Engineer III - Portland Water Bureau

About the positions

Total of three Engineer III vacancies within Portland Water Bureau.

• 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

The positions require supervision of staff and involvement in complex engineering projects. Specific duties differ by group:

• Engineering Project Planning – supervise 1–2 employees, draft long‑range planning studies, respond to planning review requests, prioritize and select water mains, regulators, and valves, and respond to fire flow requests using hydraulic modeling.
• Facilities Capital Program – supervise 1 employee, manage the Facilities Capital program, facilitate the program process of gathering, categorizing, assessing and prioritizing annual facilities capital needs, and develop and deliver facilities capital projects.
• Maintenance Engineering – supervise 3 employees, provide maintenance and construction support, operational support of pump stations, distribution storage tanks, and safety, mains design, and institute regulator, critical valve and main abandonment prioritization and installations; oversee reactive maintenance and construction engineering support.

All positions supervise staff, perform complex engineering projects and analysis, and require independent judgment and initiative.

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Please check our benefit tab for an overview of benefit for this position.

The Portland Water Bureau serves almost a million people in the Portland area, employing over 600 people to build and maintain a water system enhancing public health and safety and economic vitality.

The ideal candidate will create and promote an equitable workplace that demonstrates an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.

The City of Portland is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.