Environmental Associate
Michael Baker International
Location: Santa Ana, CA 92701, US
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Industry: Professional Services
Occupational Category: 19-0000.00 – Life, Physical and Social Science
Posted: Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Valid Through: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Job Description
Michael Baker International is hiring a Environmental Associate in Santa Ana, CA. This is a full-time position.
Environmental Associate III
(Hybrid)
Surface Water Group:
Michael Baker International’s Surface Water Group provides innovative consulting, planning, and engineering solutions for the entire spectrum of NPDES and MS4 permit needs. We have proven experience in providing a full range of professional services from planning through design and construction. Protection and management of water resources start at the watershed level and follow the movement of water through urban and agricultural areas, streams, lakes and reservoirs, water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, and water/wastewater treatment plants.
What We're Looking For:
We are seeking a highly dynamic Environmental Associate with expertise in California stormwater regulations, permits, and compliance programs. Our clients include some of the largest agencies, utilities, and private developers in the state. Joining our Surface Water Team, you’ll collaborate with—and learn from—industry leaders on assignments that are perfectly suited for a junior environmental specialist. Our team thrives on tackling complex, fast-paced projects in diverse and sometimes remote locations, offering unique professional challenges and opportunities for growth. We seek individuals with a particular interest in industrial, commercial, and construction stormwater and a passion for making a real impact on water quality.
What You'll Do:
- Permitting & Compliance Support: Support IGP, CII, and CGP stormwater permitting and compliance, including permit registration documents (PRDs), No Exposure Certifications (NECs), and Notices of Intent (NOIs) under the Industrial General Permit (IGP), Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Permit, Construction General Permit (CGP), MS4 permits, sector-specific permits (e.g., the Scrap Metal Recycling Facilities General Permit), the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), and individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
- Plan & Document Preparation: Prepare SWPPPs, Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs), Water Pollution Control Plans (WPCPs), LID Plans, Water Quality Management Plans (WQMPs), and Water Quality Corrective Action Plans, as well as proposals and technical reports.
- Technical Reporting: Develop compliance-driven reports such as Exceedance Response Action (ERA) Reports, Water Quality Based Corrective Action (WQBCA) Reports, and Annual Reports.
- Data Management & Analysis: Collect, review, organize, and analyze stormwater monitoring data, inspection records, and sampling results; assist with data entry and reporting through the Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) and the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS).
- Field Work: Conduct site assessments, field inspections, and stormwater sampling at commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities as well as construction sites; coordinate with site managers, contractors, and project personnel.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate with various stakeholders—including municipalities and/or watershed management groups—to support and facilitate the stormwater permitting process.
- BMP Development & Treatment Evaluation: Recommend, develop, and evaluate stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutants in commercial, industrial, and construction stormwater discharges. This includes performing mathematical, hydrologic, and hydraulic calculations to evaluate advanced treatment systems—such as active and passive advanced treatment systems and/or other stormwater capture and reuse systems.
- Mapping & Drafting Support: Prepare exhibits, site maps, and stormwater pathway mapping using AutoCAD and ArcGIS.
- Client & Team Collaboration: Work alongside technical experts, project managers, and subcontractors, with the opportunity to progressively take on greater project ownership.
What You'll Need to Succeed:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences
- 3-5 years of experience with California stormwater regulations, permits, and compliance programs.
- Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) and Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification
- Qualified Industrial Stormwater Professional (QISP) certification
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam
- Familiarity with AutoCAD and ArcGIS software
- Familiarity with mobile data collection
- Familiarity with stormwater sample collection
Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $84, 000 to $116, 000 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
- Leadership opportunities, upward mobility
- Professional and personal development
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life, AD& D, short-term, and long-term disability
- Professional and personal development
- Generous paid time off
- Commuter and wellness benefits
Education Requirements
high school
Skills
Please see the job description for required or recommended skills.
Benefits
Please see the job description for benefits.
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