Department Manager, Active Transportation

Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Michael Baker International's Santa Ana office is seeking a Department Manager to lead our Active Transportation practice in Southern California. This role will oversee a team of engineers and planners focused on multimodal infrastructure projects that promote walking, biking, and transit access for all ages and abilities. You will manage project delivery, mentor staff, and drive business development efforts across the region.

At Michael Baker, you'll be part of a collaborative team that values innovation, professional growth, and community impact. We offer competitive compensation, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities to lead transformative projects across Southern California.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team delivering active transportation projects.
• Oversee project planning, design, and implementation for pedestrian, bicycle, Safe Routes to School, and transit integration initiatives.
• Serve as a senior technical expert and project manager on complex transportation projects.
• Develop scopes, budgets, and schedules; manage client relationships and ensure quality deliverables.
• Support business development efforts including proposal preparation, networking, and client engagement.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to advance multimodal transportation goals.
• Mentor and inspire junior staff, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred
• 10+ years of experience in roadway/highway design and construction documentation.
• 5+ years in project or design management with increasing responsibility.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation and Civil 3D or OpenRoads.
• Strong understanding of utility coordination, right-of-way impacts, and streetscape elements.
• Passion for active transportation and multimodal design.
• Expertise in geometric design, ADA-compliant public spaces, roadway grading, drainage, and streetscape design elements.
• Experience with grant writing and funding acquisition for transportation projects.
• Experience working with disadvantaged communities or implementing Vision Zero strategies.

Compensation
The salary range for this position is up to $275,000, depending on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (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 nearly 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, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status 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.

About The Team
HIGHWAY/TRANSPORTATION PRACTICE

A safe and efficient transportation system is critical to providing access and connections for people and goods to spur economic growth and improve quality of life for users. The highway and roadway system is a crucial part of that transportation system and is at the heart of services Michael Baker provides to our clients and partners. We work with entities to enhance and maintain roadways across the country to serve all modes of transportation. For nearly 80 years, we have helped to shape America's highway network. We provide comprehensive highway planning, design and construction services from conceptual and preliminary engineering studies through final design, construction management, inspection and closeout.