Engineering Program Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Project Manager

The City of Salem Public Works is hiring a civil engineer at one of three levels — Engineering Program Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Project Manager — depending on your experience and certification. Recent retirements, voter approval of a $300 million Community Improvement Bond Measure, and a backlog of projects have created long-term funding, meaningful work, and room to grow. The Engineering Division’s approved Capital Improvement Plan totals $407 million and provides at least 10 years of funded infrastructure.

This recruitment will establish a six-month eligibility list. Even if you are not selected for the current opening, qualified applicants will be contacted as additional positions become available.

About the role

The current opening is in Engineering’s Utility Engineering Group, which covers water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, and stormwater systems. The immediate need is in the water treatment and distribution system. Additional consideration will be given to expertise in wastewater treatment, collections systems, pump systems, and/or collaborative delivery of large projects. Related experience in transportation and facilities engineering will also be considered.

Priority projects in the water section include:

• Franzen Reservoir Liner and Cover
• Geren Island response projects to the Detroit Reservoir drawdown and the City’s water supply response
• Fairmount Reservoir
• Geren Island Filters Resanding Program
• Cherry and Wiessner Pump Station Interties with Keizer
• Geren Island Bridge Replacement
• Geren Island Flow Maintenance
• Transmission Mains Replacement

Role levels and responsibilities

Role Experience Supervision Primary Focus Engineering Program Manager (Engineer 4) 12+ years Supervises project team of licensed PEs Program-level management, budgeting, regulatory permits, QA/QC Senior Project Manager (Engineer 3) 10+ years Supervises engineering technical staff and interns Complex project management through planning, design, and construction Project Manager (Engineer 2) 6+ years None required Project management for moderate to large projects, development review

Engineering Program Manager (Engineer 4)

• Manage multiple projects and programs through design and construction phases
• Lead a project team of licensed professional engineers
• Take administrative responsibility for program-level budgets, regulatory permits, and QA/QC
• Oversee complex projects across water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, and stormwater areas
• Serve on technical and advisory committees
• Establish project delivery procedures
• Coordinate with stakeholders across the organization and community
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members and interns

Senior Project Manager (Engineer 3)

• Independently manage a full range of civil engineering projects through planning, design, and construction
• Apply extensive knowledge of engineering principles across water, wastewater, and stormwater fields
• Perform QA/QC on designs
• Supervise engineering technical staff, including CECOP interns
• Supervisory experience valued for advancement to management positions
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members and interns

Project Manager (Engineer 2)

• Provide full-service project management for moderate to large projects through planning, design, and construction
• Review consultant designs
• Develop and execute projects with technical independence within accepted engineering principles and City policies

Across all levels, you will promote collaboration across divisions by developing, planning, and constructing projects that support Operations teams and the broader community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or a related field
• Professional Civil Engineer License within the State of Oregon required within one year of appointment
• Pass a pre-employment background check
• Possess an Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards

Experience

• Engineering Program Manager (Engineer 4): Twelve years of experience in Civil Engineering or related field
• Senior Project Manager (Engineer 3): Ten years of experience in Civil Engineering or related field
• Project Manager (Engineer 2): Six years of experience in Civil Engineering or related field

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies
• Competitive pay
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Voluntary long-term care
• Employee wellness program
• Employee assistance program
• Employee health clinic

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Hybrid schedule: in-office at the Public Works Operations and Engineering Building (1457 23rd St. SE) 3 to 4 days a week, with remote work available the remaining days with manager approval

About Us

Salem is the second-largest city in Oregon and the state capital. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem spans 49 square miles across Marion and Polk counties. The city has well-established neighborhoods, preserved historic buildings, and a family-friendly atmosphere, with nearly 180,000 residents.

The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 staff across eight departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. The Public Works Department values professional development and promotes a healthy work-life balance while maintaining dedication to community health, safety, and welfare.