Associate Planner

BKF Engineers; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401k

Flexible schedules

Education reimbursement

Job summary

BKF Engineers in Santa Barbara is seeking an Associate Planner to support various planning projects involving public and agency efforts. This role encompasses project management from initiation to completion and includes tasks such as development review and policy analysis.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field, along with three years of professional planning experience. Comprehensive knowledge of municipal planning principles and excellent communication skills are required.

We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits, including flexible schedules and professional development reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in a public agency setting or equivalent.
• Valid California Class C driver's license required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community members and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop long-range planning programs related to city initiatives.
• Prepare and review development applications for compliance.

Skills

Communication

Research and analysis

Project management

Knowledge of planning regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Job description

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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• Three (3) years of professional planning experience in a public agency setting or equivalent experience
• Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driver's record are required.
• Knowledge of municipal planning principles, zoning and land use regulations, and environmental review requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written), facilitate meetings, and work collaboratively with internal staff, community members, and external agencies

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, fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

• The typical base salary range for this position is $83,000.00 - $106,000.00, 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. To learn more click here.

BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.