Design Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design Associate - Los Angeles, CA

Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA

Why Join Our Team

Join a collaborative team supporting one of the nation's largest community college capital improvement programs. As a Design Associate, you will play an integral role in supporting the planning, design, and construction of educational facility projects. Working alongside architects, engineers, planners, and project teams, you'll help ensure projects are delivered in compliance with District standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices while contributing to facilities that positively impact students and communities.

About Your Role

The Design Associate provides technical and administrative support to the Planning and Development team throughout the planning, design, and construction phases of educational facility projects. Working with District staff, consultants, and multiple stakeholders, this position assists with design coordination, document review, contract administration support, research, reporting, and project documentation.

The successful candidate will review architectural, engineering, and planning documents for compliance with District standards and applicable codes, coordinate with internal departments, organize project information, and support project teams to help ensure successful delivery of capital improvement projects.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Engineering, Planning, or a closely related field.

What You'll Need to Get the Job Done

• Minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional experience in an architecture, engineering, or planning environment.
• Three (3) years of experience supporting the planning, design, or construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects.
• Experience coordinating architectural, engineering, and planning disciplines.
• Experience conducting field investigations, surveys, and reviewing design documents.
• Knowledge of architectural, engineering, and planning terminology, concepts, symbols, and technical detailing.
• Familiarity with research methods, planning studies, surveys, and data collection techniques.
• Knowledge of California Department of Education requirements, Division of the State Architect (DSA), California Building Code, ADA, Title 24, CalGreen, fire codes, and related regulations.
• Ability to analyze architectural, engineering, and planning issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local building codes applicable to educational facilities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile, interpret, and summarize technical information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and Revit.
• Experience using computer databases and related software applications.

What You'll Do

• Support Planning and Development staff in the planning, design, and construction of educational facility projects.
• Assist with the administration of architectural and engineering contracts and related consultant services.
• Read, interpret, and review architectural, engineering, and planning drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Review plans and design documentation for compliance with District standards and applicable federal, state, and local codes.
• Assist in preparing reports, studies, presentations, and project research.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and summarize technical data to support project planning and decision-making.
• Maintain and update project files, records, and technical documentation.
• Prepare and review internal documentation, including architectural and engineering contracts, consultant invoices, and related project approvals.
• Coordinate project activities with District departments, including Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, Furniture & Interiors, Project Execution, and Local Districts.
• Participate in field investigations, surveys, and project coordination meetings as required.
• Support community outreach and engagement activities related to District building projects.
• Assist project teams in resolving design-related issues and coordinating multidisciplinary project activities.
• Perform other design and planning support duties as assigned.

What You Can Expect

• Opportunity to support one of the largest community college capital improvement programs in the nation.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.
• Exposure to large-scale educational facility planning, design, and construction projects.
• Professional growth and career development opportunities.
• A culture focused on collaboration, innovation, accountability, and excellence.

Salary

• $143,000.00 - $151,000.00 annually

Bonus Opportunity

Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonus opportunities based on individual performance, utilization, attendance, tenure, and the achievement of company goals.

Benefits

CMTS offers a comprehensive benefits package including 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, 401(k), paid time off, professional development opportunities, and career advancement pathways.

Apply Now!

www.cmtsllc.com/careers

Equal Employment Opportunity

CMTS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.