Entry Level Specification Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

The City of St. Helens is seeking a full-time Engineer I to join the City's Public Works Engineering team. This entry-level professional engineering position provides an excellent opportunity to develop technical expertise and project management experience while contributing to essential public infrastructure projects that serve the community. Under the guidance of senior engineering staff, the Engineer I assists with the planning, design, review, and construction administration of water, wastewater, street, storm drainage, transportation, and other public works projects and programs. Responsibilities include reviewing private development plans for public improvements; assisting with project management, contract administration, and budget tracking for public works projects; coordinating with consultants, contractors, developers, and regulatory agencies; and ensuring compliance with applicable engineering standards, codes, permits, and City criteria. Related duties are performed as assigned. This position is well-suited for candidates who are eager to grow professionally, develop strong municipal engineering experience, and work on a diverse range of meaningful community infrastructure projects.

PAY & BENEFITS

The City of St. Helens offers a competitive salary range with annual step increases based on performance. The monthly salary range for the Engineer I position is $6,323 to $7,686.

The City also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Multiple health, dental, and vision insurance plan options for employees and families with only a 2% employee premium contribution
• Employer-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Two to six weeks of vacation leave annually, based on years of service
• Sick leave accrual of 12 days per year
• $75 monthly wellness/fitness benefit
• Life insurance
• An annual PPE clothing and boot allowance of $450

LIFE IN ST. HELENS

Located along the scenic Columbia River, St. Helens offers the character and pace of a small community while remaining conveniently connected to the greater Portland metropolitan area. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, local shops and restaurants, community events, and nearby regional destinations, all within a setting known for its natural beauty and historic downtown. St. Helens provides an excellent balance between professional opportunity and quality of life. Whether enjoying local parks and trails, spending time on the river, or taking advantage of the amenities available in nearby Portland and Hillsboro, residents appreciate the community-focused atmosphere and accessibility the area offers. At the City of St. Helens, employees are part of a collaborative organization committed to providing high-quality public service and supporting the community's continued growth and success. The City values professionalism, accountability, innovation, and public stewardship while fostering an environment that supports professional development and meaningful work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & DESIRED SKILLS

Successful candidates for the Engineer I position will possess a combination of technical knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to grow within a municipal engineering environment. Qualified applicants should have:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university
• Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) certification, or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire
• Basic familiarity with Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and technology
• Knowledge of fundamental civil engineering principles, practices, and techniques
• Ability to learn methods, materials, and construction practices associated with public works infrastructure projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prepare clear and effective written correspondence, reports, and technical documents
• Ability to read, interpret, and assist in the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, contractors, consultants, developers, regulatory agencies, and the public

The ideal candidate will be organized, adaptable, detail-oriented, and interested in developing a well-rounded career in municipal engineering and public infrastructure.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Engineer I is a full-time position with a typical in-office work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including a one-hour lunch break. As an Engineer I, you will work on a variety of municipal infrastructure and development projects that directly support the community.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Reviewing private development plans for compliance with applicable City standards, codes, regulations, and engineering requirements
• Assisting with the planning, design, bidding, construction, and closeout of public works projects
• Coordinating bid advertisements, reviewing construction bids, and assisting with contractor and consultant selection recommendations
• Performing construction observation and inspection to verify compliance with project plans and specifications
• Coordinating with contractors, consultants, developers, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and City staff
• Maintaining project documentation and accurate record drawings/as-built information
• Assisting with project tracking, contract administration, and other engineering-related assignments as needed

This position offers exposure to a broad range of municipal engineering functions and provides valuable hands-on experience in public infrastructure project delivery.

APPLY TODAY

If you are interested in building a career in municipal engineering and contributing to meaningful public infrastructure projects, we encourage you to apply today to join the St. Helens team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification documentation upon hire. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Veterans' preference points are available in accordance with Oregon law. Applicants wishing to claim veterans' preference should contact Human Resources Coordinator Kathy Payne at 503-366-8217 or kpayne@sthelensoregon.gov for required application materials.

The successful candidate will be required to pass an extensive background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.

The City of St. Helens is an equal opportunity employer.