Associate Planner

Associate Planner

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.

The Associate Planner supports public- and agency-based planning efforts by managing a variety of current and long-range planning projects. This role assists with development review, policy analysis, and plan preparation; coordinates with multiple agencies and stakeholders; and provides professional planning guidance related to zoning, land use, and environmental regulations. The Associate Planner contributes to General Plan, Zoning Code, ordinance updates, specialized planning initiatives, conducts research, analysis, and prepares reports and presentations for public meetings and decision-making bodies.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and manages a range of planning projects and assignments, including multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional efforts, from initiation through completion
• Develops and implements long-range and current planning plans, programs, goals, and policies related to citywide initiatives (e.g., transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability)
• Prepares and updates elements of the General Plan and specialized plans; evaluates projects and program proposals for consistency with adopted plans, applicable regulations, and planning best practices
• Reviews development applications and entitlement requests (e.g., site plan/design review, conditional use permits, variances, rezoning requests) for compliance with zoning, subdivision, and municipal code requirements; coordinates review with other departments and agencies
• Provides professional planning guidance and customer service to residents, applicants, citizen groups, and other stakeholders regarding planning policies, processes, zoning and rezoning, ordinance updates, and applicable environmental regulations
• Facilitates public meetings, stakeholder workshops, and interdepartmental discussions; prepares and delivers presentations and represents the Department at Planning Commission and City Council meetings, as assigned
• Conducts research and analysis using maps, plans, reports, and surveys; interprets data to define issues, assess trends, develop alternatives, and make recommendations
• Coordinates environmental review activities (e.g., CEQA) for assigned projects, including preparing or overseeing technical studies and ensuring required findings, conditions, and mitigation measures are documented