construction inspector

proposal specialist

senior civil engineer

civil engineer

associate

Michael Baker International

The position was not at all what I applied for. It ended up been like a call center type job where I was answering support calls for 3300 employees and supporting users across the country. No time during the interview was that disclosed, I found that out the hard way on my first day. I was not only responsible for supporting users in my office but all 3300 users in the company.
Extremely short staff and the expectation is that you work for 2 people while been paid for one and then been micro managed because the work is impossible complete on time. No salary increases and not getting paid to be on call. The expectation is that you answer all calls no matter what time and If you do get a call, you are only to record in your timecard the time spent on the call.
I was asked to support everything and anything without been given any info about it. Most the time I was blindsided when people call for support because I was never given any info what so ever. All the time you have to figure it out yourself and wing it which looks extremely bad on the whole IT department but they did not care or where oblivious to it. Forget voicing any concerns with management, they will ignore you.
Some IT departments expect you to support/troubleshoot what they are responsible for and when they implement something new you are the last to know or are not given any info in order to properly support it.
Management is grossly inept. 

In my past work as a Land Surveyor, my past managers have always taught me that we are to be as Professional Land Surveyors who are well trained, educated and know how to do a Professional Land Survey project, which so few others know how to do or are competent in doing. That there are amateurs and there are Professionals which we should aim to be as Professionals by making for a good quality service to the public. We need to make for a Land Survey which the whole public can see and relate to. The Project needs to be of good sound quality which can stand the test of time. At my previous employers, we could always look back at the projects that we had done with Pride knowing we did a good job without question. At MBI, it seemed to be all about making as much money as one could make. They would speak of quality as in QA/QC checks but the bottom line was making money. They wanted the projects to be in and out as quick as possible. The person who was in charge of Mapping had no certification of any kind in Land Surveying and yet he was put in charge. I have to wonder why he has no form of certification, even a Survey Technician certification or a Land Surveyor In Training certification.

Support from immediate supervisors is decent. Time off and personal development is encouraged. The ability to advance is like pulling teeth from an angry bear; there is a lot of talk about how much you are appreciated, but when it comes to advancing/promoting, they suddenly have a hard time hearing. Hiring inequities: having a higher degree or experience might land you no better a starting position than someone with much less education and experience, with no discernible reason aside from who you know, or maybe who you are related to. Training on new systems is often derailed by other work, leaving staff ill-prepared for certain tasks.

I have watched our company grow in size and innovation.  I'm excited to learn more from our local experts and continue to partner with my clients to find solutions.   Michael Baker is privately held yet large enough to chase large complex projects that stretch an engineer, architect, or planner's skillset.   Our culture is work/life balance focused in we are currently working from home.  We can chase big projects, get work done, and still make it to a dentist appointment or a soccer game for our children.
 No one is required to work in the office but it is available if they prefer to be in an office.

Working under the Engineering/Oil and Gas branch of Michael Baker, our team of environmental technicians' purpose was to be the water impoundment company managers. We provided 24 hour water transfer operations that supported the fracking process. Every shift would direct water trucks onto an impoundment pad to safely transfer fresh water or recycled water. Making sure the tanks were full, the water pump was properly maintained, ground sump data levels properly recorded for DEP regulations. Night shift was difficult, and promotions were rare. Good temporary job within the oil and gas division, but I experienced many lay offs due to budgets

The company had just gone private when I joined and from where I sat had no clear focus on where they wanted to go.  They'd taken over a company that had been run by Engineers, and was in need of an infusion of new eyes on the growth potential.  However, the new leadership team which was composed of existing senior management and new "blood" from the investment side and seemed to form a dysfunctional leadership team.

It appears, however, that the pains I witnessed during my tenure have been somewhat solved, the legacy focus of providing  Excellence in Engineering has been replaced with a newer, "what have you done this quarter" philosophy so many companies these days have turned toward.

I love my job. It has allowed me to travel, see new places, and work for some amazing people. There is no job security whatsoever, and there is no room for growth within the company. They do not provide any benefits for their employees, and most of the work is manual labor, outside with exposure to the elements, what ever they may be. The management I worked under are amazing, and they do what they can to help out and make sure everyone has what they need to fulfill the tasks at hand. I have also made some great friends while working for Michael Baker. It is their policies dealing with the well-being of their employees that has lead me to find other employment.

What is the best part of working at the company?
I was terminated cause I worked too much! Really? I missed 6 hours of scheduled work once in 6 months of work!  Some weeks I had 100 hours. Was late once by three minutes. But I wasn’t kept for winter work. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Promised work through the winter then was laid off after working 100 hours regularly. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
If u don’t go to the local gym and work out. You will be terminated or laid off the instance the job slows down 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Before daylight to dark  which is great

A typical day of work has become routine, and not professional challenging to excel. It was a valuable learning experience, I try to learn something new everyday even if it becomes routine, always try to excel and learn for better values. Management needs improvement with the understanding of streamlining a work process. The co-workers are great and cans always be counted on to pick you up on a bad day. The hardest part of the job is being in the heat of the day. And finally the most enjoyable part is getting recognition for a job well done before and under budget.

Very poor management. Little help with project orientation and execution. Management can’t be bothered and implies guidance against policy handbook and then reprimands. Horrible office ethics and employee treatment. Per Diem for trips must come out of your pocket first, and be accounted for, if you don’t use it, it’s not yours. (Shady). Numerous times I traveled out of state and my lodging had not been arranged. I don’t recommend this firm. I encourage both new and senior archaeologists to demand better pay in the field. We are worth more. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Construction inspector 4 salaries reported	$26.80 per hour
Proposal specialist 6 salaries reported	$83,750 per year
Senior civil engineer 3 salaries reported	$82,000 per year
Civil engineer 3 salaries reported	$89,333 per year
Associate 3 salaries reported	$75,000 per year

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