Engineering Associate - Entry Level

Make an impact
Apply engineering theory and practices to solve problems related to design, maintenance, or construction affecting the City’s infrastructure and private development.
Learn and grow

• Work as a member of a team to deliver large infrastructure projects.
• Manage small infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Perform entry-level to intermediate engineering work in support of a variety of public works projects.

The City’s project delivery strategy is tailored to give entry-level engineers project management experience and allow senior engineers to maintain and grow technical knowledge. This is done by having engineers at all levels managing projects and allowing all project managers to take a lead role in design development and construction management for both in-house and consultant designed projects.
With a wide variety of projects, stable funding sources, and an established track for development, the opportunities are vast! We wholeheartedly support and guide growth within our organization.
A unique opportunity:
Recent retirements, promotions, and voter approval of a $300 million Community Improvement Bond Measure have created exciting career opportunities within our dynamic team of staff dedicated to collaboration and partnership with our community. We are seeking candidates for multiple professional engineering positions. In addition to the Engineering Associate position, openings include a Deputy City Surveyor, a Project Manager, an Engineering Program Manager, and a Senior Project Manager.
Learn more about the Community Improvement Bond
Check out our currently Active Construction Projects in ArcGIS
What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Accrue 8 hours of vacation + 8 hours of sick time each month
  • Vacation accrual increases with tenure
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Competitive pay.
• Vacation accrual increases with tenure
• Employee wellness program.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Employee assistance program.
• Monday through Friday work schedule, 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Employee health clinic.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Environment encouraging of a healthy work/life balance:
  • Monday through Friday work schedule, 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • 40 hour work week with occasional need for overtime
  • 11 paid City holidays + 2 floating holidays in a year
  • Accrue 8 hours of vacation + 8 hours of sick time each month
    • Vacation accrual increases with tenure
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• 11 paid City holidays + 2 floating holidays in a year
• 40 hour work week with occasional need for overtime

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the examples of work.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a related field.
• Must have an Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Possession of Fundamentals of Engineer Certificate (FE).

About us:
The City of Salem is the state capital of Oregon and is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountain range. Salem is within a one-hour drive of the Oregon Coast, Cascade Mountains, Wine Country, and Portland Metropolitan area. The area offers wonderful opportunities for year-round activities including countless outdoor recreation activities, collegiate and professional sporting events, arts, culture, and multiple universities offering prestigious educational programs. The City operates under a Council/Manager form of government and offers a welcoming, progressive, and balanced work environment. In addition to offering a competitive compensation package, the City offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, employee assistance program, free employee health clinic (Health Hub), and retirement contributions through the State Employee Retirement System. We value work/life balance and offer flexible work schedules and remote work opportunities.
The Engineering Division is responsible for delivering the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan and is currently working on a wide variety of capital improvement projects including: water treatment and distribution facilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, pump stations, reservoirs, drainage facilities, parks, airport facilities, streets, bridges, traffic signals, and urban development projects. The recent Community Improvement Bond includes capital improvement projects for streets, bridges, parks, building renovations, and new building construction, adding $300 million to the current $280 million Capital Improvement Plan and providing a secure source of funding for projects over the next 10 years.
The Public Works Department values employees and their professional development. If you are someone that takes pride in collaborating on innovative ideas, proactively responding to community needs, and being a good environmental and financial steward, we look forward to meeting you! The Public Works Department promotes a healthy work life balance, while maintaining the utmost dedication to the health, safety and welfare of our community, including our team!
Where can I find out more about the position?
How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.
You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!