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Water Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Wood Plc

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently seeking a Senior-Level Civil / Water Resources Engineer to join our team in Portland, Oregon. You be part of a team on civil engineering projects ...

OTAK INC

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$119K - $170K/yr

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health ...

Verdantas

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Medford, OR · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering * Strong technical knowledge and practical field experience * Excellent written and verbal communication and client-facing skills * Previous ...

Otak, Inc.

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$119K - $170K/yr

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health ...

OTAK INC

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Vancouver, WA · Hybrid

$119K - $170K/yr

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health ...

Verdantas

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Albany, OR

$120K - $150K/yr

Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering * Strong technical knowledge and practical field experience * Excellent written and verbal communication and client-facing skills * Previous ...

Verdantas

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Newport, OR

$120K - $150K/yr

Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering * Strong technical knowledge and practical field experience * Excellent written and verbal communication and client-facing skills * Previous ...

Verdantas

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Medford, OR

$120K - $150K/yr

Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering * Strong technical knowledge and practical field experience * Excellent written and verbal communication and client-facing skills * Previous ...

Verdantas

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Coos Bay, OR

$120K - $150K/yr

Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering * Strong technical knowledge and practical field experience * Excellent written and verbal communication and client-facing skills * Previous ...

Medford Water

Senior Engineer

Medford, OR · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

N/A Description and Essential Duties Medford Water is seeking a qualified Senior Engineer to join our engineering department. This position offers a $7,000 sign-on bonus. The Senior Engineer reports ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Engineer JobsWater Engineer Jobs in Oregon

Water Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$11.6K

$64.9K

$84.6K

How much do water engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for water engineer in Oregon is $64,931.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $78,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectWater EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental, Civil, or Water Resources Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, managing water resources, working on water treatment and distribution projectsDesigning infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, including water-related structures
Industry UsagePrimarily in water management, environmental agencies, water treatment plantsConstruction, infrastructure, urban development sectors
Common Search/ComparisonWater Engineer vs Civil Engineer

Water Engineers focus on water-specific systems, resources, and treatment processes, often working within environmental and water management sectors. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, designing various infrastructure projects, including water-related structures. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in specialization and work environment.

How do Water Engineers typically collaborate with other professionals on large-scale projects?

Water Engineers often work closely with multidisciplinary teams that include civil engineers, environmental scientists, urban planners, and construction managers. Effective collaboration is essential for designing and implementing water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and flood control solutions. Regular meetings, clear communication, and shared project management tools help ensure all team members are aligned on objectives, timelines, and regulatory requirements. This collaborative structure provides valuable learning opportunities and helps Water Engineers broaden their expertise across related fields.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or executive positions within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Engineer, you generally need a degree in civil, environmental, or water resources engineering, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software, GIS systems, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is typically required. Effective communication, project management, and teamwork abilities help you collaborate with stakeholders and manage complex projects. These skills ensure safe, sustainable water systems and successful project delivery in compliance with regulatory standards.

Are water engineers in demand?

Water engineers are in demand due to ongoing needs for water management, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. The field offers opportunities in public and private sectors, often requiring skills in hydraulics, environmental science, and relevant certifications. Job growth is expected to be steady as water resources become increasingly critical globally.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Water engineering is a field that values experience and skills, and individuals can pursue this career at any age. Many engineers start or transition into the profession later in life, especially if they acquire relevant education, certifications, and technical knowledge. Age is generally not a barrier to becoming a water engineer if you meet the educational and professional requirements.

What does a Water Engineer do?

A Water Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems and structures that control water resources, such as water treatment plants, drainage systems, and flood defense mechanisms. They work to ensure the safe and efficient supply, distribution, and management of water for communities, agriculture, and industry. Their work often involves environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and compliance with regulations. Water Engineers collaborate with government agencies, contractors, and the public to solve water-related challenges and improve water infrastructure.

What do water engineers do?

Water engineers design, develop, and maintain systems for water supply, treatment, and distribution. They analyze water quality, create infrastructure plans, and use tools like CAD software to ensure safe and efficient water management in various environments.

What Is a Water Engineer?

A water engineer works on projects to ensure water supplies stay clean, properly dispose of wastewater and sewage, and prevent flood damage. Job duties include designing and building structures for water resource control, overseeing project construction, monitoring technical systems, and analyzing technical data. They work on structures such as pumping stations, reservoirs, and sea defense walls. To effectively perform this job, you must stay current with environmental management legislation and government regulations related to water resources.

More about Water Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Engineer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Water Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Water Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Water Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Engineer jobs in OR? For Water Engineer jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Engineer job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,931 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Drinking Water Process Technical Expert

kennedyjc

Portland, OR

$150K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a National Water Treatment Technical Expert, serving as a drinking water quality and treatment subject matter expert for clients and project teams across the firm. The ideal candidate will have broad understanding and experience in drinking water treatment technologies and regulations, and a desire to serve as a mentor to mid-level staff to develop their skills in water treatment. If you are a motivated and experienced drinking water engineer with a passion for mentoring staff and serving our water clients, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Provide technical process and water quality expertise for municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification, including treatment process evaluation, process selection, preliminary engineering studies, and operations optimization.
  • Support client service managers and business development efforts, serving as a technical subject matter expert at in-person and virtual meetings and project interviews.
  • Participate in project pursuits and interviews, including developing treatment process innovations, technical approach and scope items.
  • Guide, mentor and/or lead process design in feasibility studies, facility plans, and process pilot testing for complex water projects.
  • Guide, mentor and/or lead process preliminary design, including preparation of basis of design reports and preliminary engineering drawings and specifications for complex water projects. Guide the development and/or provide quality control review of process flow diagrams, process design criteria, and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Guide, mentor and/or lead the process performance evaluation and operations optimization of existing water treatment facilities.
  • Actively participate in water-focused professional organizations; submit abstracts and confidently present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Collaborate with our Applied Research Group staff to support and/or participate in research projects related to water quality and water treatment processes.
  • Collaborate with our private sector water treatment staff to support and/or participate in projects related to industrial water quality and water treatment processes. 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in civil / environmental engineering, or related scientific discipline required. -
  • 15+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering
  • Practical professional engineer (PE) license required. License in one or multiple states (CA, CO, FL, HI, OR, TX, VA, WA) preferred.
  • Ability to interact professionally both internally and externally. Ability to relay technical information competently to clients, as needed. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, design drawings, specifications, and technical memos.
  • Ability to work independently and/or as a valuable member of the team.
  • Ability to collaborate with and mentor junior and senior staff in water quality and water treatment processes and regulations. 

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and achieve their full potential. 

The salary range for this position is anticipated to be $150,000 to $200,000 and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and other benefits and programs. 

Apply