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
https://www.portland.gov/water/about-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, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88026279573
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
Tamara.Larison@portlandoregon.gov
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
of engineering principles, materials, costs, construction methods, regulations, and equipment related to water system design.
Knowledge
of budgeting, personnel management, cost control, and administrative practices, including experience developing and managing budgets and supervising technical and field staff.
Skill
in leading teams and consultants while managing multiple projects within a defined program budget.
Ability
to solve problems and communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including policymakers and the public.
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 wells
Water storage and treatment maintenance and operations
Groundwater protection actions
Construction 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 letter
Details 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 traini...