Utility Planner - Pacific Northwest

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. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

Lotus Water and BKF are proud to have merged, this position sits within the Water Resilience Practice of the Water Business Line. We help communities plan and deliver resilient water infrastructure solutions that balance technical performance, environmental stewardship, and community benefit. Our work spans water, wastewater, stormwater, flood resilience, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions across the West Coast.

We are looking for a Utility Planner to join our growing Pacific Northwest team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bridging technical analysis, planning, policy, and program development to help utilities solve complex urban infrastructure challenges.

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.

This position is well suited for individuals with backgrounds in engineering, urban planning, environmental planning, water resources, or related disciplines who are passionate about climate resilience, public infrastructure, and collaborative problem solving.

• Support utility planning projects related to water, wastewater, stormwater, and flood resilience.
• Conduct technical and policy research, data analysis, and infrastructure assessments.
• Assist 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.
• Coordinate with engineers, planners, public agencies, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement, workshops, and public‑facing planning processes.
• Support program development, funding strategy, and implementation planning initiatives.
• Track emerging trends, policies, and best practices in utility planning and resilience.

• 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 Conditions:
Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high‑stress,…