Utility Planner - Pacific Northwest

Position Overview

The Utility Planner will support planning and strategy projects for public-sector utility clients focused on water, wastewater, stormwater, and integrated urban watershed systems. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical foundation, curiosity about infrastructure systems, and interest in shaping resilient and sustainable utility programs.

Responsibilities

• Support utility planning projects related to water, wastewater, stormwater, and flood resilience
• Conduct technical and policy research, data analysis, and infrastructure assessments
• Affiliate with capital improvement planning and long-range infrastructure strategy development
• Support development of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure programs
• Contribute to watershed planning, climate resilience, and integrated utility planning efforts
• Prepare technical memoranda, presentations, maps, graphics, and planning documents
• Cook with stakeholders, workshops, and public-facing planning processes
• Support program development, funding strategy, and implementation planning initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Public Policy, or related field
• 3-10 years of relevant professional experience preferred
• Technical understanding of urban water, wastewater, and stormwater systems
• Familiarity with utility infrastructure planning principles and capital planning processes
• Interest in nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, and climate adaptation strategies
• Interest in public policy, program development, and implementation strategy
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Proficiency across Microsoft Office/365, Adobe CSS, and online collaboration tools
• Ability to collaborate across technical and planning disciplines
• Ability to work independently to navigate ambiguity and tackle the unfamiliar with curiosity
• Experience working with public agencies or utility clients is preferred
• GIS, data visualization, or analytical skills are a plus

Physical Demands

• Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
• Work in a constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting.
• Work in a high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on meaningful climate resilience and infrastructure projects
• Collaborative and mission-driven team environment
• Exposure to complex and high-profile utility planning efforts across the Pacific Northwest
• Flexible and hybrid work environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development

Location

Pacific Northwest Region - Seattle preferred, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements.

Benefits

• Typical base salary range for this position is $79,168 - $155,927, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.
• This is a salary position paid biweekly.
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
• Generous paid time off packages
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Flexible schedules
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
• BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks.

Company Information

• BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.
• BKF has offices throughout California and the Portland area, serving transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.
• We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.