About the role#
Michael Baker International is looking for a Planning Intern to join the Planning Department in Santa Ana, California. This role supports multidisciplinary teams on various projects, including long-range planning efforts across California and other regions. The internship runs from October 2026 through Spring 2027 and requires 4 to 16 hours per week. Schedules and start dates are flexible.
What you'll do#
- Assist in preparing long-range planning documents such as General Plan Updates, Specific Plans, and Master Plans.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data for planning studies and reports.
- Conduct policy research and evaluate planning regulations, standards, and best practices.
- Write technical content for professional and public audiences.
- Create maps, graphics, presentations, and other visual communication materials.
- Assist with various modeling programs.
- Support community outreach, stakeholder engagement, workshops, and public meetings.
- Conduct field observations and site visits.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited college or university in good academic standing.
- Pursuit of a bachelor or master degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Geography, or a related field.
- Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Experience with GIS and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
- Experience with 3D modeling software like SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Lumion, and Enscape is preferred.
- Skills in information design and data visualization.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Flexibility to handle a variety of entry-level planning tasks.
Location & details#
- This position is based in Santa Ana, California, with the ability to work from the Santa Ana or Los Angeles office.
- The role offers a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote work opportunities.
- This is a paid internship at a rate of $26 per hour. Actual pay depends on education, experience, and location.
- Sponsorship is not available for this position.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International provides engineering, consulting, and technology services for infrastructure and government projects. Founded in 1940, the firm operates across sectors like aviation, water, rail, and urban development. It maintains over 120 office locations and employs more than 6,000 people. The company is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
How to get in at Michael Baker International
Applying early is a distinct advantage at Michael Baker International, as recruiters often review candidates before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can submit your materials among the first. Getting your application in quickly ensures you are seen before the pile grows. You should also consider reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles to ask about the position or a potential referral. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters for Michael Baker International roles so you can contact them directly, which often improves your response rate compared to waiting in a queue.
