Watershed Specialist II

The Position

The Portland Water Bureau is seeking a Watershed Specialist II to join their team.

Job Appointment: Regular Full Time

Work Schedule: 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday

Work Location: In-person, Sandy River Station. 10991 SE Lusted Rd, Sandy, OR 97055, USA

Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.

Union Representation: American Federation of State, County, and municipal Employees , AFSCME 189 . To view this labor agreement, please click here .

Starting Pay: Applicants start at the entry rate. If you are an AFSCME/DCTU-represented employee, see labor agreement or contact your labor representative for additional information.

Position Summary

This position is stationed at the Sandy River facility and has broad responsibility in watershed stewardship for the maintenance of rights-of-way, waterways, roads, trails, facility maintenance, water conduit maintenance, and related activities. Watershed specialist II is involved in the operations and maintenance of the infrastructure located in the Bull Run Watershed. The Watershed Specialist II will remove fallen trees; brush and mow right-of-ways, roads and bureau facilities; install and repair log booms in reservoirs and lakes located in the watershed; and install, repair and maintain culverts and gates. In addition, this position will assist an Operating Engineer and Watershed Specialist III in performing conduit operations and maintenance. They may also be asked to assist a carpenter performing various maintenance activities associated with the facilities in the Bull Run Watershed.

This position requires a CDL and will operate large dump trucks and other equipment.

To Qualify

Applicants must demonstrate how their education, training, and experience meet each of the minimum qualifications listed below:

• Knowledge of watershed policies, practices and procedures; forestry safety and control.
• Knowledge of and skill in the safe operation of watercrafts and a variety of equipment used in watershed stewardship including but not limited to brush cutters, chainsaws, brush chippers, forklift trucks, power washers, large and small dump trucks etc.
• Ability to lift, carry and otherwise move equipment and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, and traverse rough terrain and steps associated with the dams.
• Ability to enter and crawl through confined spaces such as inside conduits.
  
  

Applicants Must Also Possess

• A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License and acceptable driving record at the time of appointment.
  
  

The Recruitment Process

How To Apply

• Submit your resume and responses to supplemental questions by the closing date, October 26, 2026.
• (Optional) Submit Veterans’ Preference documents , if applicable. If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven’t requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application. Once we verify your eligibility, we’ll record your veteran preference in our system, so it automatically applies to your future applications.
• Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response and/or cover letter.
  
  

What To Expect

• Application Review - (Week of October 26th): We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed above.
• Notice/Feedback - (Week of November 2nd): You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with the evaluation results, you may request a review within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01 .
• Selection Process - (Mid to late November 2026): The hiring bureau will review qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references.
• Conditional Job Offer - (December 2026): Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check, depending on the position.
• Pre-hire Evaluation: As part of the conditional job offer, candidates must complete a Pre-hire Evaluation during the hiring process/probationary period. The Pre-hire Evaluation may consist of a medical exam, screenings, and a physical capacities test (PCT) required for work clearance and safety compliance. The PCT measures physical ability through job-related tasks such as lifting, carrying, climbing, shoveling, and repetitive movements. Unless already employed in a City position requiring a similar or more demanding PCT, candidates must pass all required tasks to proceed with employment. For more information visit the Pre-hire Evaluation page .
  
  

Additional Information

• How to Apply Videos and Workshops
• City of Portland Core Values
• HRAR-3.01 - Recruitment Processes
• Veteran Preference Information
• Total Compensation and Benefits
• Language Pay Differential Eligibility
  
  

We’re committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring process. If you need assistance with your application or would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief, please contact the recruiter listed below.

Questions? We're here to help!

If you have questions about this recruitment or need assistance, contact:

Tami Larison, Senior Recruiter

Tamara.Larison@portlandoregon.gov

Bureau of Human Resources