Civil Engineer (Engineer I - Civil)

Job Appointment: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Variable
Work Location: Multiple Work Locations
Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of the benefits for this position.
Union Representation: PROTEC17
To view current labor agreements, please visit https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements.

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to attach a resume and a cover letter.

Current openings are available the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES).

The Civil Engineering and Drafting (CED) of the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) provides project scoping, design and construction management for multi-modal public infrastructure projects, including arterial and residential street improvements, transit improvements, bridges and structures, traffic calming, and pedestrian and bike enhancements.   CED Civil Engineers develop plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&Es), review work products developed by consultants, lead design development and serve as construction managers for complex engineering work related to City and Federal-funded capital improvement projects.   

About the division/bureau: 

The Portland Bureau of Transportation is a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides people and businesses access and mobility. We keep Portland moving. For more information about the Portland Bureau of Transportation, please visit Transportation |Portland.gov. The Portland Bureau of Transportation embraces diversity, models inclusivity, and promotes equity through its service delivery, internal operations, organizational culture, and in its work with partners and the community.

What you’ll get to do:

• Deliver project scoping, design, and construction management for public infrastructure projects.
• Write reports and making oral presentations. An ideal candidate will have experience developing plans, specifications, and estimates, reviewing work products developed by consultants, leading design development and serving as construction managers for complex engineering work related to locally and federally funded capital improvement projects. 
• Provide engineering and technical expertise.
• Advance assigned projects of a more complex nature.
• Guide and lead the work of professional and technical level engineers.
• Review and provide technical guidance for consultants and contractors necessary to achieve project goals and objectives. 
• Perform advanced professional project management and specialized engineering for their assigned projects.

An ideal candidate for Portland Bureau of Transportation will have:

• A passion for improving transportation.
• Good knowledge of MicroStation & OpenRoads
• Experience with multi-modal roadway design.
• Construction management experience
• Design project management skills and experience working with and managing consultants.

Who you are:

• Project Manager: You have knowledge of project management principles and can support, lead, and review various operational projects that support the Group Director’s and bureau initiatives. These projects may vary greatly in scope but are centered on public improvements.
• DEI Leader: You will be an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion champion in the workplace, including building pathways for government careers in underrepresented communities. You will inspire and motivate employees and create a culture of safety, respect, collaboration, and accountability.
• Dedicated: Personally, you have a passion for public infrastructure design and public service; you hold a high level of pride in making sure that projects are effectively managed, and that you are proud of the work delivered to the public.
• Excellent Communicator: You are a strong communicator to both technical and non-technical individuals, and proficient verbally and in writing.
• Collaborative: A professional who values partnership and develops and supports relationships to get things done. 

Are you interested in a role where you can help shape vital infrastructure that serves the people and environment of Portland? Are you a passionate engineer who thrives in collaborative, diverse teams? Do you bring strong problem-solving skills, experience in water or wastewater infrastructure, and a commitment to public service?

The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is seeking a Civil Engineer (Engineer- Civil) to join the Treatment and Pumping Systems Division, providing plan review, engineering design and analysis, and supporting the construction and rehabilitation of wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations that protect public health and enhance the resilience of Portland’s wastewater and stormwater systems.

What you’ll get to do: 

• Perform engineering planning for major capital construction and/or maintenance programs.  
• Design, review and construct engineering plans and drawings; prepare engineering analyses, calculations, technical reports, and specifications, 
• Serve as project manager for various engineering and construction projects, overseeing project scopes, schedules, budgets, risks, and milestones in alignment with BES capital project practices.
• Review and monitor work by outside consultants and administer consultant contracts. 
• Support construction activities, perform site visits, and help resolving field issues. 
• Prepare and deliver presentations of technical data and results to technical review committees, bureau staff and other governmental agencies. 
• Coordinate capital construction projects with multidisciplinary project teams and represent the bureau on multi-jurisdictional projects. 
• Integrate sustainability, seismic resilience, and equity considerations into engineering solutions and project delivery. 
• Support change management and ensure smooth transition of new assets to operations and maintenance teams.

About the Bureau of Environmental Services

This is an exciting time to join the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES).  Together we are re-imagining the work we do to ensure it aligns with Our Values:

• We implement equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery.
• We value our customers and partners.
• We carefully manage our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources.
• We encourage leadership among our employees in our City and community.
• We support a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce.
• We urge respectful communication and transparency.
• We advance innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions.

At BES, we value our customers and partners; Portlanders’ sense of connection to their waterways; conscientious stewardship of our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources; a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce; leadership among our employees and in our City and community; equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery; clear communication and transparency; innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions. 

BES is seeking talented individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities; and that desire to work collaboratively and creatively to broaden the variety of innovative ways to partner with and serve all Portland communities.

To learn more about the work we do at BES, click on the link: About Environmental Services | Portland.gov

Our BES 10-Year Strategic Plan can be found here: download (portland.gov)

Questions?:
Terrol Johnson
Senior Recruiter
[email protected]Applicants should specifically address and demonstrate in their cover letter and résumé how their education, training, and/or experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

1. Experience reviewing, preparing or directing the preparation of complex plans, specifications and legal contracts.
2. Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of either civil, structural, electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering design and project management.
3. Knowledge of modern techniques and equipment used in design, construction and maintenance of civil infrastructure projects.
4. Experience conducting difficult technical research, analyzing complex engineering and mathematical problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending or adopting effective courses of action.
5. Skill in clearly communicating scientific and technical matters to diverse stakeholders, including non-technical individuals.
6. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple tasks or project assignments simultaneously.

Additional Requirements

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, structural, traffic or fire protection engineering; 
AND
four years of responsible professional engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

Special Requirements

• A Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer by the time of hire.
• Oregon Professional Engineer certificate within 6 months of hire.
• A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

STEP 1: Apply online between June 29, 2026, and July 20, 2026
 

• 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 can provide 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 to 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.
• 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 cover letter can exceed one page but no more than three, to ensure you can provide detailed information for every qualification. A subject matter expert will evaluate 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.
• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note that 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 the use of 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. 

BOLI: Equal Pay for Workers: State of Oregon
Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics.

• An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and cover letter, is weighted 100%.
• Your resume and cover letter 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 results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required before the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

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

• The hiring bureau will review and select candidates to interview.
• Please note that the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

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

Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos and offers How to Apply Classes once per month.  If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement.