Director of Engineering, Operations, and Capital Projects

The mission of the UFSWQD is to equitably reduce flood risk and prepare for and respond to flood emergencies by maintaining levees, conveying water when necessary, and finding innovative and nature-based ways to live with more water around us while supporting community safety and the region’s economic vitality, contributing to the health of the river and watershed, planning for a more climate-resilient future, and promoting equity in all we do.

The UFSWQD manages the flood safety system in northern Multnomah County. The system prevents 8,000 residents, 60,000 businesses, 2,000 acres of natural habitat, and critical services such as Portland International Airport and the region’s secondary supply of drinking water from being flooded by the Columbia River.

Job Description

Application Information: This position is open from Monday, May 12 until filled. To be considered for the first review, applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Position Summary:

The Director of Engineering, Operations, and Capital Projects is an executive team member primarily responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of engineering, capital projects, and facility and field maintenance and operations.

This position has executive-level accountability for the operational excellence and strategic effectiveness of these areas and supervises managerial staff to achieve the district’s goals. Responsibilities include ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing projects, including ones that are publicly visible, and participating actively in the district’s executive leadership team to advance UFSWQD's strategic objectives and equity initiatives.

Examples of Duties

Executive Leadership:

Collaborate as part of the Executive Team to provide overall direction and strategic decision-making.

Make timely and critical decisions involving technical, financial, and managerial matters during high-stress or emergency flood events.

Operational Leadership:

Oversee engineering, capital projects, maintenance projects, facilities, and field operations, ensuring alignment with the district’s mission, values, plans, and strategic goals.

Provide clear, effective communication and leadership to managerial and supervisory staff.

Ensure engineering and district standards are communicated and maintained across all operational areas.

Handle complex situations professionally, resolving sensitive matters promptly.

Respond to or direct the resolution of inquiries, problems, complaints, or emergency quality or level of services.

Project & Operational Management:

Set strategic and operational goals, oversee capital construction and maintenance project implementation, and ensure projects and maintenance activities follow established plans and meet established objectives.

Oversee the district’s safety program, ensuring effective and adequate safety training, reporting, and management.

Oversee the regular evaluation of internal processes and implement improvements to achieve operational efficiency.

Establish, maintain, and enforce engineering and technical standards for design and construction projects; ensure project completion is in accordance with work plans, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and district policies and principles.

Ensure effective resource use, including budget adherence and strategic allocation of assets.

Supervision & Staff Development:

Provide supervision and leadership to managers, including hiring, promotion, evaluation, coaching, performance improvement, and discipline as .

Direct and coordinate assigned staff; develop goals and priorities and assigns tasks and projects; develop staff skills and training plans; counsel, train, motivate, and coach staff; evaluate performance and implement corrective actions.

Establish and implement departmental policies and procedures involving all operations, consistent with the overall mission of the district.

Foster an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes a culture of collaboration, respect, and innovation.

Strategic Coordination & Planning:

Contribute to the development and execution of the district’s long-term strategic plan and other plans.

Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to identify and address strategic priorities.

Ensure plans and projects are carried out in a manner that supports the district's equity and inclusion goals.

Representation & Collaboration:

Act as a representative of UFSWQD to the community, external agencies, and stakeholders.

Engage in public outreach, presentations, and collaborative partnerships to support district initiatives and enhance community relations.

Develop and maintain good working relationships with federal, state, and local governments and tribes.

General Responsibilities:

Perform duties assigned during emergencies and remain within a 10-hour response time during district emergencies.

Adhere to and advocate workplace safety and DEI policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, project management, planning, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Note: Additional education cannot be used as a substitution for the five (5) years in a senior management role supervising managerial staff.

Five (5) years in a senior management role supervising managerial staff.

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, project management, facility management, or related fields.

Demonstrated experience with government regulations and compliance relevant to operational oversight and capital project management.

Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, equity, and open and transparent communication.

Skills and Abilities:

Proven leadership, supervision, and strategic planning capabilities.

Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.

Ability to analyze complex operational issues and implement effective solutions.

Ability to navigate technical, financial, political, and legal issues; collaborating with the executive team to weigh trade-offs.

Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within teams and organizational practices.

Ability to complete required emergency management trainings and certifications within one year of hire date.

Successfully pass the background check and screening requirements required for the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree or professional certifications relevant to engineering, project management, planning, public administration, or public sector operations.

Experience managing operations within a public agency.

Experience delivering capital projects through the full capital project life cycle.

Certifications or experience with Federal Emergency Management Agency-sponsored emergency management training and incident response management.

Supplemental Information

Working Environment: This role includes both office and fieldwork environments. Occasional lifting and field visits may be . Hours typically fall between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Remote work is available for some tasks; however, regular office and field presence are necessary to meet operational requirements. UFSWQD reserves the right to adjust remote work policies as needed.How to Apply: This position is open from Monday, May 12 until filled. To be considered for the first review, applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Incomplete application may be rejected and attached resumes will not be accepted in place of fully completed education and experience sections on your Government Jobs application.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please submit the following with your online application:

An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.

An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.

Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. If you have any questions about the application, please contact Jasmine Gilmore at or .

Additional Information:

Employees are required to successfully complete all background / reference checks, knowledge examinations.

The salary range listed is effective July 1st, 2025, pending board budget adoption.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities. Please contact Tracy Olmedo at or for any questions on accessibility or accommodation during the hiring process

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ Preference when applying for UFSWQD positions. If you are a veteran and would like to request Veterans’ Preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents (Copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214 or 215; Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran’s Disability Preference Letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) with your application submittal in the attachments section. Documentation must be received by the closing date and time of this recruitment for the applicant to receive Veterans’ Preference.

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

This position is not represented.