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 & Engineering Support (Energy Sector)

Date Posted: August 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the planning and design of gas supply installation projects for customers, acting as a critical link between FortisBC and builders/developers.

• Responsibilities include defining customer requirements, scopes of work, and producing customer contracts based on established service and pricing definitions.

• The position involves coordinating all aspects of routine project requests, ensuring professional execution in accordance with FortisBC policies and procedures.

• Requires a blend of technical aptitude, customer service skills, and project coordination capabilities within the energy utility sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Planning & Design Technologist 1," the responsibilities clearly indicate a role deeply embedded in operationalizing customer projects, aligning with Revenue Operations and Sales Operations functions by managing the contractual and logistical aspects of service delivery. The focus on pricing, scheduling, and customer interaction suggests a GTM (Go-To-Market) support function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Coordination:

  • Define customer requirements and project scope for gas supply installations.
  • Create and maintain accurate customer data and project records.
  • Ensure all service product requirements are thoroughly collected and understood.
  • Explain FortisBC's processes, procedures, and requirements to customers, builders, and developers.
  • Select appropriate service products and associated pricing for customer contracts.
  • Convey relevant permit requirements to customers.
  • Inform customers of installation costs and finalize service product pricing.
  • Schedule work with customers, considering crew capacity and material availability, and generate work orders.
  • Coordinate and attend meetings with customers and their agents, conducting site visits as necessary.

• Job Processing & Technical Execution:

  • Process routine project requests, including those for pipe sizing up to 219 mm (8”) and metering requirements with load profiles less than 400 m³/hr.
  • Handle all Distribution Pressure system work and Intermediate Pressure service work.
  • Manage projects for low-rise vertical subdivisions.
  • Review foreign utility data, legal land base considerations, and geography to determine optimal gas layout and depth adhering to FortisBC standards.
  • Complete electronic layouts or engineering drawings.
  • Confirm and update pipe sizing on drawings as specified by System Planning.
  • Identify and obtain all necessary internal and external approvals and prerequisites.
  • Identify and requisition required inventoried materials and manufactured items.
  • Complete detailed cost estimates for projects.
  • Utilize economic test tools to determine installation pricing.
  • Explain FortisBC procedures, policies, rate processes, and relevant municipal, provincial, and federal regulations to customers.
  • Work collaboratively with customers and authorities to ensure all service product requirements are met.

• Customer Relationship Management & Issue Resolution:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with current, repeat, and potential customers, as well as external contacts.
  • Respond professionally to customer inquiries regarding installation costs, bill calculations, and work scheduling.
  • Act as the primary contact for premium-rated builder/developers and internal/external customers.
  • Respond to operational and maintenance issues, including overbuilds, metering consolidations/de-consolidations, meter protection, and commercial/industrial metering assembly upgrades.
  • Address corrosion maintenance (houseline/riser replacement, anode bed installation/removal), IP service line additions/removals, and complex main/valve lowerings, raisings, or abandonments.
  • Manage activities related to hazard remediation and system maintenance requirements.

• Team Direction & Support:

  • Provide direction and guidance to Planning and Design Technicians and Operations Support Representatives within the department.

  • Perform minor duties related to the core responsibilities, including driving a vehicle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on project execution, customer onboarding, and technical planning within the utility infrastructure domain. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient project delivery, revenue realization, and customer satisfaction, positioning it within the broader GTM and operational support functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Technology diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution in a directly related field (e.g., Civil Engineering Technology, Geomatics, or similar).

• Must be registered or eligible for registration with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of directly related, relevant work experience in utility infrastructure planning, design, or project coordination. Required Skills:

• Project Coordination & Planning: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initial scope definition to scheduling and execution.

• Customer Interaction & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to explain technical processes, policies, and pricing to diverse customer groups (builders, developers, internal departments). Strong telephone call handling skills and the ability to handle demanding situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of computer systems operations, including SAP and the suite of MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook). Ability to interpret engineering drawings, legal land bases, and geographical data.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and resolve technical problems, understanding the implications of costs, risks, operability, and safety. Sound analytical and decision-making skills.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to multi-task, prioritize effectively, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, especially during peak workload periods.

• Independent Work Ethic: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Driver's License: Valid Class 5 British Columbia Driver’s license.

Preferred Skills:

• ASTTBC Registration: Current registration with ASTTBC is highly preferred.

• Utility Operations Knowledge: Familiarity with gas distribution systems, metering technologies, and related regulatory frameworks.

• CAD/GIS Software Proficiency: Experience with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or GIS (Geographic Information System) software for creating or interpreting engineering drawings and layouts.

• Economic Analysis Tools: Experience using economic test tools or similar software for project feasibility and pricing analysis.

• Construction & Permitting Processes: Understanding of construction project lifecycles and municipal/provincial permitting requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on ASTTBC registration and relevant technical diplomas points to a role requiring specific technical credentials common in engineering and infrastructure planning. The experience requirement is directly tied to practical application of these skills in a project management and customer-facing context within the utility sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 projects where you were responsible for planning and coordinating gas supply installations. Highlight the scope, customer requirements, challenges faced, and your specific contributions to the successful outcome.

• Process Documentation Examples: Include examples of how you have documented project workflows, customer communication protocols, or material requisition processes.

• System Usage Demonstrations: Prepare to discuss and potentially demonstrate your proficiency with SAP and MS Office suite in managing project data, generating reports, and communicating with stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to present a case study detailing a complex technical or customer-related problem you encountered and how you applied analytical skills to resolve it, considering cost, risk, operability, and safety.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow design and optimization for customer project onboarding and execution.

• Be prepared to discuss methods for implementing and potentially automating steps in the planning and design process.

• Show how you have measured the performance of processes, such as project timelines, customer satisfaction, or cost adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Technologist role, a portfolio would typically emphasize practical application of technical skills and process management. Candidates should be ready to illustrate their ability to translate technical plans into actionable project steps and manage customer interactions effectively, showcasing efficiency and adherence to company standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Salary: $82,914 CAD (based on $3,189 Bi-weekly)

• Note: This is an estimated range based on the provided bi-weekly salary. The actual salary will be determined by FortisBC based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Short-term Incentive Eligible: No (as per posting)

• Competitive Salary: As stated in the posting, with a specified bi-weekly rate.

• Career Development: FortisBC is committed to life-long career development.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Encouragement of volunteerism and community engagement.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: While not detailed in the provided text, energy utility companies typically offer robust benefits packages including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement savings plans.

Working Hours:

• Standard Hours: 40 hours per week.

• Workplace Flexibility: No (as per posting), indicating this is an on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided bi-weekly salary of $3,189 translates to an annual salary of approximately $82,914 CAD, assuming 26 pay periods per year. This is a competitive rate for a Technologist role with the specified experience and responsibilities in the Burnaby, BC area. The "No" for workplace flexibility indicates a requirement for on-site presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Utilities (Natural Gas and Electricity Provider)

Company Size: Over 2,700 employees.

Founded: FortisBC has over 100 years of knowledge and experience, indicating a long-standing and established presence in British Columbia.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Gas" branch, likely part of a larger engineering, operations, or customer solutions department.

• The position is responsible for providing direction to Planning and Design Technicians and Operations Support Representatives, suggesting a lead or senior technologist capacity within a team.

• Collaboration is expected with various internal departments (e.g., System Planning, Operations) and external stakeholders (customers, builders, developers, regulatory bodies). Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Planning: Focus on defining and meeting customer requirements for gas supply installations.

• Process Adherence: Strict adherence to established FortisBC policies, procedures, and standards for service delivery, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Technical Rigor: Application of engineering principles and standards in design, layout, and material selection.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilization of economic test tools and analysis to inform pricing and project feasibility.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Working with customers and internal teams to resolve technical and logistical challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: FortisBC's positioning as one of BC's Top Employers suggests a commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and a positive work environment. The company's long history implies stability and a deep understanding of the energy sector in the region.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a "Technologist 1," typically indicating an entry-level to mid-level position within a technical career path.

• It requires a foundational understanding of utility infrastructure planning and project coordination, with a focus on routine project execution.

• Progression from this role could lead to more complex project planning, senior technologist roles, or potentially into project management or specialized engineering support functions. Reporting Structure:

• The Technologist 1 provides direction to Planning and Design Technicians and Operations Support Representatives.

• This suggests they report to a higher-level manager or supervisor, such as a Planning and Design Supervisor, Engineering Manager, or Operations Manager.

• The role necessitates clear communication and coordination with the broader Gas branch and potentially other departments involved in project delivery. Operations Impact:

• This role directly impacts revenue by facilitating the connection of new customers (builders, developers) to the gas network, which involves billable service products and pricing.

• Efficient project planning and execution contribute to cost control and operational efficiency within the Gas branch.

• Strong customer relations fostered by this role are crucial for maintaining FortisBC's reputation and securing future business.

• Ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards mitigates risks for the company and its customers. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced gas system design, complex metering solutions, or regulatory compliance within the energy sector.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a senior technologist role or team lead position, managing more complex projects and mentoring junior staff.

• Project Management: Transition into a formal Project Manager role, overseeing larger-scale infrastructure projects.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into roles within System Planning, Operations, or Customer Solutions where planning and design expertise is valuable.

• Professional Development: Continued learning and development through ASTTBC, industry training, and internal company programs to enhance technical and soft skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Technologist 1" designation implies a structured career path within FortisBC, with opportunities for advancement based on performance, skill acquisition, and demonstrated leadership potential. The role is integral to the operational success and revenue generation of the Gas branch.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is described as "Workplace Flexibility: No," indicating it is an on-site position, likely based in an office environment within FortisBC's Burnaby facilities.

• This environment would typically support collaborative work, access to necessary resources, and direct interaction with team members and management. Office Location(s):

• Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. This location is FortisBC's headquarters, suggesting access to extensive resources and a central hub for operations. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves providing direction to other technicians and support staff, implying a team-oriented workspace where collaboration and knowledge sharing are encouraged.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to essential tools such as SAP, MS Office suite, and potentially CAD/GIS software for design and planning tasks.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues, supervisors, and potentially cross-functional teams involved in project execution, from initial planning to field deployment.

• Site Visits: The requirement for site visits means the role will involve occasional travel to customer locations or project sites, offering a blend of office-based and field-based work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, typical for a full-time regular position in this sector.

• While there is no remote flexibility, the structured schedule allows for consistent engagement with ongoing projects and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role emphasizes the need for direct collaboration, access to shared resources, and immediate availability for operational tasks and customer interactions within the Burnaby office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess qualifications, education, and relevant experience against the job requirements.

• Technical Assessment/Interview: Likely to involve a discussion of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with relevant software (SAP, MS Office). This may include situational questions related to project planning and customer interactions.

• Portfolio Review (if applicable): Candidates may be asked to present examples of their work, such as project plans, engineering drawings, or case studies demonstrating problem-solving and project coordination skills.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of soft skills, including communication, teamwork, organizational abilities, and ability to work under pressure. Questions will focus on how candidates have handled past situations.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a hiring manager or senior team members to discuss overall fit with the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution implemented, and the positive outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, customer satisfaction, successful project completion).

• Showcase Process: Highlight your understanding and application of established processes, such as customer onboarding, project scoping, scheduling, and material requisition.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your use of SAP and MS Office, and if applicable, CAD/GIS software. Show how these tools aided in your planning and design work.

• Customer-Centricity: Emphasize how you managed customer expectations, communicated effectively, and resolved issues to ensure positive client relationships.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio in a clear, organized, and concise manner. Focus on the most relevant examples that directly align with the job responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to project planning under tight deadlines, managing difficult customer requests, or resolving technical discrepancies in designs.

• Process Improvement Thinking: Consider how you would approach improving existing planning or design processes for efficiency or accuracy.

• Technical Problem Solving: Practice outlining your approach to diagnosing and solving technical issues related to gas infrastructure planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Technologist 1" level and the emphasis on routine project requests, the interview process will likely focus on assessing practical skills, adherence to procedures, and problem-solving capabilities within defined parameters, rather than high-level strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP: Essential for managing project data, customer information, work orders, and potentially materials and pricing. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For creating contracts, reports, and formal communications.
  • Excel: For data analysis, creating estimates, tracking project details, and potentially using economic test tools.
  • Outlook: For email communication, scheduling meetings, and managing calendars.

• CAD/GIS Software (Likely): While not explicitly stated as required, proficiency with software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, or GIS platforms (e.g., Esri ArcGIS) is highly beneficial for interpreting and creating electronic layouts and engineering drawings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Reporting Modules: Likely used for generating reports on project status, customer data, and operational metrics.

• Excel: For custom data analysis, creating spreadsheets for tracking and reporting on project specifics.

CRM & Automation:

• SAP (as CRM component): SAP often includes CRM functionalities for managing customer interactions and project history.

• Potential Automation Tools: While not specified, the role might benefit from understanding basic workflow automation principles, though direct experience with dedicated automation platforms may not be required at this level.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with SAP and the MS Office suite is critical. The mention of "electronic layout or Engineering drawings" strongly suggests that familiarity with CAD or GIS software would be a significant advantage, even if not a strict requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: As a utility company, safety is paramount. Expect a strong emphasis on adhering to safety protocols in all planning and design activities.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting customer needs, providing clear communication, and ensuring satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Integrity & Accountability: Taking ownership of projects, ensuring accuracy in planning and costing, and upholding FortisBC's reputation.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: Striving for streamlined processes, effective resource utilization, and timely project completion.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team and across departments to achieve project goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with System Planning, field Operations crews, and potentially regulatory affairs to ensure designs are feasible and compliant.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and relationship-building with external clients (builders, developers) and internal teams.

• Process Review: An environment that likely encourages feedback on processes to identify areas for improvement in planning and design execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from more experienced colleagues and share insights on best practices in project coordination and utility planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: FortisBC's recognition as one of BC's Top Employers suggests a culture that values employee growth, safety, and community contribution. The operations team likely operates with a strong sense of responsibility due to the critical nature of utility services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Customer Demands with Operational Constraints: Meeting specific customer timelines and requirements while adhering to FortisBC's capacity, material availability, and standard operating procedures.

• Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously: The need to juggle numerous projects with varying deadlines and complexities, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Navigating Regulatory & Permitting Processes: Ensuring all projects comply with relevant municipal, provincial, and federal regulations, which can be complex and time-consuming.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unforeseen issues during the planning or design phase, such as conflicting utility lines, difficult terrain, or unexpected design requirements.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting to evolving software tools and potentially new design methodologies within the utility sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in gas system design principles, advanced CAD/GIS usage, and utility infrastructure planning standards.

• Project Management Skills: Develop formal project management techniques, potentially leading to certifications or roles.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain comprehensive understanding of the energy utility sector, regulatory environment, and customer market dynamics in British Columbia.

• ASTTBC Professional Development: Utilize resources and training offered by ASTTBC for continued professional growth and to maintain professional standing.

• Internal Training Programs: Access FortisBC's internal training for specific systems (SAP), safety protocols, and operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation in utility project planning and execution, providing a clear pathway for growth within the operations and engineering functions of a major energy provider.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Planning & Execution: "Describe a time you had to plan a project with competing priorities and tight deadlines. How did you prioritize tasks and ensure successful completion?" (Focus on your process, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple demands).

• Customer Interaction: "How would you explain complex technical requirements or pricing structures to a customer who has limited technical background?" (Highlight your communication clarity, patience, and ability to tailor your message).

• Problem Solving: "Walk me through a technical problem you encountered during a project. What was your analytical approach, what solutions did you consider, and what was the final outcome?" (Emphasize your critical thinking, data analysis, and decision-making process).

Company & Culture Questions:

• FortisBC's Role: "What do you understand about FortisBC's role in British Columbia's energy future, and how does this role contribute to that mission?" (Research their commitment to renewable energy, infrastructure development, and customer service).

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative atmosphere." (Align your response with FortisBC's values of safety, integrity, and customer focus).

• Operations Impact: "How do you ensure your planning and design work directly supports the company's operational efficiency and revenue goals?" (Connect your responsibilities to project delivery, cost management, and customer acquisition).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the objective, your specific responsibilities, the challenges, the solutions you implemented (including tools used like SAP or CAD), and the measurable results.

• Highlight Process Adherence: Showcase your understanding and application of FortisBC's expected processes for planning, design, and customer engagement.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Be ready to explain how you used SAP for data management or Excel for analysis. If you have CAD/GIS experience, be prepared to discuss its application in your work.

• Focus on Customer Relations: Include examples of how you built rapport, managed expectations, and resolved issues with customers.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for 3-5 strong examples that best represent your capabilities and align with the job requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, customer service approach, and technical proficiency with SAP and MS Office will be key to success. Tailor your portfolio examples to the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations and engineering support position:

• Submit your application through the FortisBC Careers portal via the provided URL: https://careers.fortisbc.com/job/Burnaby-Planning-&-Design-Technologist-1-BC/605651417/

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in project coordination, gas supply planning, customer interaction, and proficiency with SAP and MS Office. Use keywords from the job description, such as "gas supply," "planning," "design," "customer contracts," "work orders," and "regulatory compliance."

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather 2-3 examples of relevant projects that showcase your planning, design, and customer management skills. Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges, the solutions, and the outcomes.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to project management, problem-solving, and customer service. Practice articulating your experience with SAP and any relevant design software.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with FortisBC's mission, values, services, and commitment to the community. Understand their position in the energy sector in British Columbia.

⚠️ 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.