Posted: 4/14/26
Location:  Portland, OR

 

Rockwood Water People’s Utility District is currently recruiting qualified applicants for the position of District Engineer.

Opening Date: April 13, 2026

Closing Date: May 18, 2026

Desired Staring Date: July 2026

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under direct supervision of the General Manager (GM) the District Engineer performs advanced professional engineering and project management work in support of the District’s water system infrastructure, capital improvement program, and development review activities. Responsibilities include planning, design, and construction oversight of capital projects; reviewing development plans; administering contracts; and applying advanced engineering principles to complex infrastructure challenges.

 

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

Rockwood Water People’s Utility District is a public utility initially incorporated in 1925 as the Rockwood Water District. Facing annexation by the cites of Gresham and Portland, and eventual dissolution, residents voted in 1990 to create a People’s Utility District. The District serves over 65,000 residents within an approximately 10 square mile area generally bordered by Division St. to the south, I-84 to the north, 242nd to the east and 135th to the west. The District is within the cities of Portland, Gresham, and Fairview. Water for the District has historically been purchased through a wholesale contract with the City of Portland however it is transitioning to supply from the deep, protected Sand and Gravel Aquifer in the Cascade Basin Aquifers. The District, in partnership with the City of Gresham, has constructed groundwater supply and treatment infrastructure to fully supply all Rockwood and Gresham water beginning in 2026. The transition to the District owned and operated Cascade Groundwater supply system is currently underway. District owned infrastructure includes 165 miles of pipe, 13,654 meters, 1,100 fire hydrants, and 2,500 valves. The District’s and City of Gresham’s groundwater supply infrastructure is currently nearing the end of construction and includes nine high production wells, three manganese removal water treatment plants, two reservoirs and two pump stations, with firm capacity to supply approximately 27 million gallons per day of treated groundwater. The District is also in the process of installing Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and is in the second year of the five-year AMI program with 5,000 AMI meters successfully installed and reading to date. The District is organized into four units: Business Operations & Customer Service; Operations, Maintenance, & Construction; Accounting; and Engineering. District staff operate and maintain the groundwater supply system for both Rockwood and the City of Gresham through an Intergovernmental agreement with the City of Gresham. District staff also operate and maintain the Rockwood water distribution system; design projects and perform construction management; read meters; bill for service and collect payments; develop budgets, set rates, and account for District finances; and provide service to District customers. For more information about Rockwood Water PUD, visit https://rwpud.org/.

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Rockwood is looking for a highly skilled engineer with strong project management capabilities. Proven experience in water utility infrastructure and/or public works, strong communication and collaboration skills, ability to manage complex capital projects and coordinate with stakeholders, ability to provide creative solutions to complex challenges and make effective and efficient decisions.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must demonstrate satisfaction with the following minimum qualifications to be considered as a candidate for this position:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and
• Five years of professional engineering experience (some leadership preferred)
• Or A satisfactory combination of education, experience and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of the position.

In addition, this position requires the following licensure:

• A current Oregon Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain Oregon licensure via comity, and
• A valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Rockwood Water People’s Utility District offers a generous compensation and benefits package. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $142,236 to $172,884 annually, depending on experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Benefitsinclude:

• Group medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance
• HRA VEBA
• Participation in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Nine 10-hour paid holidays per year The District operates on a 4-10’s schedule, with office hoursfrom 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application packet including the following:

• Letter of introduction describing why you are interested in the position and how your education and experience satisfy the requirements of the position,
• Resume,
• Completed and signed application form including veteran’s preference form

 

Application packets must be submitted by email or postal to:

Nyla Clark, Government Affairs Coordinator

Attention: Rockwood PUD Engineer Rockwood Water PUD

19601 NE Halsey Portland, Oregon 97230

Email: nclark@rwpud.org.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be received by 4:00 PM (Pacific Time) May 18, 2026.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The application form, and position description are available at https://rwpud.org/employment/. Questions regarding this recruitment can be directed to Nyla Clark. This notice is not an offer of employment. This position is designated as safety-sensitive due to its role in supporting and approving operational and safety-related systems that impact public infrastructure and service delivery. Final candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check as a condition of employment..

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Rockwood Water People’s Utility District will consider all qualified applicants for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin,sex, age, maritalstatus, mental or physical disability, political affiliations, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. To ensure the broadest range of services to individuals with disabilities, Rockwood Water People’s Utility District is prepared to make necessary arrangements. Please call at least two (2) working days in advance for services