Archives for December 2024

Urban Planner Jobs Outlook in the Golden State

Urban Planner Jobs: Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Urban planning is more than just a career—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of our cities and communities. Whether you’re designing the next big urban space or improving the sustainability of existing areas, Urban Planner jobs are in high demand, especially in bustling areas like California. If you’re considering a career in this growing field, here’s what the future holds for you.

Are Urban Planner Jobs Popular?

Absolutely. California leads the charge in this industry, employing over 6,500 Urban Planners—more than triple the number in states like Texas or Washington. Urban Planner jobs are spread across industries like architecture, government, consulting, education, nonprofits, and more. So, if you’re looking to make an impact, there’s no shortage of options.

Interestingly, Urban Planner roles don’t always carry that title. You might find similar positions under names like:

  • Development Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Associate Planner
  • Research Associate
  • Consultant
  • Urban Designer

This versatility means your skills can open doors in many directions, making Urban Planning an exciting and flexible career choice.

A Bright Future for Urban Planners

The demand for Urban Planners isn’t slowing down. In fact, with urban populations expected to soar—70% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, according to the World Bank—this field is set to boom. Urban Planners will play a crucial role in building sustainable living spaces, workplaces, and transportation systems.

Here in the U.S., the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 3,600 Urban Planner job openings annually, driven by new opportunities and retirements. Median pay in 2023 was around $80,000 per year, and these figures are expected to grow as cities invest more in sustainable development and infrastructure.

What Do You Need to Land an Urban Planner Job?

Most Urban Planner positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, though a master’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field is often preferred. Hands-on experience through internships or related jobs can also give you a competitive edge.

How Certis Solutions Helps Connect You with Urban Planner Jobs

Urban Planning firms need skilled professionals who can collaborate, innovate, and deliver long-lasting solutions. That’s where Certis Solutions comes in.

Our mission? To connect talented Urban Planners with the right opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how we do it:

  • Specialized Talent Pools: We build a roster of skilled professionals, ready to match with firms looking for top talent.
  • Just-in-Time Workforce Solutions: We identify gaps in project teams and fill them quickly, so projects stay on track.
  • Flexible Hiring Options: Whether you’re looking for permanent positions or project-based roles, we’ve got options to fit your career goals.
  • Dedicated Project Managers: Our experienced managers act as your single point of contact, ensuring seamless communication and placement.

Why Work with Certis Solutions?

Urban Planners are shaping the future, and Certis Solutions is here to make sure you have the tools and connections you need to succeed. From finding the right roles to helping firms build winning teams, we’re committed to supporting the industry’s growth—and your career.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Certis Solutions today and let’s build something great together.

Mechanical Engineering Jobs: Roles and Requirements

What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do? A Guide to Mechanical Engineering Jobs

Mechanical Engineering is one of the most popular fields in the world of engineering. But what exactly does a Mechanical Engineer do? Let’s dive into the key duties, responsibilities, and requirements for Mechanical Engineering jobs in a way that’s easy to understand.

What’s a Mechanical Engineer’s Job?

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test all kinds of mechanical devices and systems—think machines, tools, and engines. And here’s the kicker: they’re not just limited to the tech industry. Any business that uses mechanical systems needs someone to keep things running smoothly. That’s where Mechanical Engineers come in.

You’ll find these engineers in places like the military, IT, high-tech manufacturing, commercial properties, and beyond. They’re often the go-to experts with knowledge most team members don’t have. Whether it’s teaching people how to use tools or setting up systems that work even when they’re not around, Mechanical Engineers are key players.

The Skills You Need

Mechanical Engineers need a strong foundation in:

  • Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Hydraulics
  • Heat Transfer

But don’t worry—these skills can be developed further on the job. And since engineers work closely with others, soft skills like communication and patience are a must.

What Does the Job Involve?

Here’s a quick rundown of what Mechanical Engineers typically do:

  • Design and test products and production equipment.
  • Analyze systems and find ways to improve them.
  • Work with complex mechanical systems and detailed designs.
  • Plan, build, and test new projects.
  • Take on leadership roles during production phases.
  • Keep projects on track with schedules, budgets, and resources.
  • Share updates with the team and pitch ideas for improvement.
  • Write reports or whitepapers explaining how systems work.
  • Always look for ways to make designs and processes better.
  • Align your work with the company’s goals to ensure top-notch results.

What You Need to Get Started

Mechanical Engineering isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Most companies look for:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Two to five years of experience in a relevant role.

Experience can vary depending on the project, but having worked with clients to meet their goals and specs is a big plus. Other must-knows include:

  • Raw materials and production processes.
  • Quality control practices.
  • Keeping costs under control to hit business goals.

Traits That Help You Shine

Want to stand out as a Mechanical Engineer? Here’s what can help:

  • Align with your company’s mission and values.
  • Stay up to date on what competitors are doing.
  • Be a strong communicator who can explain technical ideas clearly.
  • Show initiative by improving designs and processes.
  • Stay curious and keep learning to grow your skills.
  • Be detail-oriented and organized—small mistakes can make a big difference in this field.

How Certis Solutions Can Help

At Certis Solutions, we’re all about connecting top talent with the best engineering opportunities. Whether you’re into Mechanical Engineering, geotechnical, transportation, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other fields, we’ve got you covered. Ready to find your next great role? Contact us today and let’s make it happen!

7 Tips For a Successful Engineering Job Search

All signs point toward a booming year for engineering careers in 2025. If you were considering searching for engineering jobs, this would be the time to make your move. However, even those who have landed engineering positions in the past might need some engineering job search tips. This blog will provide a few here to get you started. 

#1 Participate in industry networking events

Whether you’re a veteran to the engineering industry, or trying to break into the field at entry-level positions, networking will be your first and most vital step. For engineers specifically, networking isn’t just about trying to land jobs. Success in engineering is all about constant learning and self-education. 

Networking provides a way to connect with potential employers but also provides the opportunity to expand your skill set. You can possibly find out what training and certification other engineers are using to expand their resumes. 

Of course, job connections are also critical. Many engineering projects only operate for a limited time. Being forewarned of upcoming projects is critical to finding continuing success in the engineering field. You can have the best resume and cover letter out there, but they’re useless if you don’t know where to submit them. 

#2 Get varied references

A resume with a portfolio of completed projects is certainly a bonus when looking for engineering jobs. However, references are going to be just as important when it comes to landing new positions. 

On any professional engineering project, even the slightest lapse in skill, talent or experience can spell disaster. Project leads looking to hire engineers want proof of competency from people they can contact.

This doesn’t mean your references must be from colleagues and employers. Mentor figures, educators, and alumni associations are also great places to look for references for engineering positions.

#3 Keep your portfolio up-to-date with specialized skills

As mentioned, constant skill refinement is essential for finding continuing success with engineering jobs. Engineering talent acquisition is all about finding the broadest range of skills to deal with the widest range of problems. This is why continuing to train and fill up your portfolio with more specialized skills is essential.

Engineering is a wide field, which leaves ample room for specialization. Learning new skills and talents makes you a more attractive candidate, and allows you to adapt to a greater range of new engineering roles. A civil engineer who understands the fundamentals of being a mechanical engineer or an electrical engineer will thrive on a variety of projects. 

#4 Tap LinkedIn 

Those new to using LinkedIn might assume that it’s simply a job board. However, there’s a lot more you can get out of social networking sites like LinkedIn. The best way to approach this is to be proactive. Rather than wait for job openings, follow your preferred firms, and the people working at them. 

Look for news of relevant openings and apply to them. You can also use LinkedIn to find the websites of the firms you’re interested in. Their own sites might have information on job postings that can’t be found anywhere else. 

#5 Invest in a professional career consultant 

Sometimes the issue with a successful job search isn’t the rejection. The issue is you can’t find the job that best fits your skills, or don’t know where to start working. If you’re having trouble getting started, a professional career consultant can help make the path ahead clearer for you. 

You’re an expert in engineering, but not necessarily an expert in job-searching and that’s alright. An engineer knows it’s best to leave a task to the professionals, so why not get assistance? 

#6 Showcase your skills

Engineering is a profession that’s all about achieving tangible results. Very often, a resume isn’t able to convey your skills and accomplishments on its own. This is why it’s essential you pay as much attention, if not more, to your portfolio. 

If you’re specialized in computer-assisted design, for example, always have examples of your best work on hand to show to prospective employers. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Video footage of a project you’ve worked on, for example, can leave a big impression. 

#7 Use technical staffing agencies

If you’re struggling to make that final connection with top firms, it can be worth your time to look into firms that specialize in providing engineering talent acquisition to AEC companies. Technical staffing agencies mean that engineering companies end up looking for you, rather than the other way around. They’re one of the best ways to gain access to job opportunities that aren’t listed on most job sites. 

Find companies recruiting engineering talent with Certis

Sometimes, despite all the engineer job search tips, your career still isn’t heading in the direction you’d prefer. You need to reach beyond job listings, and get your resume directly in front of hiring managers. 
Working with a technical staffing agency like Certis can ensure  your skills are brought to the attention of the best companies in the AEC field in California. By contacting us today, you can start to move your engineering career in the direction of your choice. Make your job search work for you, with Certis Solutions.

Construction Safety Jobs: Top Resume Tips

Health and safety are vital protocols for every construction site. For those looking for Construction Safety Manager jobs, it’s important to understand the best way to write a resume. Here are some top tips for writing a Construction Safety job resume. 

How to land Construction Safety jobs

Hiring managers will be looking for a few specific skills and character traits when hiring for Construction Safety jobs. It’s a position they need to be qualified for and diligent about maintaining the health and safety of the team working at a construction site.

Those working in Construction Safety jobs are responsible for maintaining industry standards and regulations. They’re generally in charge of implementing safety policies, evaluating construction sites, eliminating health and safety risks, training others, and developing emergency procedures. This is a person that must be prepared for any scenario with the ability to adapt quickly if there’s a change in what they foresaw.

Resumes should be well written like for any other position, but there should be a higher focus on occupational health expertise, observation, leadership, resilience, and technical expertise. Construction firms aren’t going to hire anyone for Safety Manager jobs. If it’s a position that monitors the health and safety of others, there must be significant qualities backing up an applicant.

Resume tips for Construction Safety Manager jobs

Hiring managers will have a lot to sift through. There are quality candidates that get overlooked all the time because their resumes aren’t doing their job. A resume needs to hook the viewer and immediately provide information as to why this applicant should be considered.

Professional summary

This section should be right at the top of the resume following the contact information. In a professional summary, write a succinct few sentences about overall goals and experience. Make this engaging enough that the viewer wants to read on. This section should be geared toward the values of the company and what they’re hiring for.

Core qualifications

Follow with core qualifications in an easy-to-read format so the most information can be consumed quickly. Core qualifications should be specified to mirror Construction Safety jobs. Include qualifications that apply directly to the position. Have a mix of tangible and intangible qualities.

Experience

In this section, there’s space to include more information. Focus on including points on how you have helped businesses in the past, not just what you did for them. For example, instead of saying “Conducted regular worksite inspections,” show how that benefited the company by adding “Conducted regular worksite inspections to lower the risk rate by 10 percent.”

Hiring firms like to see what the impact was, not just what was done. How was the position taken above and beyond? Make sure the experience section is related to Safety Manager jobs, not just a general summary of work experience.

How to stand out as a Construction Safety Manager

The key is to offer more skills than just safety-related skills. Safety is a huge part of Construction Safety jobs, but the other huge part is working with a team. Offer skills like communication, empathy, and reliability because safety manager jobs are there to keep a team and site safe. To continue to maintain a quality site, there must be communication and understanding between members.

Approach Construction Safety jobs with a personal mission, not just the hopes of securing a job. A personal mission shows employers what drives you. And if it’s a mission that coincides with the business’s values, that’s a plus. Personal goals mean there’s more reason and significance for someone to work in that role.

Always acquire more certifications. There are plenty of certifications to acquire that show not only an additional skill and qualification, but also initiative, drive, diligence, and commitment. And when it comes down to choosing between a few great candidates, more certifications that can help in the workplace can get you the job over others.

Lastly, consider taking part in volunteer leadership positions. This shows that there’s even more leadership experience to apply to other scenarios and that you’re not against volunteering your time to learn more and help others.
Certis Solutions connects the right people with the right jobs. For more support with Construction Safety jobs, contact us.