Engineer III - Portland Water Bureau

Engineer III - Portland Water Bureau

Salary

$124,404.80 - $177,944.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations, OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2026-00413

Bureau

Portland Water Bureau

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

About the positions

Job Appointment: Full time

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Day Shift; Alternate Schedule May Be Available. This position supervises. As of April 2025, all manager and supervisor positions, which include the Engineer III classification, are expected to report to their worksites full time. This position may have occasional after-hours work required to support critical projects or address system issues. Remote workdays remain an option, to accommodate travel, or occasionally focus on major work projects.

Work Location for three positions:

• Engineering Project Planning Position: The Portland Building, 1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
• Facilities Capital Program Position: The Portland Building, 1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
• Maintenance Engineering Position: Interstate Building, 664 N Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97227

Benefit: Please check our benefit tab for an overview of benefit for this position

Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees

Union Representation: Non-represented

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.

Some positions may require those placed on the eligible list to complete and sign a criminal history statement before being considered for employment.

Position Summary

The City of Portland is seeking to fill three Engineer III vacancies in the Portland Water Bureau (PWB).

The vacancies to be filled are in the following PWB work groups, with the following specific duties and responsibilities:

Engineering Project Planning in the Engineering Planning Group

The Engineer III position in this group will supervise one or two employees and participate in drafting long-range planning studies that recommend whether a project or alternative is warranted, respond to Planning Review Requests, prioritize and select water mains, regulators, and valves for replacement, and respond to fire flow requests using hydraulic modeling software, amongst other work.

Facilities Capital Program in the Technical Services Group

The Engineer III position in this group will supervise one employee and will manage the PWB's Facilities Capital program. That role involves facilitating a Program process of gathering, categorizing, assessing and prioritizing annual Facilities Capital needs with a stakeholder steering committee, as well as developing and delivering Facilities Capital projects for both process and non-process buildings and facilities.

Maintenance Engineering in the Engineering Design Group

The Engineer III position in this group will supervise three employees and participate in Maintenance & Construction support; Operational Support of Pump Stations Distribution Storage Tanks and safety thereof; and Mains Design, including small interagency project support. The Engineer III will oversee subprograms such as regulator, critical valve and main abandonment prioritization and installations. The Engineer III will also be responsible for reactive maintenance and construction engineering support.

All three Engineer III positions will supervise and participate in complex engineering projects and analysis.

These positions require the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in scheduling, assigning, and coordinating the work with other units and external consulting engineers or contractors. An Engineer III is expected to perform and administer complex professional engineering work requiring a substantial level of professional training and experience. The position is a first-level supervisor in a small work group and has direct involvement in the technical and operational work of the group. As such, the ideal candidate will create and promote an equitable workplace that demonstrates an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead complex capital projects
• Supervise and mentor a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
• Manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of high-quality infrastructure that meets the needs of Portland's communities.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including bureau leadership, operations and maintenance teams, consultants, contractors, other City bureaus, and regulatory agencies.
• Support program development and process improvement by shaping policies, refining workflows, and contributing to long-term planning for the Water Bureau's capital programs.
• Promote equity and innovation by applying inclusive practices, supporting a diverse workforce, and encouraging creative problem-solving.
• Lead sensitive or technically complex projects that require senior-level engineering expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills.
• Champion the Bureau's Strategic Plan, Vision, and Mission, helping to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable water services for all Portlanders.

About the Bureau:

The Portland Water Bureau (PWB) serves almost a million people in the Portland area, about a quarter of Oregons population. PWB employs over 600 people providing responsive service to build and maintain a water system that enhances public health and safety and contributes to the economic vitality and livability of the Portland metropolitan region. To learn more about us visit our website https://www.portland.gov/water/about-us

Virtual Zoom Meet & Greet Opportunity

Come meet the hiring managers and the senior recruiter! Well be talking about the positions' duties and responsibilities, day-to-day life in the role, review the announcement, discuss how to apply, and answer questions you may have about the position.

View the recording for the session: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/WrZkgq9VhGNBlDEfA5nYr88Mn2JfujL88vofz-coCDF_-nRcHHWxWLP2KkMl8y1P.ixPWijNvMhqAC42n

Have a question?

Contact:

Tami Larison, Senior Recruiter

Bureau of Human Resources

Tamara.Larison@portlandoregon.gov

To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

• Possess a certificate to practice as a registered Professional Engineer
• Ability to obtain an Oregon Professional Engineer Certificate within six months after appointment
• Knowledge and experience with managing and applying engineering theory to water systems, infrastructure, or general facilities projects,
• Knowledge and experience with contract administration and project management, including developing, monitoring, and managing project and program budgets.
• Ability and experience in planning, assigning, directing, and coordinating the work of field, professional, and technical staff.
• Knowledge and experience in preparing, reviewing, approving, and interpreting engineering plans and specifications.
• Ability and experience engaging in problem solving and communicating, both verbally and in writing, scientific and technical matters to peers and non-technical individuals.

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state drivers license and an acceptable driving record at the time of hire
• Ability to pass a criminal history check

Although not required, you may have one or more of the following:

• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible experience in professional engineering.

The Recruitment Process

STEP 1: Apply online between June 22, 2026, to July 13, 2026

Required Application Materials:

• Résumé

• Note: Do not include your age, date of birth, or the dates you attended or graduated from school. Only provide this information if it is specifically requested to meet job requirements or to follow federal, state, or local laws or rules.

• Answer to the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials:

• Veteran's Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date.
• Effective January 1, 2026, the State of Oregon law ORS 408.225 - 408.238 is amended to expand eligibility for Veterans' Preference to current and former Oregon National Guard service members. If applicants are existing state or former Oregon National Guard servicemembers, they are encouraged to attach appropriate documentation to their future recruitment applications.
• Update: As of March 3, 2025, if you have already submitted veteran documents and qualified for preference, you do not need to resubmit them for future recruitments.
• To update or remove veteran preference for this recruitment or from your profile, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Application Tips:

• Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
• Your résumé should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
• How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all your relevant experience.
• Do not attach any additional documents. Do not attach a cover letter, it will not be reviewed.
• All applications must be submitted via the Citys online application process by the closing date and time.
• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage using AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.

Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: week of July 13, 2026

• An evaluation of each applicants training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their résumé and supplemental questions, weighted 100%.
• Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of July 20, 2026

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.

Step 4: Selection (Interview): August 2026

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview

Step 5: Offer of Employment: September 2026

• Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment.

Step 6/7: Start Date: September 2026

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
• Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process -Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

• Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
• Carrot Fertility
• Wellness Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
• Family Medical Leave
• City Paid Parental Leave

AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers.

01

Thank you for considering joining the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step in the examination and selection process to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the posted vacancy.

A lack of a complete and thorough response to each of the supplemental questions in the space provided may result in disqualification from the examination. In addition, the selections you make and responses you provide in the questionnaire must accurately reflect what is documented in your resume.

Have you read and understood the information listed above?

• Yes
• No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.

02

Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)

03

The City of Portland sometimes gets requests for public records. Please choose the response that best fits your preference:

(Your choice will not affect your application process.)

• I want my application to stay private. I understand that the City of Portland will keep my information confidential unless required to share it by law.
• I allow my application to be shared. I understand that by choosing this option, my information is no longer private.

04

Do you possess a certificate to practice as a registered Professional Engineer?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess or will you be able to acquire an Oregon Professional Engineer Certificate within six months after hire?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you or will you have a valid Drivers License and acceptable driving record at the time of offer?

07

Which opportunities are you interested in? (You may select more than one)

• Engineering Project Planning in the Engineering Planning Group
• Facilities Capital Program in the Technical Services Group
• Maintenance Engineering in the Engineering Design Group

08

Do you have knowledge and experience with managing and applying engineering theory to water systems, infrastructure, or general facilities projects?

• Yes
• No

09

Provide a detailed example(s) of your knowledge and experience with managing and applying engineering theory to water systems, infrastructure, or general facilities projects.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Tell us about a time you used this skill, knowledge or ability. This could be something you did at work, during an internship, while volunteering, or from your personal life.
• What was your role or the problem you had to solve?
• What steps did you take to handle it? Include any training, past experience, or skills you used.
• What happened as a result? What did you learn?.
• How does this experience help you succeed in future jobs?

10

Do you have knowledge and experience with contract administration and project management, including developing, monitoring, and managing project and program budgets?

• Yes
• No

11

Provide a detailed example(s) of your knowledge and experience with contract administration and project management, including developing, monitoring, and managing project and program budgets.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Tell us about a time you used this skill, knowledge or ability. This could be something you did at work, during an internship, while volunteering, or from your personal life.
• What was your role or the problem you had to solve?
• What steps did you take to handle it? Include any training, past experience, or skills you used.
• What happened as a result? What did you learn?.
• How does this experience help you succeed in future jobs?

12

Do you have knowledge and experience in planning, assigning, directing, and coordinating the work of field, professional, and technical staff?

• Yes
• No

13

Provide a detailed example(s) of your knowledge and experience in planning, assigning, directing, and coordinating the work of field, professional, and technical staff.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Tell us about a time you used this skill, knowledge or ability. This could be something you did at work, during an internship, while volunteering, or from your personal life.
• What was your role or the problem you had to solve?
• What steps did you take to handle it? Include any training, past experience, or skills you used.
• What happened as a result? What did you learn?.
• How does this experience help you succeed in future jobs?

14

Do you have knowledge and experience in preparing, reviewing, approving, and interpreting engineering plans and specifications?

• Yes
• No

15

Provide a detailed example(s) of your knowledge and experience in preparing, reviewing, approving, and interpreting engineering plans and specifications.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Tell us about a time you used this skill, knowledge or ability. This could be something you did at work, during an internship, while volunteering, or from your personal life.
• What was your role or the problem you had to solve?
• What steps did you take to handle it? Include any training, past experience, or skills you used.
• What happened as a result? What did you learn?.
• How does this experience help you succeed in future jobs?

16

Do you have ability and experience engaging in problem solving and communicating, both verbally and in writing, scientific and technical matters to peers and non-technical individuals?

• Yes
• No

17

Provide a detailed example(s) of your ability and experience engaging in problem solving and communicating, both verbally and in writing, scientific and technical matters to peers and non-technical individuals.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Tell us about a time you used this skill, knowledge or ability. This could be something you did at work, during an internship, while volunteering, or from your personal life.
• What was your role or the problem you had to solve?
• What steps did you take to handle it? Include any training, past experience, or skills you used.
• What happened as a result? What did you learn?
• How does this experience help you succeed in future jobs?

18

Please note the following question will not be considered during minimum qualification review. The information provided will be reviewed during the selection process.

Although not required, please provide information for any of the following preferred qualifications:

• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible experience in professional engineering.

(Enter N/A if you do not have relevant experience)

Required Question

Employer City of Portland

Address 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987

Portland, Oregon, 97204

Website http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs