Engineer I - Geotechnical

Job Appointment: Full time, Regular. Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am–5pm; hours may vary to meet business needs. Hybrid work location; employees are expected to work on site at least 50% of the time. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington. In-person work to be conducted at The 1900 Building, 1900 SW 4th Avenue. Represented by PROTEC-17.

About the role

The City of Portland’s Permitting & Development team is seeking a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join the Site Development Section of the Building Code Review Division. In this role, you will review proposed developments—including construction plans, specifications, and engineering calculations for structures, grading, and other aspects—for conformance with construction codes, regulations, and engineering standards of practice.

A significant portion of the work involves:

• Reviewing complex civil and/or geotechnical engineering features of development, including steep slope hazards; flood, earthquake, and erosion hazards; deep foundations; retaining walls; and excavation shoring.
• Reviewing geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and site-specific seismic hazard reports.
• Performing reconnaissance-level investigations of proposed development properties.
• Analyzing site conditions and performing engineering calculations.

You will exercise independent judgment while collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and residents to resolve development issues and assist in developing policies, standards, and codes related to the civil and/or geotechnical aspects of development. All Portland Permitting & Development staff are expected to provide excellent customer service in an equitable manner.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret complex engineering plans, reports, and calculations.
• Research technical issues, analyze problems, compare alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
• Communicate technical information clearly to non-technical audiences, including policymakers and community members.
• Engage in collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Represent the City and partner effectively with residents, community groups, and development professionals.

Requirements

• Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer.
• Must obtain an Oregon PE license within six months of hire.
• Valid state driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of civil and geotechnical engineering principles, materials, construction methods, industry best practices, and relevant City, State, and Federal regulations.
• Knowledge of the geotechnical aspects of construction as they relate to the design and construction of development and structures, including building and development codes and professional standards of practice.
• Knowledge of soil mechanics and geotechnical practices used in earthquake engineering.
• Ability to review and interpret complex engineering plans, reports, and calculations.
• Ability to research technical issues, analyze problems, compare alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to engage in collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Erosion and Sediment Control and/or Floodplain Development.

Pay

The City of Portland follows the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Salary is determined based on experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position.

Virtual Meet & Greet Opportunity

Meet the hiring manager and senior recruiter to learn more about this position, how to apply, and what it’s like to work with the City of Portland.

• Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
• Time: 5:30 PM Pacific Time
• Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nqHrP5EWSDSsrr54qh5rYQ

Note: AI notetaking apps are not permitted. If you need ADA accommodations, please contact the recruiter below.