1

Utility Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

The Service Planner role coordinates from creation to completion of service orders for gas and electric services to utility customers. This role will be supported with training and mentorship to gain ...

S.- and sometimes European - electric utilities, including IOUs, cooperatives, and municipal utilities, while acting as a consistent point of contact for utility planning, large-load, and ...

Industrial Space Planner

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Deep familiarity with utility planning, EHS requirements, and equipment installation/rigging processes. US Salary Range $129,000-$171,000 USD The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a ...

Planner III

Ontario, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

Maintenance Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled maintenance planner to join our team in Sacramento. A successful ... PLC experience a plus - Ability to maintain plant utilities (lighting, water systems, drain systems ...

Maintenance Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled maintenance planner to join our team in Sacramento. A successful ... PLC experience a plus - Ability to maintain plant utilities (lighting, water systems, drain systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Utility Planner information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$68.7K

$111.5K

How much do utility planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility planner in California is $68,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility planner?

A Utility Planner is responsible for coordinating the planning, design, and maintenance of utility infrastructure, such as electrical, water, gas, or telecommunications systems. They assess utility needs, create work plans, ensure compliance with regulations, and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and government agencies. Utility Planners also analyze maps, permits, and project specifications to optimize resource allocation and minimize service disruptions. Their role is essential in maintaining and improving utility networks for residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

What are the typical challenges a utility planner faces in this role?

As a Utility Planner, you may encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments, balancing competing project timelines, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Managing unexpected field conditions or conflicting infrastructure data can also require quick problem-solving and adaptability. The role often involves liaising with engineers, construction teams, and local authorities to align plans with actual site conditions and project goals. Successfully handling these challenges is key to ensuring safe, cost-effective, and timely utility service delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, knowledge of utility systems, and a background in engineering, urban planning, or a related field. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, and understanding of regulatory codes or utility mapping is frequently required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills help coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure precise utility planning, regulatory compliance, and smooth project execution.

How to become a utility planner?

To become a utility planner, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, urban planning, or a related field. Gaining experience in utility operations, project management, or infrastructure design, along with developing skills in GIS software and understanding regulatory requirements, is also important. Professional certifications or licenses can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Planner jobs in California?

The most popular types of Utility Planner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Utility Planner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Utility Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $68,680 per year, or $33 per hour.

Area Water and Wastewater Utility Planning Lead

HDR

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

The primary duties of the Area Water and Wastewater Utility Planning Lead include the technical leadership, planning, leading and managing of Utility Planning projects, working with teams on various utility planning and utility management service-related projects for federal, state and local agencies throughout Southern California.

In the role of Area Water and Wastewater Utility Planning Lead, we'll count on you to:

Management Responsibilities

  • Plan, lead and manage Utility Planning projects, working with teams on various utility infrastructure planning and utility management service-related projects for federal, state and local agencies.
  • Responsible for all aspects of large multidiscipline projects or medium-sized projects with high degree of technical complexity, involving a large project staff
  • Deliver technical products that meet client expectations. Responsible for workload, financial performance, schedule and quality aspects of the projects.
  • Prepare or oversee preparation of technical reports and master planning studies. Primary tasks may include: developing and calibrating water, wastewater, recycled water and storm water hydraulic models, performing GIS data analysis, developing maps and figures, alternatives analysis, system water quality, energy and operations optimization and rehabilitation studies, and developing capital improvement recommendations and plans.
  • Responsible for local and regional utility planning business development, including generating leads, preparing proposals, and leading interviews for new work. Support Regional Water Business Group marketing team in strategic efforts to grow Utility Planning and Utility Management Services programs in the region.
  • Mentor, coach, and train junior staff to improve utility planning-related technical competencies in the region. Implement effective quality assurance and quality control reviews.
  • Participate in local and national professional organization(s) and internal practice groups. Participate in practice and professional discipline groups, project teams and activities to continually improve standards and best practices.

Technical Responsibilities 

  • Mentor, coach, and train junior staff to improve utility planning-related technical competencies in the region. Implement effective quality assurance and quality control reviews.
  • Participate in local and national professional organization(s) and internal practice groups. Participate in practice and professional discipline groups, project teams and activities to continually improve standards and best practices.
  • Provide local leadership of infrastructure planning, modeling, identification of capital improvements, and distribution/collection system operational optimization technical capabilities within the Utility Planning practice area in support of the regional and area Utility Planning leads client development leads.
  • Serve as client manager and project manager on utility planning projects.
  • Build local technical expertise and production capacity through recruitment and training.
  • Participate in support of client development and project pursuits.
  • Facilitate lessons learned for project delivery, processes, trends, successes, strengths and weaknesses.
  • Identifies technical market trends in the local markets.
  • Works with local Water Business Group marketing staff to develop a strategy to capture key types of projects.
  • Works with Water Business Group Marketing Managers to identify and screen key clients with high probability pursuits that align with the Utility Planning strengths and the business trends in the area.          #LI-JF1

Keywords: Area Water and Wastewater Utility Planning Lead, master planning, utility master planning, hydraulic modeling, and utility management services

Preferred Qualifications

  • A Master's degree is desired.
  • Experienced in technical writing for report preparation.
  • Demonstrates willingness to learn and grow skills into new areas.
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of a task or project.
  • Strong communication, technical writing, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Actively engaged in professional or industry associations to enhance HDR technical expertise and brand 
  • Bachelor's degree in a professional, engineering or related field. Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience.
  • Long-term interest in utility master planning, hydraulic modeling, and utility management services is important.
  • 10 years or more water and/or wastewater utility experience or related engineering work.
  • Experienced in development and management of diverse teams.
  • Experience working for a public, municipal, or investor owned water and/or wastewater utility, public works department, engineering consulting firm with project management experience with utility planning and/or management, master planning, hydraulic modeling, general plan or municipal planning, and integrated water resource planning related services for water, sewer, recycled water, and stormwater utilities.
  • Hands on working knowledge in a majority of the following technical areas: Water, Sewer, and stormwater utility master planning, hydraulic modeling (steady state, EPS, and dynamic), water demand and sewer flow generation forecasting, land use planning, water conservation and demand management practices, integrated and conjunctive use water resource planning, water and wastewater regulatory compliance and technical support, sustainability in the water and wastewater utility fields, water distribution and sewer collection system O&M programs, GIS and database management, and knowledge of utility rates and finance issues.
  • Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values
  • Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience experienced in development and management of diverse teams
  • Works cooperatively with other area business class leaders, operations managers, technical directors and marketing managers on business class efforts
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 10 years related experience
  • A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
  • Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
  • Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917