1

Water Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer We are seeking a Water Resources Engineer to support a growing portfolio of public and private infrastructure projects throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. This ...

Senior Engineer-Water/Wastewater

Medford, OR ยท On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Perform engineering design for water supply infrastructure projects, including pipelines, pump stations, storage tanks, well sites, and related facilities. * Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H ...

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 ...

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Portland, OR ยท 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 ...

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Portland, OR ยท 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 ...

Water Resources EIT

Portland, OR

$83K - $114K/yr

Work under project engineers on the application of various design engineering and modeling techniques in the development of water resource projects for federal, state and local municipalities * Focus ...

Water Resources EIT

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

Work under project engineers on the application of various design engineering and modeling techniques in the development of water resource projects for federal, state and local municipalities * Focus ...

Your Opportunity You will lead the design and engineering of multiple water and wastewater related projects that range in size and complexity. As a licensed professional, your duties will include ...

Senior Electrical Engineer, Water

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$114K - $148K/yr

Your Opportunity You will lead the design and engineering of multiple water and wastewater related projects that range in size and complexity. As a licensed professional, your duties will include ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$11.6K

$64.9K

$84.6K

How much do water engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Are water engineers in demand?

Water engineers are in high demand due to increasing infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, and water resource management challenges. The profession often requires knowledge of environmental regulations, CAD software, and sustainable practices, making it a stable career choice with growth prospects.

How much do water engineers make?

Water engineers in New York City typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and certifications. Senior roles or specialized skills in water treatment, hydraulics, or environmental compliance can lead to higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of industry standards, engineering software, and regulatory requirements.

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:

Infographic showing various Water Engineer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,931 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Drinking Water Process Technical Expert

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking aย National Water Treatment Technical Expert to serve 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.

What Youโ€™ll Do

As aย National Water Treatment Technical Expert, you will provide technical leadership, strategic guidance, and client-facing support for complex water quality and treatment initiatives.

  • Provide technical expertise:ย 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 business development:ย Support client service managers and business development efforts, serving as a technical subject matter expert at in-person and virtual meetings and project interviews.
  • Lead pursuits and technical approaches:ย Participate in project pursuits and interviews, including developing treatment process innovations, technical approach and scope items.
  • Guide planning and pilot testing:ย process design in feasibility studies, facility plans, and process pilot testing for complex water projects.
  • Lead preliminary design:ย Advise preliminary process design, including basis of design reports and preliminary engineering drawings and specifications for complex water projects.
  • Review technical deliverables:ย Guide development and provide quality control review of process flow diagrams, process design criteria, and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Optimize facility performance:ย Evaluate process performance and operations optimization of existing water treatment facilities.
  • Engage the industry:ย Actively participate in water-focused professional organizations; submit abstracts and present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Collaborate on research:ย Collaborate with our Applied Research Group staff to support and/or participate in research projects related to water quality and water treatment processes.
  • Support private sector work:ย Team up with private sector water treatment staff to support and participate in industrial water quality and water treatment processes.

What Makes This Role Different

  • Firmwide technical influence:ย Serve as a trusted technical expert supporting clients and project teams across the firm.
  • Solve complex water challenges:ย Apply your expertise to advanced treatment, reuse, purification, and optimization projects with meaningful community impact.
  • Mentorship and knowledge-sharing:ย Help develop mid-level staff by sharing expertise in water quality, treatment processes, regulations, and practical project delivery.

What You Bring

  • Client-facing communication: Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information for clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
  • Technical interpretation: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, design drawings, specifications, and technical memos.
  • Quality control and documentation: Experience reviewing technical deliverables and providing constructive guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Industry engagement: Ability to collaborate with and mentor junior and senior staff in water quality and water treatment processes and regulations.
  • Work style:ย Ability to work independently and/or as a valuable member of the team.

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelorโ€™s or Masterโ€™s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required.
  • Experience: 15+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering.
  • Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license required; license in one or multiple states preferred, including CA, CO, FL, HI, OR, TX, VA, and WA.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes aย hybrid modelย 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 do their best work.

Salary rangeย 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:ย Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

#LI-Hybrid