[1] After Baumgartner finished school, he received a doctorate in economic and social sciences.
From 1974 to 1988, he was on the Directorate Secretary on the Swiss Federal Office for Housing.
From 1977 to 1988, he was a representative of the Social Democratic Party member of the Bern City Council; In 1987, he was a town councilor.
He was elected to the Bernese council in 1989 and worked there until 1992 as a welfare and health director.
He was succeeded by Alexander Tschäppät.