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Water Security Specialist

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Water Security Specialist

Salary

$32.68 - $35.13 Hourly

Location

9911 SE Bush St. Portland, OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2025-00914

Bureau

Portland Water Bureau

Opening Date

11/17/2025

Closing Date

12/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

The Position

Job Appointment: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am-5 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.

Work Location: 9911 SE BUSH ST, PORTLAND, OR 97266

Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of the benefits for this position.

Union Representation: AFSCME 189 -- City Wide

To view current labor agreements, please visit https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements.

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.

Water Security Specialists provide security and patrol functions to protect and ensure the safety of the buildings, employees, facilities, and grounds of the Water Bureau; and are first responders to water system emergencies during off-hours (swing shift, graveyard, and weekends). The Water Security Specialist patrols and inspects buildings and grounds in a designated area by foot and/or vehicle; checks unauthorized access, suspicious people/circumstances; checks locks, doors and gates; provides building surveillance via telemonitoring; responds to intrusion alarms or other suspicious circumstances by checking the area and intervening or calling law enforcement personnel as appropriate; assists law enforcement personnel upon request; inspects grounds for general safety hazards that would endanger the public or staff and reports these for needed action or repair; and conducts crime prevention through environmental design surveys, documenting findings and recommending appropriate action.

The Water Security Specialist also responds to system emergencies such as a main break; investigates the situation; contacts the Water Control Center operator or supervisor on duty; performs emergency shut-downs as needed to stop the flow of water and prevent property damage; establishes traffic control to protect the public; and assists the crew responding to the emergency as directed.

Work in this class is typically performed in a field environment requiring incumbents to negotiate rough terrain; work in and around traffic, work site equipment and machinery; be exposed to hazardous materials; wear protective gear; and routinely work outdoors in all weather conditions. As essential employees, Water Security Specialists may be called back to work during emergencies. Work shifts are bid by seniority and encompass all days and hours.

Applicants start at the entry salary rate.

This classification is represented by the District Council of Trade Unions (DCTU). To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/27840 and click on the appropriate link.

About the Portland Water Bureau:

The City of Portland Water Bureau’s mission is to serve excellent water every minute of every day to almost 1 million customers in the Portland Metropolitan area. We work to uproot systemic inequities and their impacts on our employees and the people we serve. We are committed to the difficult—and essential—work of transforming Water Bureau policies, practices, and culture to better serve historically and currently oppressed communities. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply for this position.

Our mission: We serve excellent water every minute of every day.

Our vision: The water our community loves is safe and abundant for generations to come.

Our equity commitment: We work to uproot systemic inequities and their impacts on our employees and the people we serve. We commit to the difficult—and essential—work of transforming Water Bureau policies, practices, and culture to better serve historically and currently oppressed communities.

Our values:

Honor our responsibility . We take part in a long legacy of careful stewardship of natural resources, infrastructure, and public trust. We never forget that water is essential.

Serve our community. We know people depend on us. We are dedicated to listening, communicating, and acting with compassion.

Work well. Our strength lies in the skills, expertise, and creativity our employees bring to work every day. We work hard, we work safely, and we adapt.

Use money wisely. We work to control costs while maintaining high standards. We invest to make our water system stronger, more flexible, and better prepared for challenges ahead.

Build relationships. We recognize the power of collaboration--with customers, coworkers, and partner organizations. Our relationships guide our work.

City of Portland Core Values

Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility

These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. They determine everything we do and every decision we make as City government. To learn more about the City of Portland’s core values, please click here. (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/article/763427)

Why work at the City of Portland?

The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in ALL people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today. The City of Portland also participates in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). For more information on the City of Portland's benefits, please click here (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/60196) .

Questions?:

Terrol Johnson

Senior Recruiter

[email protected]

To Qualify

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their resume and answers to the supplemental questions how their education, training, work experience, and/or lived experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

+ Knowledge of principles and methods associated with building and grounds security practices.

+ Knowledge of and experience applying methods and procedures in dealing with disruptive or suspicious visitors.

+ Knowledge of experience applying emergency response techniques, first aid techniques, and criteria for determining if emergency aid is necessary.

+ Ability to investigate, troubleshoot, or problem-solve situations and make independent decisions.

+ Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a diversity of people.

Applicants must also possess:

+ A valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire.

+ Ability to obtain State of Oregon certification as an unarmed security officer within 60 days of hire.

The Recruitment Process

STEP 1: Apply online between November 17, 2025, and December 1, 2025

Required Application Materials:

+ Résumé

+ Answer to the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials:

+ Veteran’s Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date.

+ Update: As of March 3, 2025, if you have already submitted veteran documents and qualified for preference, you do not need to resubmit them for future recruitments.

+ To update or remove veteran preference for this recruitment or from your profile, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Application Tips:

+ Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training, and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflect your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.

+ Your résumé should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.

+ How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act (https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/equal-pay.aspx) . Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid, regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer reflects all your relevant experience.

+ Do not attach any additional documents. Do not attach a cover letter; it will not be reviewed.

+ All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process by the closing date and time.

+ E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

+ You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage using AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.

STEP 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Week of December 1, 2025

+ An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their résumé and supplemental questions, is weighted 100%.

+ Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.

+ You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.0 1 (https://www.portland.gov/policies/human-resources-administrative-rules/employment/hrar-301-recruitment-processes#toc-examination-review) for complete information.

+ Additional evaluation may be required before establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of December 8th

+ Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.

Step 4: Selection (Interview): TBD

+ Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview

Step 5: Offer of Employment: TBD

+ Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment.

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Click here (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/career-center/recruitment-policy) for additional information regarding the following:

+ City of Portland Core Values

+ Recruitment Process - Work Status

+ Equal Employment Opportunity

+ Veteran Preference

+ ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos (https://tinyurl.com/pdxh2a) and offers How to Apply Classes (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/events) once per month. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

+ Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)

+ Carrot Fertility

+ Wellness Benefits

+ Life Insurance

+ Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.

+ Employee Assistance Plan

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Retirement

+ Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer

+ Family Medical Leave

+ City Paid Parental Leave

AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/benefit-offerings/benefits-quickstart-guide/benefit-plan-summaries-highlight-guides) .

01

Thank you for considering joining the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step in the examination and selection process to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the posted vacancy.

A lack of a complete and thorough response to each of the supplemental questions in the space provided may result in disqualification from the examination. In addition, the selections you make and responses you provide in the questionnaire must accurately reflect what is documented in your resume.

Have you read and understood the information listed above?

+ Yes

+ No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.

02

Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)

03

The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)

+ My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.

+ You may release my application, I am waiving confidentiality.

04

Do you have knowledge of principles and methods associated with building and grounds security practices?

+ Yes

+ No

05

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe, in detail, your knowledge of principles and methods associated with building and grounds security practices.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as,

+ Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability;

+ Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer); and

+ Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill or ability.

(Enter N/A, if you do not have relevant experience)

06

Do you have knowledge of and experience applying methods and procedures in dealing with disruptive or suspicious visitors?

+ Yes

+ No

07

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe, in detail, your knowledge of and experience applying methods and procedures in dealing with disruptive or suspicious visitors.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as,

+ Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability;

+ Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer); and

+ Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill or ability.

(Enter N/A, if you do not have relevant experience)

08

Do you have knowledge of experience applying emergency response techniques and first aid techniques and criteria for determining if emergency aid is necessary?

+ Yes

+ No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe, in detail, your knowledge of experience applying emergency response techniques and first aid techniques and criteria for determining if emergency aid is necessary.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as,

+ Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability;

+ Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer); and

+ Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill or ability.

(Enter N/A, if you do not have relevant experience)

10

Do you have the ability to investigate, troubleshoot or problem solve situations and make independent decisions?

+ Yes

+ No

11

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe, in detail, your ability to investigate, troubleshoot or problem solve situations and make independent decisions.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as,

+ Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability;

+ Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer); and

+ Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill or ability.

(Enter N/A, if you do not have relevant experience)

12

Do you have the ability to interact and communicate effectively with a diversity of people?

+ Yes

+ No

13

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe, in detail, your ability to interact and communicate effectively with a diversity of people.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as,

+ Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability;

+ Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer); and

+ Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill or ability.

(Enter N/A, if you do not have relevant experience)

14

Will you possess a valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Portland

Address

1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987 Portland, Oregon, 97204

Website

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs

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