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Water Distribution Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise Water Authority

Project Engineer

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$108K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Assess fire flow adequacy and delivery capacity throughout the water distribution system; * Able to lead work groups and responsible for team outcomes; * Model superior customer service and ...

NW Natural

Water Operations Senior Manager

Newberg, OR

$97K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Administer the overall operation of water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collections, and wastewater treatment for client water systems within department service area. Execute all ...

NW Natural

Water Operations Senior Manager

Newberg, OR · On-site

$97K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Administer the overall operation of water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collections, and wastewater treatment for client water systems within department service area. Execute all ...

NW Natural

Water Operations Senior Manager

Newberg, OR · On-site

$97K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Administer the overall operation of water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collections, and wastewater treatment for client water systems within department service area. Execute all ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR

$23 - $31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an entrepreneurial spirit and create a vision for growth for the local water resource practice and beyond * Given a great deal of autonomy to lead ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an entrepreneurial spirit and create a vision for growth for the local water resource practice and beyond * Given a great deal of autonomy to lead ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR

$23 - $31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an entrepreneurial spirit and create a vision for growth for the local water resource practice and beyond * Given a great deal of autonomy to lead ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an entrepreneurial spirit and create a vision for growth for the local water resource practice and beyond * Given a great deal of autonomy to lead ...

NW Natural

Operator (All Levels)

Newberg, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Operator monitors and manages water treatment plants and distribution systems. The Operator will be responsible for oversight of water treatment plant equipment and processes to meet permit ...

New

NW Natural

Operator (All Levels)

Newberg, OR

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Operator monitors and manages water treatment plants and distribution systems. The Operator will be responsible for oversight of water treatment plant equipment and processes to meet permit ...

New

Stantec

Civil Engineer, Conveyance

Portland, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water distribution and transmission main design with rigid and non-rigid pipe materials including welded steel pipe, ductile iron pipe, PVC, HDPE, and concrete pressure pipe and cylinder pipe.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Distribution JobsWater Distribution Jobs in Portland, OR

Water Distribution information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$25

$57

How much do water distribution jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution in Portland, OR is $25.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.84 and $30.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water distribution operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water systems, hydraulics, maintenance procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and GIS mapping software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout operators apart. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of clean water to communities, uphold regulatory standards, and minimize service disruptions.

How does water distribution work?

Water distribution involves the process of delivering treated water from treatment plants through a network of pipes, pumps, and storage tanks to homes and businesses. Water distribution workers install, maintain, and repair these systems, ensuring safe and reliable water supply while adhering to safety standards and using tools like leak detectors and valves.

What is the difference between Water Distribution vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater DistributionWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Operator LicenseWater Treatment Operator License
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, pipelines, reservoirsPlant facilities, chemical handling
Industry UsageMunicipal water systems, pipelinesWater purification, treatment processes
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing water pipelines and infrastructureOperating and monitoring water treatment equipment

Water Distribution professionals focus on maintaining and repairing water pipelines and infrastructure, ensuring safe water delivery. Water Treatment Plant Operators manage water purification processes at treatment facilities. While both roles require similar certifications and work within the water industry, their primary responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a water distribution worker?

Water distribution workers are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining the systems that deliver clean, safe water to homes and businesses. Their duties include monitoring water quality, repairing pipes and valves, ensuring proper water pressure, and responding to leaks or service disruptions. They play a crucial role in public health and infrastructure by making sure that water distribution systems comply with safety regulations and function efficiently. This job often requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and sometimes certification or licensing.

What are some common challenges faced by water distribution professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Water distribution professionals often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, leak detection, maintaining water quality standards, and responding to emergency repairs. Addressing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with modern monitoring technologies, and close coordination with maintenance and engineering teams. Proactive maintenance, ongoing training, and clear communication with both colleagues and the public can help mitigate these challenges and ensure reliable water service.

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Water Distribution jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Water Distribution job openings:

Water Distribution jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Distribution job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,892 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Project Engineer

Sunrise Water Authority (OR)

Happy Valley, OR

$108K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description Sunrise Water Authority (SWA) is looking for a licensed professional engineer to serve a key role advancing our asset management and capital construction programs. This position offers an excellent opportunity to grow your professional career and further develop your engineering and project management skills. You'll help drive decision-making and resource prioritization as part of an ambitious 20-year capital expansion and replacement program.

Position is open until filled or withdrawn. About Us: Sunrise Water Authority is a public water utility with an excellent reputation for providing safe, reliable water service to approximately 53,000 people in Happy Valley and areas of unincorporated Clackamas County. We seek motivated people who embody SWA's core values including teamwork and excellence.

Sunrise offers an exciting opportunity in a professional and supportive atmosphere with excellent compensation and benefits, and the opportunity to grow your career while working in a sustainable organization that provides the community with its most precious resource - water. Essential Functions Assist in capital project planning and delivery; Conduct asset management and emergency resiliency planning; Scheduling and delivery of renewal and replacements projects; Prepare and review design and bid documents for procurement of construction services; Review development applications and approve design of new infrastructure; Manage consulting and construction services related to capital project delivery; Prepare project related reports, spreadsheets, databases, and technical materials; Assess fire flow adequacy and delivery capacity throughout the water distribution system; Able to lead work groups and responsible for team outcomes; Model superior customer service and professionally represent organization in public. Minimum Qualifications Licensed professional engineer in Oregon (or able to obtain registration through reciprocity within six months of hire) Working knowledge of hydraulic modeling of water distribution systems and related computer platforms (preference given to experience with InfoWater) Working knowledge of ArcGIS Online; AutoCad; and Microsoft Suite Familiarity with codes, regulations and standards related to public drinking water systems Valid Oregon Driver's license and clean driving record Successfully pass a drug/alcohol screening and background check Supplemental Information Desired Qualifications: Ideal candidate would have 5-7 years of professional experience and an Oregon PE license (or able to obtain via reciprocity), with at least 3-4 years of experience in design and/or construction administration related to municipal drinking water infrastructure, including reservoirs, pipelines and pump stations.

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