Water Resources Specialist - Water Quality

About this Opportunity

The City of Hillsboro's Water Department is seeking a Water Resources Specialist to join our Water Quality group to monitor lakes, streams, water treatment plants, and the City’s water distribution systems for a variety of water quality parameters. With over 90,000 customers and serving as the managing agency for the Joint Water Commission (JWC), which serves over 400,000 customers in Washington County, Oregon, this is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in our community.

Collaboration is key in this position, as the Water Resource Specialist – Water Quality will work closely with all divisions of the Water Department, the Joint Water Commission, and the Barney Reservoir Joint Ownership Commission. Together, we will ensure regulatory compliance for all three community water systems managed by the City of Hillsboro. This role offers a balanced mix of fieldwork (70%) and office-based tasks (30%), providing diverse and rewarding experiences.

What You Will Be Doing

As a Water Resource Specialist – Water Quality , your primary responsibility will be conducting water quality sampling and data collection in the field as a valuable member of the Water Quality Program team within the Department. Your role will involve collecting samples for analysis of coliform, nutrients, organics, and other measures of water quality in both untreated water sources and drinking water.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect water quality samples from various locations, including lakes, streams, water treatment plants, and distribution systems.
• Contribute to monitoring plans that support the Water Department and Joint Water Commission in meeting regulatory compliance requirements, conducting source water assessments, and fulfilling investigative needs.
• Also includes equipment calibration, tracking samples and invoices, data entry and validation, reporting, and coordinating with laboratories.

Traits of a Successful Candidate

To excel in this position, we seek candidates with a proven background in environmental monitoring, specifically in collecting water samples and utilizing instruments and equipment to gather water quality data during fieldwork. Essential qualities for success include the ability to adhere to sampling plans, procedures, and schedules, along with strong communication skills and meticulous attention to detail. As this role entails working outdoors in diverse weather conditions and within a professional office environment, both independent and collaborative teamwork capabilities are highly valued.

Desirable qualifications for this role include proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with electronic field data collection. Furthermore, within three months of employment, it is required that you obtain an Oregon Boater Education card.

If you possess a genuine passion for safeguarding water quality and aspire to make a positive difference in your community, we strongly encourage you to apply for this thrilling opportunity to join our Water Quality team as a Water Resource Specialist – Water Quality Sampler.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Chemistry, Ecology, Geography, Engineering Science, Geology or a closely related field;

AND

Two years of related experience;

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License and safe driving record
• Must obtain an Oregon Boater Education card upon employment

Current & Upcoming Projects

• Drinking water quality monitoring for regulatory compliance
• Watershed monitoring and water quality investigations
• Equipment calibration
• Data entry and summarization
• Assist with Lead and Copper Rule Program Team
• Assist with Willamette Water Supply Integration

Application Limit

This recruitment will close after receiving 100 completed applications or on the posted closing date of May 17, 2026, whichever occurs first. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the posting may close without notice once the cap is reached.

Recruitment Timeline

• Deadline:5/17
• Application Review: Week of 5/25
• Invites: Week of 6/1
• Interviews: Week of 6/15
• Interviews: Week of 6/22

Note: Recruitment timeline subject to change based on City needs.

City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our Salary and Benefits page for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.