Job Description
Job DescriptionDescriptionAlta Planning + Design seeks an Engineering Designer II for our Oakland office. This production-level position is a great opportunity for someone who believes in the importance of active, multimodal, and sustainable transportation and who is interested in growing their career as a transportation planning professional. This production-level position is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the importance of active, multimodal, and sustainable transportation and who is interested in growing their career as a transportation engineering professional.
In this role, you will work on the design of a variety of sustainable transportation projects and work on projects focused on making a positive impact on communities around Northern California and across the country. Specific project work will involve bikeway design, shared use path design and feasibility, streetscape design, civil design, and urban design. You will be challenged to think at various scales from the systems-level down to specific sites or intersections and learn from industry leaders in active transport.
About Alta
Alta is a mission‑driven company working to mitigate climate change and advance safety and social justice by shaping sustainable, people‑centered communities. We bring together expertise across planning, design, engineering, education and encouragement programs, and community engagement to help communities thrive. Our work is grounded in the belief that how places are designed and experienced has a profound impact on equity, health, and opportunity—and that people should always be at the heart of those decisions.
Founded in 1996, Alta was at the forefront of the active transportation movement and has spent nearly 30 years partnering with communities to imagine a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future. Today, with more than 225 staff across the United States and beyond, we are a global leader in creating environments that support everyday life, strengthen human connection, and respond to the challenges of a changing world. Alta offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, contribute to meaningful work at every scale, and be part of a team committed to making lasting, positive change for people and the places they call home.
Day to DayIn this role the day to day may consist of:
- Multidisciplinary Project Delivery: Collaborate with a team of planners, landscape architects, and engineers to deliver multimodal projects, including quick-build intersections, complex bikeway designs, complete streets, and trails.
- Design & Technical Responsibilities: Manage various design tasks such as geometric layout, grading, storm drainage, green infrastructure, signing and striping, and traffic control plans for bicycle, pedestrian, and multimodal projects of all scales.
- Site Visits & Construction Oversight: Conduct site visits to assess existing conditions and monitor construction progress, ensuring that designs are executed according to specifications.
- Project Coordination & Client Interaction: Participate in or lead project coordination meetings, assist in client and sub-consultant communications, and contribute to the preparation of bid-ready Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E) packages.
- Proposal & Planning Support: Support project pursuits by writing scopes of work, preparing fee estimates, and creating technical graphics, while also contributing to grant applications, feasibility studies, and planning documents.
QualificationsRequired
This position requires a combination of skills, experience and education including, but not limited to
- 2-5 years of experience as a Civil Engineer in a consulting environment or at government entity
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or a related field of study.
- Proficient in MicroStation Connect and OpenRoads Designer.
- Experience in, or knowledge of, the field of active transportation and street design.
- Demonstrated understanding and/or experience in preparation of exhibits, concept drawings, and Plans, Specifications and Estimates packages for transportation projects.
- Ability to collaborate with staff members across the company and manage internal team expectations.
- Interest in developing multimodal transportation skills, design proficiency, problem solving skills, and all-around civil transportation proficiency.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and tasks on multiple simultaneous projects involving cross-functional project teams within budgetary and schedule constraints.
- Excellent professional ethics, leadership skills, accountability, and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and analytic skills.
- Proficient in Excel, Word, or similar software.
There are a number of additional skills, experience, and education that would be beneficial to this position including, but not limited to:
- Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or a related field of study.
- Proficient in civil engineering software: GEOPAK, InRoads, AutoCAD, Civil3D.
- Experience in task management for design projects.
- Experience using Deltek Vision.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
What We OfferFlexible ScheduleAlta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values.
CompensationThe pay range for this job in Oakland is $85,000-$115,000 annually. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.
BenefitsAlta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:
- Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans, Alta pays 75% of the cost
- Dental/Vision: PPO, Alta pays 90% of the cost
- Life Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation
- 401(k): Alta provides a safe harbor match up to 4%
- PTO: 21 days accrued annually to start
- Holidays: 11 total company paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave/Short-Term Disability
- Additional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities
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