Are you a passionate about protecting the environment and applying your skills and background to have a real impact in the community? Are you a collaborative team player who enjoys working with a diverse group of people? Are you a detail-oriented individual who enjoys using your skills to a variety of different complex and interesting problems? You may be the Senior Engineering Associate - Civil we are seeking!
The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is currently seeking candidates for a three (3) Senior Engineering Associates – Civil positions. Two (2) positions support the bureau’s wastewater treatment and pumping systems division (TPSD) and one (1) position supports the Wastewater Treatment & Vertical Asset Risk Analysis team within the Risk Assessment Division.
1. Treatment and Pumping Systems Division (TPSD) positions:
TPSD is located at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant and provides engineering services for projects at approximately 100 wastewater pump stations and associated force mains throughout the city, as well as projects at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The successful TPSD candidates will serve as design manager and/or project manager for one of two teams:- Pumping System Improvement Program: Complex Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) related to pump stations, force mains, and wastewater treatment.
- Wastewater Treatment Design Program: Stand-alone, large treatment CIP projects that rehabilitate, replace, and expand the treatment process related equipment and infrastructure in the City’s wastewater treatment plants.
These positions will directly provide civil engineering support and technical analysis for improvements to the bureau's wastewater pumping system and treatment plant assets. The positions may oversee the work of technicians and/or oversee and coordinate the work of consultants, along with providing engineering support to BES’ Operations and Maintenance Group (O&MG) staff. Additional duties include: perform design work under the supervision of professional engineers; manage projects to meet goals and objectives that includes working with project stakeholders; lead tasks for civil engineering support for CIP projects; operate computers to input or obtain data, analyze data, make calculations, prepare reports, maintain data files; prepare written correspondence, technical reports.
The BES Capital Improvement Program delivers approximately $150 million annually in asset improvements to sanitary, stormwater, treatment, and surface water systems. The work in TPSD is growing significantly over the next five to ten years and there are multiple challenging programs and projects underway, along with an increasing trend of urgent/emergency projects. TPSD works closely with staff in wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance, condition assessment, safety/risk assessment, integrated planning, project management office, and construction inspection and management.
What you’ll get to do in BES’ TPSD workgroup:
- Review, coordinate, and develop engineering calculations, plans, specifications, and drawings for pump station, forcemain, and wastewater treatment CIP projects;
- Lead both in-house design projects and consultant designed projects
- Oversee, coordinate, and review the work of professional and technical staff, consultants, and contractors;
- Manage projects from the planning and development phase, through design, construction, and commissioning;
- Plan and lead field investigations to evaluate the performance and operations of wastewater pumping and treatment systems;
- Analyze pumping systems and related subsystems for adequacy to provide the required level of service;
- Provide technical guidance, assistance and training to professional and technical staff to ensure compliance with applicable standards of practice and bureau specific guidance related to wastewater pumping systems, force mains, and wastewater treatment processes;
- Assist project managers in the development of wastewater pumping systems and treatment engineering specific tasks, language, and deliverables to be included in consulting contract requests for proposals or task orders, and scopes of work;
- Review submittals during construction, and support construction managers during the construction phase of projects;
- Perform the duties of engineer of record for elements of assigned projects;
- Work on a variety of complex and interesting projects associated with wastewater treatment and pumping.
- These positions will directly provide civil engineering and technical analysis for intermediate to complex projects to rehabilitate, modify, or replace the bureau's wastewater treatment plant and pumping system assets.
- Collaborate to ensure on-going operations and maintenance needs at the wastewater treatment plants and pump stations are occurring.
- Serve as Project Manager/Design Manager on civil engineering-focused elements of treatment plant or pump station capital projects.
2. Risk Assessment Division (RAD) position:
RAD is located at the Portland Building in Downtown Portland and applies asset management principles and practices to assess risks to BES services. We use this knowledge to inform integrated solutions that mitigate risk while optimizing opportunities and community benefits.
The Risk Assessment Division is composed of the following teams: Systems Analysis & Modeling Support, Wastewater Treatment & Vertical Asset Risk Analysis, and Stormwater, Natural & Linear Asset Risk Analysis Sections. These Sections work together to provide the Bureau with capital delivery analysis support, current and future comprehensive risk profiles, and analyzes trends in risk to inform Portfolio Management and BES leadership of emerging priorities to ensure sustainability of operations. The RAD collaborates closely with BES’ other Groups and extensively within its own Group, especially Engineering Services, Operations & Maintenance and Priority Area Planning, Regulatory Services and Research, Asset Management and Portfolio Management.
The successful RAD candidate will provide expertise and support to the Wastewater Treatment & Vertical Asset Risk Analysis team. This team provides oversight, management, and delivery of infrastructure investment recommendations for BES wastewater treatment, pump stations and forcemains to meet current and future levels of service. This position provides support to, and may lead components of, the monitoring and management of risks to service delivery from wastewater treatment, pump stations and forcemains and supports the development of management strategy recommendations to ensure continued service delivery. For this position, the successful candidate will also have experience in hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to inform sizing and maintenance of wastewater treatment and pumping systems.
What you’ll get to do in BES’ RAD workgroup:
- Apply asset management principles to identify priorities and quantify risks for wastewater treatment services, pump stations and forcemains.
- Evaluate the relationship between levels of service and life cycle costs and manage a business process that finds the optimum balance between capital and operating expenditures, risk management, NPDES Permit compliance, and level of service.
- Support the on-going maintenance and maturation of the pump station and forcemain asset management plans and underlying risk assessments. Contribute to the development of an asset management plan for wastewater treatment services.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships across key work groups in the Bureau, including those necessary for inputs and customers of risk assessment deliverables.
- Contribute to the development of long-term vertical asset re-investment needs for capital and operating programs to inform bureau-wide strategic investments, particularly focused on wastewater treatment services, pump stations and forcemains.
- Support the development of recommended expenditures and investments that reduce the City’s risk profile and advance equity for wastewater treatment services, pump stations and forcemains.
- Support development of reporting on wastewater treatment services, pump station and forcemain asset performance and costs and seek input on performance from stakeholders, including on key individual projects and programs.
- Provide analytical support to wastewater treatment, pump station and forcemain planning teams in the characterization and analysis of solution options and the development of integrated plans which incorporate capital, operations and maintenance, policy, and programmatic solutions.
- Support the Identification, prioritization, and monitoring of wastewater treatment service, pump station and forcemain assets that are critical to meeting service levels in close coordination with peers in BES’ Operations & Maintenance Group.
This classification is represented by PROTEC17. To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements and click on the appropriate link.
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: www.portland.gov/bes
Our BES 10-Year Strategic Plan can be found here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/675925
City of Portland Core Values: Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility
These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. To learn more about the City's core values, please click here. Why work at the City of Portland?
The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in ALL people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, healthcare flexible and/or dependent care spending accounts, Carrot Fertility, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.
The City of Portland also participates in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). For more information on the City of Portland's benefits please click here. or more information on the City of Portland's benefits please click here.
Work Location
Many positions within the City are designated as hybrid and currently the City requires you to work in-person one day per week. Beginning in May 2023, most hybrid employees will be expected to perform at least half of their work in-person. City Council approved a human resources administrative rule in January 2023, HRAR – 4.045, requiring employees, including those who are fully remote and hybrid, to perform work within Oregon or Washington. Employees have until May 4, 2023, to be in compliance with the new rule. For more information, click here.Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their cover letter and resume how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:
- Knowledge of engineering theory, principle, practices related to municipal wastewater treatment and pumping infrastructure. Including the application of principles of design, construction and maintenance of wastewater treatment and pumping systems including applicable codes, standards, regulations, and industry best practice.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to wastewater treatment and municipal infrastructure.
- Experience planning, analyzing, and designing wastewater treatment and/or pumping improvements and managing or supporting construction.
- Experience in wastewater treatment and pumping project management, construction management, utility coordination, or surveying. Including engineering contract administration, project planning and management.
- Experience analyzing wastewater treatment and pumping system plans to determine needed improvements and/or ensure compliance with codes and specifications.
- Ability to interact effectively on diverse project teams and with stakeholders and to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing.
Applicant must also:
- An Engineer-In-Training Certification, i.e., passed the State Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination at time of hire.
- A valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire may be required for some positions.
An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in your cover letter and resume weighted 100%. Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. 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.
This is an open continuous recruitment: Open Continuous recruitments have multiple review periods (outlined below) and can be opened for up to 6 months.- 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 update your materials.
Recruitment Activity Schedule:
- Round 1 Closes: 05/08/2023
- Eligible List Round 1: Week of 5/15/2023
- Interviews: Week of 5/22 or 5/29/2023
- Offer: early/mid June
- Round 2 Closes: Week of 5/22/23
- Eligible List Round 2: Week of 5/29/2023
- Interviews Week of 6/5 or 6/12/2023
- Offer mid/late June
- Additional rounds/lists every 2 weeks throughout recruitment if extended
*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.
** PLEASE NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies**Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a cover letter and professional resume online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:
- Your résumé and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
- Your cover letter should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where it was obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
- Your resume should support the details described in the cover letter.
- Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis: Please note per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
- If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your cover letter any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the "To Qualify" section above.
Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment. All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. Do not attach materials not requested. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted. Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
Veterans' Preference: If you are requesting Veterans' Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans' Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.
ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s), and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.
Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.
Language Pay Differential: City of Portland employees who speak one or more languages in addition to English, may be eligible to receive a “language pay differential.” This is compensation for qualifying multilingual City employees who use their language skill to assist the community. More about the language pay differential can be found here.
Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos and offers How to Apply Classes. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement or starting in April 2023 you are invited to attend the Question and Answers session. If you prefer to attend a virtual class, they are also available once a month.
Contact Information:
Bureau of Human Resources
Karen Ehn, Senior Recruiter
karen.ehn@portlandoregon.govAn Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer