Job Description

Job Description

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL CLOSE ON February 16, 2025, OR WHEN THE POSITION IS FILLED, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. We encourage applicants to apply early.About the position

Job Appointment: Full time

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Day Shift; Alternate Schedule May Be Available. This position supervises. In April 2025 all manager and supervisor positions 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: The Portland Building, 1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR 97205

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 and cover letter.

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

Join the Portland Water Bureau as a Sr. Capital Projects Engineer (Engineer III)!

The Water Bureau’s Engineering Services Group (ESG) Design Section is hiring a Sr. Capital Projects Engineer to lead complex capital projects that support Portland’s water infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity to manage high-impact work in groundwater wells, pump stations, and distribution storage systems.

In this role, you’ll:

• Lead complex capital projects that support Portland’s critical water infrastructure, with a focus on groundwater wells, pump stations, and distribution storage systems.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in water well hydrology, well construction, pumping systems, and tank design—providing technical guidance and oversight throughout the project lifecycle.
• 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.

Engineers with limited water well design experience but who have extensive water storage and pumps/pump station design experience are also encouraged to apply.

About the Bureau:

The Portland Water Bureau (PWB) serves almost a million people in the Portland area, about a quarter of Oregon's 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 -us

Date & Time Pacific Time (US and Canada)Come meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter! We'll be talking about the position 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.

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)Zoom Meeting Link:

Meeting ID: 880 2627 9573

*Please note: AI Notetaking apps will not be allowed into virtual sessions hosted by the Bureau of Human Resources Recruitment Team. If you need accommodations as defined by the American Disabilities Act, then please contact the Recruiter for assistance.

Have a question?

Contact Information:

Tami Larison, Senior Recruiter

Bureau of Human Resources

[email protected]

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

1. Possess a certificate to practice as a registered Professional Engineer
2. Ability to obtain an Oregon Professional Engineer Certificate within six months after appointment
3. Knowledge of engineering principles, materials, costs, construction methods, regulations, and equipment related to water system design.
4. Knowledge of budgeting, personnel management, cost control, and administrative practices, including experience developing and managing budgets and supervising technical and field staff.
5. Skill in leading teams and consultants while managing multiple projects within a defined program budget.
6. Ability to solve problems and communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including policymakers and the public.
7. Experience in engineering planning, design, contract administration, and project/program management.

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state driver's 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.
• Experience with one or more of the following:Engineering planning and design of water supply wellsWater storage and treatment maintenance and operationsGroundwater protection actionsConstruction to preserve and enhance groundwater infrastructure and resources

STEP 1: Apply online between November 17, 2025 – February 16, 2025 (or until the position is filled)

Required Application Materials:

• Cover letterDetails are key! The city uses a merit-based system, so your cover letter should be thorough and specifically address each qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section of the job announcement. Your cover letter can exceed one page, to ensure you are able to provide the detailed information for every qualification. Follow the instructions, as a subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
• Resume
• Answer Supplemental Questions 1 - 7(click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials:

• If you wish to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your veteran documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) by the recruitment's closing date.

We have recently updated our veteran preference process. Starting March 3rd, 2025 If you made the eligible list and met the eligibility to receive veteran preference, you will no longer need to submit veteran documents for future recruitments.

If you need to update or remove your veteran preference for a specific recruitment or from your master profile, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Application Tips:

• If you apply and are notified you meet minimum qualifications/placed on the eligible list, please do not reapply. Any applications received after being placed on the eligible list will not be reviewed and will be rejected as a duplicate application.
• If you apply and are notified you do not meet qualifications and the recruitment is still open, you may reapply and ensuring your materials clearly reflect how you meet the minimum qualifications.
• Your cover letter can exceed one page, to ensure you are able to provide the detailed information for every qualification. A subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
• Your résumé should support the details described in your cover letter.
• 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.
• Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
• 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 use AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
• All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.
• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

STEP 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Beginning week of December 1, 2025 –Approximately every three (3) weeks or until the position is filled

• An evaluation of each applicant's training, paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their cover letter, and resume, weighted 100%.
• Your cover letter and résumé will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• Response to Supplemental Question 4 and 5
• 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: First eligible list tentatively established the week of December 8th, 2025.

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.
• Subsequent Eligible Lists will be issued when qualifying applicants are identified .

STEP 4: Selection (Interview): January 2026, periodically thereafter

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview.
• Interviews will be conducted periodically as additional candidates are selected.

STEP 5: Offer of Employment: TBD

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

STEP 6: Start Date: TBD

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change. 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

Compensation details: 120785.6-172764.8 Yearly Salary

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