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Development Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Planner

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site +1

$81K - $114K/yr

ASSISTANT PLANNER / ASSOCIATE PLANNER To perform professional, technical, statistical and ... Review and analyze proposed minor development projects for conformance with adopted City plans ...

Director of Development

Stockton, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Fund Development Planning & Revenue Strategy * Build and execute an annual regional fundraising plan, in partnership with the Regional ED, with clear targets by source (foundations, corporations ...

Planner

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $128K/yr

This role will work on planning and development decisions that may affect parks, open space, and natural resources, helping the District understand potential impacts and identify opportunities to ...

Associate Demand Planner

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As an Associate Demand Planner, you will play an integral part in Penumbra's manufacturing process. You will be responsible for organizing demand inputs to create forecasts needed to support the ...

Showing results 41-60

Development Planner information

See California salary details

$38K

$72.1K

$99.7K

How much do development planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for development planner in California is $72,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectDevelopment PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or related field; certifications may varyBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, private development firms, consulting companiesMunicipalities, government agencies, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on development projects, land use planning, and project implementationFocuses on city-wide planning, zoning, and community development

Development Planners primarily focus on managing specific development projects and land use within a broader urban context. Urban Planners have a wider scope, shaping city policies and long-term community growth. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How do you become a development planner?

To become a development planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field is required, often complemented by relevant work experience or internships. Professional certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

Is being a development planner a good career?

A development planner is a professional involved in urban and regional planning, focusing on land use, infrastructure, and community development. The role typically requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of planning regulations, and proficiency with planning tools like GIS. It offers opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and private development companies, with career growth depending on experience and certifications such as AICP.

What cities in California are hiring for Development Planner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Development Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,057 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Vice President, Business Development - Planning & Government Solutions

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

BKF
Civil Engineering Constructionย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and execution of business development strategies to expand market share and achieve financial goals within the Planning and Government Solutions Division.

  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities, manage complex pursuit strategies, and lead proposal efforts to secure projects in water, transportation, and related sectors.

  • Oversee and support regional business development teams, collaborate with key stakeholders, and represent the company at industry events to promote brand visibility and client relationships.


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 Vice President of Business Development will lead strategic growth initiatives and achieve annual financial goals (bookings, book-to-burn, and weighted pipeline within the Planning and Government Solutions Division. BKF’s Planning and Government Solutions Division provides services across a wide range of markets including government, transportation, water, power/utilities and land development. In concert with the Planning and Government Solutions Division leadership team, select Division Priority and Emerging Clients annually and determine the annual financial goals for each client. Along with Regional Business Development Directors, this role involves working closely with seller doers and Key Client Leaders to develop and execute client-focused strategies to expand our market share and strengthen our brand across the West Coast.

As a key member of the corporate business development leadership team, you will provide overall direction to achieve sustainable and profitable growth within our Planning and Government Solutions Division. This role is responsible for driving market expansion, client acquisition, and revenue growth. The VP will oversee a team of Regional Business Development Directors and Managers, working closely with them to execute each initiative. The VP will collaborate closely with senior leadership, the Key Client Team, Marketing Leadership, and other BD Leaders to align business development efforts with the company’s overarching goals of growing BKF’s reputation as a leader in the AEC industry. This includes developing and expanding the geographic market by effectively partnering with top client/agency leaders, as well as forming strategic industry alliances. Leverage your key contacts within government agencies and other engineering and construction companies to develop project and program opportunities proactively.

This position reports directly to Chief Business Development Officer and indirectly to EVP Planning and Government Solutions. This role is responsible for managing other Business Development leaders across our strategic geographies in Northern California. This is an external facing position that must be based in one of our Northern California office locations. While a combination of virtual and in-office presence is expected, frequent travel will be required across all BKF’s regions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a comprehensive BD program annual financial goals (bookings, book-to-burn, and weighted pipeline) for the Division.
  • Develop and execute business development strategies for planning and government services sectors to enhance market share and profitability.
  • Identify synergies for cross-selling existing and new service lines.
  • Build and implement effective sales/marketing initiatives to drive market growth.
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities in water and transportation, fostering strong client relationships and partnerships.
  • Drive the Pursuit to Win process of business development from opportunity creation/identification through contract negotiation.
  • Manage complex win strategies and proposal efforts that entail both conventional/traditional contract and procurement methods as well as collaborative/alternative project delivery methods.
  • Uncover and lead Strategic Pursuits to wins.
  • Reporting to the CBDO, helping execute corporate strategy for the planning and government services vertical.
  • Collaborates with other division market leaders to ensure cross-selling is maximized.
  • Support and mentor Regional BD Directors in implementing regional growth plans and networking initiatives.
  • Provide strategic direction to the planning and government services marketing leader for key pursuits and go/no-go direction.
  • Optimize the sales funnel and client engagement processes for sustainable growth.
  • Facilitate and improve client experience, satisfaction, and loyalty through all touchpoints.
  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to promote brand visibility and thought leadership, requiring attendance at after-hour client events.
  • Ensures business development plans and budgets are planned, executed, and captured in CRM.
  • Ensures public agency and target client budgets are acquired and analyzed annually and utilized for business development planning.
  • Ensures that all client relationship activities are captured in CRM.
  • Actively communicate and collaborate with the internal Marketing & Business Development Team.
  • Ensure updated and accurate pipeline for the Planning & Government Division.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in business development, marketing leadership, and strategic planning within the A/E/C or infrastructure services sectors, preferably in California.
  • Located next to one of BKF’s Northern California offices.
  • Proven success in leading teams, managing client relationships, strategic selling, and driving revenue growth.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
  • Deep understanding of the over all life of a project (planning, design, construction/ and land development).
  • Proven leader in client relationship management, strategic planning, strategic teaming and proposal strategy and negotiation.
  • Ability to leverage your key contacts with private organizations and state and municipal agencies within the region and build a robust sales pipeline for BKF.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Experience with CRM systems and data-driven business development practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to create impactful differentiated value propositions.
  • Skilled in coaching seller/doers and others in client relationship development and management.
  • Established relationship with strategic clients and a broad network of contacts in California relevant to the Planning & Government Division.

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 $170,000.00 - $250,000.00, 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.

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