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Civil Engineering Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our ... Civil and/or Environmental Engineering * Mechanical, Electrical, Biological, Biosystems, Chemical ...

Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our ... Civil and/or Environmental Engineering * Mechanical, Electrical, Biological, Biosystems, Chemical ...

Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our ... Civil and/or Environmental Engineering * Mechanical, Electrical, Biological, Biosystems, Chemical ...

Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our ... Civil and/or Environmental Engineering * Mechanical, Electrical, Biological, Biosystems, Chemical ...

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Mentor junior engineering staff and assist with technical development. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university. * Professional Engineer (PE) license * 4+ ...

Civil Engineer-in-Training

Portland, OR · On-site

$66K - $77K/yr

The desired candidate will perform a variety of tasks which may include engineering analysis ... Prepare estimates and basic opinion of cost analysis with oversight from senior staff. * Assist ...

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Showing results 1-20

Civil Engineering Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$34.6K

$87.7K

$131.4K

How much do civil engineering assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering assistant in Portland, OR is $87,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,900.00 and $103,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Assistant vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectCivil Engineering AssistantCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, offices, fieldworkDesign offices, construction sites, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by construction firms, government agencies, consulting firmsCommonly employed in engineering firms, government departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and support positionsCompared for technical roles involving design and project support

The Civil Engineering Assistant typically supports project tasks with basic technical duties and may require minimal certifications. In contrast, Civil Engineering Technicians have more technical training and perform detailed design, analysis, and project support. Both roles are essential in civil engineering projects but differ mainly in education level and scope of responsibilities.

What are Civil Engineering Assistants?

Civil Engineering Assistants are professionals who provide support to civil engineers in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Their responsibilities often include preparing drawings and maps, conducting site surveys, gathering and analyzing data, and assisting with project documentation. They play a crucial role in ensuring projects run smoothly by handling technical and administrative tasks. This entry-level position is a great way to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering field and often requires knowledge of engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Civil Engineering Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Assistant, you generally need a background in civil engineering or a related field, with strong skills in mathematics, drafting, and technical analysis. Familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS software, and project management tools is often required, along with knowledge of relevant codes and standards. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong organizational abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure accurate project support, facilitate teamwork, and help maintain safety and compliance in engineering projects.

What are some common challenges Civil Engineering Assistants face when supporting large-scale infrastructure projects?

Civil Engineering Assistants often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring accuracy in technical documentation. They may also need to quickly adapt to changing site conditions and prioritize tasks as project needs evolve. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring the smooth progress of engineering projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Assistant jobs in Portland, OR? For Civil Engineering Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Civil Engineering Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Civil Engineering Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,402 per year, or $42 per hour.

Staff Civil Engineer (Vancouver)

Burns & McDonnell

Vancouver, WA

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 79 rated construction


Job description

The Staff Civil Engineer will lead and execute civil engineering assignments for electrical substations, switching stations, communication facilities, and related utility infrastructure projects. This position will work closely with clients, vendors, permit agencies, project managers, and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective civil engineering solutions throughout all phases of project execution.

The Staff Civil Engineer will perform civil site design, coordinate project deliverables, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers and designers.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead civil engineering efforts for assigned projects and support larger multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Perform civil site design for electrical substations, switching stations, and related utility infrastructure, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, access roads, and site development.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, construction drawings, technical specifications, and drainage reports.
  • Coordinate with clients, surveyors, geotechnical engineers, permitting agencies, contractors, and other engineering disciplines to develop and execute project designs.
  • Review and modify civil drawings for compliance with project requirements, applicable codes, standards, and client specifications.
  • Manage assigned civil scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
  • Support permitting activities and coordinate with local, state, and regulatory agencies as required.
  • Participate in client meetings, site visits, and construction support activities.
  • Review shop drawings, respond to RFIs, and support construction-phase engineering efforts.
  • Direct, mentor, and provide technical guidance to assistant engineers and designers.
  • Comply with company safety requirements, quality processes, and engineering procedures.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program and 3 years of civil engineering experience required. Consulting preferred. 
  • Or Bachelor's Degree in Civil or related Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program, successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and 3 years of civil engineering experience required. Consulting preferred. 
  • Or Master's Degree in Civil Engineering and 2 years of civil engineering experience required. Consulting preferred. 
  • Strong knowledge of standard civil engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, BIM (Revit), Civil 3D, PLS, PLS-CADD, RISA-3D, MathCADD), and/or hydraulic, hydrologic, pavement, and civil analysis programs. 
  • Experience designing civil site development projects for electrical substations, utility infrastructure, industrial facilities, or similar projects preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead civil engineering tasks, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and execute projects with limited supervision preferred.
  • Experience with civil engineering design principles related to grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and applicable regulatory requirements preferred.
  • Strong analytical, communication, mentorship, and problem-solving skills.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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