Engineering Associate

Project assignments vary in size and complexity. Under supervision and direction from a licensed Professional Engineer, the Engineering Associate performs routine to intermediate engineering planning, design, and construction project management and tasks related to pipes and open channel conveyances, pump station improvements, stormwater modeling and analysis, and geotechnical or other technical support related to the District’s internal drainage or levee systems. The Engineering Associate will also provide development review support and coordinate with local agencies, developers, and contractors to mitigate potential impacts to District assets. District staff interact with local, state, and national elected officials and agency leadership periodically to help advance our work.

An Engineering Associate at the UFSWQD provides engineering support for projects, planning activities, operations & maintenance needs, and other tasks as assigned. As a member of the engineering team, the position helps develop collaborative solutions for system improvements, agency improvements, and special projects. The UFSWQD is a small agency, such that the day-to-day work associated with this position will range from desktop to field tasks. The position requires moderate supervision and reports to a Senior Engineer.

• Develops project concepts using information gathered through inspections, investigation, research, planning and operational recommendations; performs necessary computations and cost/benefit analyses; makes recommendations on design criteria; produces preliminary and final designs after approval; makes modifications in design if needed.
• Perform the duties assigned during an emergency;
• Prepare, read, and interpret various kinds of maps, architectural and engineering drawings, construction plans, and other technical materials and documents.
• Operates computers to research, input, obtain, and analyze information and data; prepares reports; maintains data files; runs prepared programs, modifies existing programs as needed for specific applications and assists in writing new programs; helps develop and run computer modeling and information system programs.
• Perform detailed work thoroughly, neatly, punctually, accurately, and efficiently.
• Coordinate with District operations & maintenance staff regarding project management, construction support, and general engineering assistance.
• Inspects projects, equipment installations, and construction work in progress to ensure compliance with contractual specifications and all applicable codes and statutes.
• Performs project management duties as assigned, including assisting with the oversight of work of consultants and contractors, preparing and reviewing engineering plans, reports, analyses, and recommendations, preparing cost estimates, driving to and from work sites using District vehicles; serving as liaison between the District, consultants and contractors, monitoring progress of work, keeping project records, recording and communicating issues and changes as they occur, and making timely reports.
• Create a culture that promotes respect, inclusion, and equity for the diversity of people in our workforce and community.
• Formal contracting and project management processes.
• Remain within a 10-hour response time during the District’s Partial Emergency Activation or as specified by the Executive Director;
• Leads, evaluates, and completes development review proposals in a timely manner.
• Coordinates and integrates multi-phase design, development, and construction projects with various regional, state or federal jurisdictions, as well as with special-interest groups, neighborhood associations, other stakeholders and the public.

This position is open from Monday, September 22, until filled. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to be considered for the first review. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ Preference when applying for UFSWQD positions. If you are a veteran and would like to request Veterans’ Preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents (Copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214 or 215; Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran’s Disability Preference Letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) with your application submittal in the attachments section. Documentation must be received by the closing date and time of this recruitment for the applicant to receive Veterans’ Preference.

Ideal candidates will bring a strong foundation in engineering principles and a willingness to engage in both routine and complex tasks - from stormwater modeling and pump station upgrades to coordinating with local agencies and contractors. This position provides a unique opportunity to grow professionally while helping shape the future of flood safety in our region.

• Speak in front of groups; cope with dissent and conflict.
• Training or experience with emergency response protocols (e.g., Incident Command System).
• Civil engineering theory and practices related to hydrology, hydraulics, geotechnical, and/or environmental specialties.
• Bachelor's degree from an American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related field.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws related to floodplain management and/or levee protection.
• Minimum 1-2 years of directly related engineering experience.
• Complete required Incident Command System training within 90 days of hire;
• Theory, principles, and practices of either civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, chemical or traffic engineering design and project management.
• Experience working in a public agency.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
• Use of specialized drafting, engineering, surveying, or electronic tools and equipment.
• Work well with community and be a strong ambassador for UFSWQD; Exemplify the workplace safety culture.
• Computer use, applications, languages, and programming techniques pertaining to the work.
• Familiar with Microsoft Windows Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Valid state driver’s license
• Carry up to 50 pounds over uneven and sloped terrain.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally with other District staff and other District partners (e.g. local cities, Port of Portland, US Army Corps of Engineers, etc.).

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities. Please contact Tracy Olmedo at (503) 281-5675 or [email protected] for any questions on accessibility or accommodation during the hiring process