Planning & Design Technologist 1

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Planning & Design Technologist 1
Company: FortisBC
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Category: Operations & Technical Planning
Date Posted: October 15, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the planning and design of gas supply installations for customers, ensuring adherence to established service, product definitions, and pricing guidelines.
• Responsibilities include processing routine project requests efficiently and professionally, adhering to company policies and procedures.
• The position requires strong coordination skills for gas supply projects, from defining customer needs to scheduling work and managing materials.
• It involves detailed technical work, including reviewing utility data, land base considerations, and creating electronic layout or engineering drawings within defined operational parameters.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title includes "Technologist," the core responsibilities and requirements lean heavily into operational planning, project coordination, and customer-facing technical support within the utility sector. This role is crucial for the efficient delivery of gas infrastructure services to builders and developers, making it a key component of FortisBC's GTM (Go-to-Market) operational support for new construction and service expansions. The "1" in the title suggests an entry-level or junior technologist role within this specialized planning function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Coordination: Define customer requirements, scope projects, create and maintain customer data, and ensure collection of all service product requirements.
• Customer Engagement: Explain FortisBC processes, procedures, and requirements to customers, inform them of installation prices, and convey related permit requirements.
• Technical Planning & Design: Select appropriate service products and pricing, review foreign utility data, legal land base considerations, and geography to determine optimal gas layout and depth per FortisBC standards.
• Work Order Management: Schedule work with customers by checking crew capacity and material availability, and create detailed work orders for installations.
• Process Adherence: Process jobs within specified limits (pipe sizing up to 219 mm, meter load profiles < 400 m³/hr, both Distribution and Intermediate Pressure systems), including review of utility data, legal land base, and geography for layout and depth.
• Documentation & Estimation: Complete electronic layouts or engineering drawings, confirm and update pipe sizing per System Planning, identify and requisition required materials, and complete detailed cost estimates.
• Economic Analysis: Utilize economic test tools to determine installation pricing and process billable and non-billable orders.
• Regulatory Compliance: Explain FortisBC procedures, policies, rate processes, and municipal, provincial, and federal regulations to customers.
• Customer Relations: Build and maintain relationships with current, repeat, and potential customers and external contacts, responding to inquiries regarding installation costs, bill calculations, and work scheduling.
• Issue Resolution: Respond to operational and maintenance issues such as overbuilds, metering consolidations/de-consolidations, meter protection, commercial/industrial metering assembly upgrades, corrosion maintenance, IP service line additions/removals, and complex main/valve adjustments.
• Team Direction: Provide direction to Planning and Design Technicians and Operations Support Representatives within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical planning, customer interaction, and operational execution. The specific limitations on pipe sizing and meter load profiles indicate this is a role focused on standard residential and small commercial installations, rather than large industrial projects. The emphasis on "economic test tools" and "pricing of installations" points towards a strong financial and analytical component within the operational planning process, crucial for GTM strategy alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A technology diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution in a directly related field is required. Eligibility for registration with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) is also a mandatory requirement.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of directly related, relevant work experience is necessary, demonstrating practical application of planning and design principles within a utility or similar infrastructure environment.

Required Skills:

• Technical Planning: Ability to plan gas supply installations, including defining project scope, customer requirements, and selecting appropriate service products and pricing.
• Software Proficiency: Working knowledge of computer systems operations, environment, and peripherals, with proficiency in SAP and the suite of MS Office products.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks effectively, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, particularly during peak workload periods.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, including telephone call handling skills, with the ability to respond tactfully and diplomatically to difficult or demanding situations.
• Customer Service: Professional and courteous demeanor in dealing with internal and external contacts and customers, with strong interpersonal skills to manage inquiries and build relationships.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze and resolve technical problems, understanding the implications of costs, risks, operability, and safety.
• Analytical Skills: Sound analytical and decision-making abilities to evaluate technical data and make informed choices.
• Driving: A valid Class 5 British Columbia Driver’s license is required for site visits and other fieldwork.
• Independent Work: Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage workload autonomously.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD/Design Software: Familiarity with CAD or other engineering drawing software for creating electronic layouts and engineering drawings.
• Utility Operations Knowledge: Deeper understanding of utility operations, specifically gas distribution and intermediate pressure systems, including relevant regulations and standards.
• Estimating Software: Experience with cost estimation tools or software relevant to infrastructure projects.
• Capacity Planning Tools: Familiarity with tools or methodologies used for crew capacity planning and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for ASTTBC registration strongly indicates a need for a formal, recognized technical background. The specified software (SAP, MS Office) points to standard enterprise systems, common in large organizations. The blend of technical, organizational, and communication skills suggests a role that bridges technical execution with business operations and customer engagement, a hallmark of effective GTM support. The "2 years directly related experience" combined with the diploma suggests an "early-career" professional within a specialized technical operations field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Planning Case Studies: Examples demonstrating the ability to plan and scope infrastructure installation projects, from initial customer contact to final work order creation.
• Technical Drawing Samples: Visual representations of electronic layouts or engineering drawings created for gas installation projects, showcasing adherence to standards and clarity.
• Customer Interaction Scenarios: Documentation or descriptions of how complex customer inquiries were handled, demonstrating problem-solving and effective communication in a service delivery context.
• Process Improvement Examples: Evidence of identifying inefficiencies in planning or processing workflows and proposing or implementing solutions that improved efficiency or accuracy.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Documented workflows for gas installation projects, detailing steps from initial request to final scheduling and work order generation.
• System Integration: Examples showing how different systems (e.g., SAP, MS Office, potential CAD tools) were used in conjunction to manage project data and facilitate planning.
• Performance Metrics: Any metrics or KPIs used to track the efficiency and success of planning and design processes, such as turnaround time for job processing or customer satisfaction related to planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is less about traditional GTM sales collateral and more about demonstrating practical technical and operational execution. Candidates should highlight projects where they managed the planning lifecycle, demonstrated technical aptitude in design, and effectively managed customer expectations within defined operational constraints. This is crucial for showcasing their ability to execute within FortisBC's established operational framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided bi-weekly salary of $3,104.00 and assuming a standard 26 bi-weekly pay periods per year, the annual salary is approximately $80,704 CAD. This falls within the typical range for a Planning & Design Technologist 1 position in the Burnaby, BC area with 2-5 years of experience in the utility sector.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Likely includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, potentially with wellness programs.
• Retirement Savings: Eligible employees may participate in a pension plan or other retirement savings programs.
• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation time, sick leave, and statutory holidays, as per company policy and union agreements.
• Short-term Incentive: The posting indicates "No" for Short-term Incentive eligibility, suggesting this role is not performance-incentive based beyond the base salary.
• Workplace Flexibility: The posting indicates "No" for Workplace Flexibility, confirming this is an on-site role.

Working Hours: This is a Full-Time Regular position. The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with a bi-weekly pay cycle. The posting does not indicate any specific flexible work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary figure of $3,104.00 bi-weekly translates to an annual salary of approximately $80,704 CAD. This is a solid salary for an early-career technologist in BC. The mention of "MoveUP affiliation" suggests the role is covered by a union agreement, which often dictates specific benefit packages and HR policies. The explicit "No" for workplace flexibility confirms the on-site nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (Natural Gas, Electricity, Propane, Renewable Energy). FortisBC operates as British Columbia's largest energy utility, providing essential services to over 1.3 million customers. This industry context implies a focus on safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Company Size: Over 2,700 employees. This indicates a large, established organization with structured departments and established processes, providing stability and resources for operations.

Founded: Over 100 years of knowledge and experience. FortisBC has a long history, suggesting a strong foundation, established operational practices, and a deep understanding of the energy sector in British Columbia.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Specialization: The role likely sits within a department focused on customer service, engineering support, or operational planning for gas infrastructure.
• Reporting Hierarchy: Reports to a supervisor or manager responsible for planning and design operations, with direct reports or guidance provided to Planning and Design Technicians and Operations Support Representatives.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Will require close collaboration with internal departments such as System Planning, Engineering, Field Operations, Customer Service, and potentially external stakeholders like municipalities, developers, and utility companies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Planning: Utilizes customer data, load profiles, and service product definitions to inform planning decisions.
• Process Standardization: Adheres to established policies, procedures, and FortisBC standards for all planning and design activities.
• Economic Evaluation: Employs economic test tools to ensure cost-effectiveness of installations.
• Safety & Compliance: Prioritizes safety and regulatory compliance in all aspects of project planning and execution.

Company Website: https://www.fortisbc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: FortisBC's status as a major utility means operational excellence, safety, and customer reliability are paramount. The company's commitment to being one of BC's Top Employers suggests a focus on employee development, a positive work environment, and a commitment to community. The long history implies mature operational processes and a stable, albeit potentially traditional, corporate culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to early-career technologist role (Technologist 1). It serves as a foundational position within the planning and design function, focusing on executing established procedures for routine projects.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a planning or operations supervisor. While providing direction to junior technicians and support staff, it is not a leadership role with direct P&L responsibility but rather operational execution oversight.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the efficiency and customer satisfaction of new gas service installations. By accurately planning and costing projects, it contributes to timely service delivery, customer retention, and revenue generation for new developments. Efficient planning minimizes costly rework and ensures compliance, reducing operational risks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to develop expertise in specific areas of gas infrastructure planning, such as advanced metering, complex routing, or specific customer segments (e.g., large developers).
• Senior Technologist Roles: Progression to a Planning & Design Technologist 2 or Senior Technologist role, handling more complex projects and offering greater technical guidance.
• Cross-functional Moves: Opportunities to transition into related operational roles, such as project management, field operations coordination, or customer account management, leveraging acquired utility and customer service knowledge.
• Leadership Development: With demonstrated performance and further development, potential pathways into supervisory or team lead roles within operations or planning departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Technologist 1" designation is key here. It implies a structured career path within FortisBC, where foundational technical skills are developed before moving to more complex responsibilities. Growth would likely involve mastering the current role's complexities and then taking on more challenging projects or leadership responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a typical corporate office environment within a FortisBC facility in Burnaby. This environment would likely support collaborative work and access to necessary technical resources.

Office Location(s): Burnaby, British Columbia. This location is a major urban center with good transit accessibility, making it convenient for employees commuting from various parts of the Lower Mainland.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms and common areas for team discussions, customer meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.
• Technology Access: Equipped with the necessary computer hardware and software (SAP, MS Office, potentially CAD) to perform job duties.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues in planning, design, and operations support, fostering a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, within typical business hours. The explicit mention of "No Workplace Flexibility" confirms a fixed on-site schedule, which is common for roles requiring direct collaboration and access to specific office resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a critical factor for candidates. This environment is designed for focused technical work and direct team collaboration, essential for the planning and coordination aspects of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and qualifications review, potentially with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic fit.
• Technical Interview: Likely includes questions focused on technical planning knowledge, problem-solving scenarios, and software proficiency (SAP, MS Office). Candidates may be asked to discuss past projects or hypothetical situations related to gas installation planning.
• Behavioral Interview: Assesses communication skills, teamwork, ability to handle pressure, and customer service approach. Questions will relate to how candidates have handled difficult situations, managed priorities, and worked independently or in teams.
• Portfolio Review (if applicable): While not explicitly stated for this entry-level role, candidates with a portfolio may be asked to present examples of their work, particularly technical drawings or project planning documentation, to demonstrate practical skills.
• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a discussion with senior management or a director and will cover overall fit with the company culture and operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Focus on demonstrating the entire planning process from initial customer contact through to work order generation.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to show efficiency gains, cost savings, or successful project completion rates in past roles.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples of technical drawings, site plans, or project scopes that clearly illustrate understanding of utility infrastructure and regulatory requirements.
• Emphasize Customer Focus: Provide examples of how you successfully managed customer expectations, resolved issues, and ensured satisfaction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical questions about planning a gas installation for a specific scenario (e.g., a new housing development, a commercial building).
• Technical Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would approach a technical challenge, such as an unexpected site condition or a conflict with existing utilities.
• Process Optimization: Think about how you would improve the efficiency or accuracy of the current planning process, considering the tools and constraints mentioned in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Technologist 1" level, the interview process will likely emphasize foundational technical skills, process adherence, and a willingness to learn. Demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving and clear communication will be key. A portfolio, even if informal (e.g., project descriptions, sample drawings), can significantly bolster an application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP: Essential for enterprise resource planning, likely used for customer data management, work order processing, material requisition, and financial tracking. Proficiency is a key requirement.
• MS Office Suite: Including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis, calculations, and potentially creating project-specific spreadsheets, and Outlook for communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Likely used for data analysis, creating estimates, and generating basic reports on project status or material requirements.
• Internal FortisBC Systems: May include proprietary tools for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping, capacity planning, or specific project management modules.

CRM & Automation:

• SAP CRM (or similar modules): Potentially integrated within SAP for customer relationship management aspects related to service requests and project status updates.
• Potential for GIS/Mapping Software: Tools like ESRI ArcGIS could be used for reviewing land base data, utility locations, and planning routes, although not explicitly mentioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of SAP and MS Office highlights the core technology requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these platforms, particularly how they've used them for data management, workflow execution, and reporting in an operational context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the utility sector; all planning and design must prioritize the safety of employees, customers, and the public.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to providing excellent service to builders, developers, and other customers, ensuring their needs are met efficiently and professionally.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding FortisBC's standards, policies, and ethical conduct, taking ownership of assigned projects and responsibilities.
• Efficiency & Reliability: Striving for streamlined processes and dependable service delivery to ensure the reliable operation of the gas network.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within the team and across departments to achieve common goals and solve complex problems.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Encouraging open communication and shared responsibility for tackling planning challenges and operational issues.
• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Maintaining strong working relationships with field operations, engineering, customer service, and regulatory affairs to ensure seamless project execution.
• Information Sharing: Actively sharing knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned to improve overall team performance and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: FortisBC's emphasis on being a Top Employer and its long history suggest a culture that values stability, safety, and professional development. The operations team likely operates with a strong sense of responsibility for public service and infrastructure integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Customer Demands with Operational Constraints: Meeting customer timelines and expectations while adhering to technical, safety, and regulatory limitations.
• Managing Workload Peaks: Effectively prioritizing and managing a high volume of routine project requests during peak construction seasons.
• Navigating Complex Site Conditions: Dealing with unforeseen issues related to underground utilities, terrain, or property rights that require creative problem-solving.
• Staying Current with Regulations and Standards: Keeping up-to-date with evolving municipal, provincial, and federal regulations impacting gas infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal training programs on FortisBC systems (SAP, GIS), safety protocols, and specific operational procedures.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced technologists and engineers within the planning and design departments.
• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing relevant certifications, such as those offered by ASTTBC, to enhance technical expertise.
• Project Exposure: Gaining experience across a diverse range of installation projects, from residential subdivisions to commercial service upgrades.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for operational planning roles in utilities, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are well-defined within a structured utility environment, focusing on deepening technical expertise and operational understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Planning Scenarios: "Describe how you would plan a gas service installation for a new multi-unit residential building, considering customer requirements, site constraints, and regulatory approvals." (Focus on process, stakeholders, and key decision points).
• Technical Problem-Solving: "Imagine you discover an unmapped utility line during a site assessment for a planned gas main extension. How would you proceed?" (Assess your approach to risk management, communication, and problem resolution).
• Process Improvement: "If you identified a bottleneck in the work order processing workflow, what steps would you take to analyze it and propose a solution?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking and proactive improvement mindset).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for FortisBC, and what appeals to you about this Planning & Design Technologist role?" (Research FortisBC's mission, values, and recent projects; connect your skills to the role's impact).
• Teamwork & Communication: "Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical process to a non-technical customer. How did you ensure they understood?" (Highlight your communication clarity and customer-centric approach).
• Handling Pressure: "How do you manage competing priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced operational environment?" (Showcase your organizational and time-management strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: If presenting a portfolio, organize it by project type or functional area (e.g., Planning, Design, Customer Interaction).
• Focus on Process, Not Just Outcome: Explain your role, the steps you took, the tools you used, and the decisions you made.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced processing time by X%", "managed Y projects concurrently").
• Tailor to FortisBC: Emphasize how your skills and experience align with FortisBC's operational needs and values, particularly safety and customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level technologist role, interviews will likely focus on assessing foundational technical competence, problem-solving ability, cultural fit, and potential for growth. Demonstrating a structured, safety-conscious, and customer-oriented approach will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official FortisBC careers portal via the provided URL.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with SAP, MS Office, technical planning, project coordination, customer service, and any relevant engineering or technology diplomas. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Portfolio Preparation: If you have relevant examples of technical drawings, project plans, or case studies of process improvements, organize them for potential discussion. Focus on demonstrating your planning lifecycle experience.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with FortisBC's services, commitment to safety, community involvement, and any recent news or initiatives related to energy infrastructure development in BC.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions by reviewing common interview scenarios for operations and technical planning roles. Practice articulating your problem-solving process and communication style.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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