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Water Resource 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 ...

Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure. Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in ...

Senior Hydrogeologist

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Summit Water Resources is boutique, specialized firm, where all staff have the opportunity to collaborate together on project work as well as develop new projects and clients in our individual areas ...

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 ...

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

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, direct, and grow their business * Leadership ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Resource information

See Oregon salary details

$37K

$91.8K

$150.7K

How much do water resource jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource in Oregon is $91,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $116,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Resource vs Water Quality Specialist?

AspectWater ResourceWater Quality Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or related field; certifications like PE or WRE often preferredBachelor's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related; certifications like WQ certification common
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, project planning in government agencies, consulting firms, or environmental organizationsLaboratory testing, field sampling, data analysis, regulatory compliance in labs, government agencies, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by water resource management agencies, environmental consultancies, and government bodiesUtilized by environmental agencies, water treatment facilities, and regulatory agencies

Water Resource professionals focus on managing and developing water supplies, infrastructure, and sustainable use strategies. Water Quality Specialists primarily assess and ensure the safety and quality of water through testing and compliance. While both roles involve environmental work and certifications, their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly, catering to different aspects of water management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water resource management roles?

Professionals in water resource management often encounter challenges such as balancing competing demands from agriculture, industry, and residential users while ensuring sustainable use of water resources. Adapting to climate variability, regulatory changes, and the need for ongoing stakeholder engagement can also present difficulties. Additionally, managing aging infrastructure and integrating new technologies to improve efficiency are common aspects that require problem-solving and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

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

To thrive as a Water Resource Specialist, you need a background in environmental science, hydrology, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with water management projects. Proficiency with GIS software, hydrological modeling tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and develop sustainable solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring effective water resource management, regulatory compliance, and the protection of environmental and public interests.

What is a water resource specialist?

Water resource specialists are professionals who manage, conserve, and protect water supplies for communities, industries, and the environment. They analyze water quality, monitor usage, develop water management plans, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Their work is crucial for ensuring that clean water is available for drinking, agriculture, recreation, and ecosystem health. Water resource specialists often collaborate with government agencies, environmental organizations, and private companies to promote sustainable water practices.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Water Resource jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Water Resource job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,768 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Project Manager, Water Resources

David Evans & Associates Inc

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Project Manager, Water Resources

Water and Environmentย Jobs with David Evans and Associates:

At David Evans and Associates, Inc., our Water and Environment team excels in managing complex whole-system resources. We offer comprehensive solutionsย inย natural resources and water/wastewater management. Our projects incorporate meticulous planning, thorough analysis, and sophisticated design, underscoring our commitment to stewardship of the built and natural environments. We create value for our clients by blending innovation with reliability and sustainable practices. This approach balances progress with preservation and elevates the quality of life, fostering healthier, more resilient communities.ย 

DEA's Oregon Region is seeking an experiencedย Water Resources Project Managerย for itsย Portland or Salem office.

This role willย be responsible forย both developing andย maintainingย relationships with existing and prospective water resources clients and managing projects from pursuit through delivery. This position will require the candidate toย utilizeย theirย expertiseย in water resources engineering related projects including open channels, box culverts, stormย drain pipes, hydrology and hydraulics, floodplain analysis, drainage master planning, and stream restoration. Experience in local stormwater managementย including:ย implementation and design of BMP's, preparing Water Quality Management Plans, and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans is highly valued. Responsibilities also include presenting to clients and developing proposals and Statements of Qualifications. This position will also provide support on a range of municipal, land development, and transportation projects, contributing to DEA's broader multidisciplinary efforts.ย 

What You'll DoKey Responsibilities:
  • Work closely with DEA's other managers in the Water and Environment Business Unit and throughout the company to promote DEA's business interests in adherence to its mission, vision, and valuesย 
  • Work in a highly flexible, team-oriented environment with individual responsibilities for internal and customer deliverables and scheduleย 
  • Provide leadership and guidance to early-career staffย ย 
  • Coach and mentor staff in professional, technical, and business development effortsย 
  • Responsible for all aspects of project development and delivery including scoping, budgeting, contract negotiations, and project executionย 
  • Provide meaningful input into the continued refinement of the strategy, plan, and direction for the Business Unit (BU)ย 
  • Gather and share business intelligence within the BU as well as across regions and other BUsย 
  • Adhere to firm-wide tools, processes, and policies including project accounting, contracting, and quality requirementsย 
  • Work with the Business Development and Marketing Manager to:ย 
    • cultivate external relationships and branding consistent with the overall DEA brandย 
    • identify, support, and initiate business development activity and project pursuitsย 
    • ensure resources are available to complete project work as committed to in proposalsย 
    • achieveย an optimalย balance of project-focused and business development activitiesย 
  • Lead the development of pursuits and proposals as a pursuit champion, when applicableย 
  • Work collaboratively with people at all levels to implement company initiativesย 
What You BringRequired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor'sย of Science in Civil or Environmental Engineering with emphasis in stormwater management and/or water resource designย 
  • Registered Professional Engineerย 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skillsย 
  • 5+ years of experience as a Project Manager of water resource engineering projectsย 
  • Familiarity with hydrology, hydraulic, and stormwater modeling software (SMS:SRH-2D, HEC-RAS,ย InfoWorksย ICM, HY-8ย etc)ย 
  • Proficiencyย with project management software (MS Project, Word, Excel, Bluebeam,ย etc)ย 
  • Ability to manage water resource-focused projects with multiple staffย 
  • Experience developing plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) deliverables for public and private projectsย 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 15+ years of experience as a hydrology and hydraulic engineer with general civil and water resource design experienceย 
  • Experience working with Departments of Transportation, local public works departments, flood control districts, and other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.ย 
  • Proficiencyย in Bentlyย OpenRoads, Autodesk Civil3D,ย SMS:SRH-2D, HEC-RAS 2D, HY-8,ย etcย 
  • Ability to manage large, complex projects involving sub consultants and multiple disciplinesย 
What We Offer

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. These guiding principles are vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

Benefits:
  • Comprehensive health coverage:ย Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Financial wellness:ย Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
  • Professional development:ย Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
  • Work-life balance:ย Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
  • Work Schedule:ย Flexible 9/80 schedule-every other Friday off!
  • Retirement:ย 401k plan
  • Wellbeing focus:ย Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
  • Growth opportunities:ย Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
  • Potential salary range:ย $100,000 - $140,000
    • The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services, please e-mailย careers@deainc.com.

Potential office locations include: Portland, OR; Salem, OR.

Employment Type: REG