Water Quality Specialist

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

We’re looking for a Water Quality Specialist who’s passionate about protecting Oregon’s rivers and aquatic ecosystems. This position supports the health of the Clackamas, Willamette, and Deschutes Rivers through applied water quality expertise, environmental compliance, and field-based work.

The role is part of a collaborative team of water quality specialists, fish and wildlife biologists, recreation planners, and permitting experts who implement the environmental requirements of PGE’s hydroelectric licenses. Based onsite at our Clackamas Hydro facility in Estacada, OR, the position includes periodic travel (1–2 times/month) to our Pelton Round Butte Project in Madras.

This role offers a well-rounded mix of responsibilities, including:  

• Field work such as reservoir sampling and downstream kayaking to retrieve temperature loggers  

• Facility-based work within our powerhouses, including monitoring cooling water discharges  

• Stakeholder engagement, collaborating with local agencies, regulators, and partners  

• Office-based tasks such as data analysis, preparing permit applications, and regulatory reporting  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Lead the development and implementation of temperature and mercury TMDLs  

• Manage 100J NPDES permits and 401 Water Quality Certification programs for the Clackamas and Willamette Hydro Projects  

• Oversee monitoring plans for total dissolved gas, dissolved oxygen, and cyanoHABs under the 401 certification  

• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure compliance and effective environmental stewardship  

The Ideal Candidate:  

• Has 5+ years of experience in environmental science with a bachelor's degree (Master's preferred)  

• Possesses in-depth knowledge of environmental regulations and best practices  

• Thrives in a dynamic environment, taking on new perspectives to tackle unique problems  

• Demonstrates strong leadership skills, guiding less experienced colleagues  

• Excels at project coordination, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution  

• Experience with water quality compliance.  

• Familiar with temperature and mercury TMDLs, NDPES permits (100-J and 300-J), and 401 certificate implementation and development.  

Physical Capabilities  

• Driving/travel/commute: Occasional overnight travel (one to two times a month or less)  

• Working long days in the field.  

• Lifting/pushing/pulling: Up to 50 lbs.  

• Carrying: Up to 50 lbs.  

• Unstable surfaces requiring balance  

• Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)