughout the West, capable of executing several large projects concurrently.
Assess and refine planning processes to enhance quality, innovation, and client outcomes.
Mentor emerging leaders and support professional development, licensure, and creative growth across the team.