Right of Way Utility Specialist

Initial Posting Date:

09/17/2026

Application Deadline:

10/01/2026

Agency:

Department of Transportation

Salary Range:

$6,396 - $9,916

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Right of Way Utility Specialist

Job Description:

Engineering Specialist 4 – Region Utility Specialist
Oregon Department of Transportation
Delivery & Operations Division – Engineering & Technical Services Branch
Right of Way Section / Region 1 Right of Way Unit
Portland

The role: 

Our Engineering & Technical Services Branch is recruiting for a region utility specialist! As part of our team, you will play a critical role in ensuring major transportation projects run smoothly by overseeing the planning, coordination, relocation and installation of utility infrastructure across Oregon. In this collaborative role, you will work directly with engineers, utility companies, municipalities and consultants to resolve complex utility conflicts, prepare relocation plans and budgets, and ensure timely, compliant integration into project schedules and contracts. By coordinating utilities efficiently, you will work to preserve the integrity of public and private utilities while protecting the safety of construction workers and the public by identifying utility conflicts. This important work also supports keeping projects on schedule and within budget. Apply today!

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.

A day in the life:

• Manage utility activities, budgets, documentation, certification and compliance for assigned transportation projects.

• Identify and resolve utility conflicts and coordinate relocations during project development.

• Provide technical utility support, including plan reviews, utility plans, special provisions and design recommendations.

• Coordinate utility relocations during construction and assist with resolving issues, claims and change orders.

• Administer utility relocation reimbursement, including eligibility, costs and payment documentation.

• Make technical and regulatory decisions regarding utility conflicts, relocations and compensable rights.

• Build relationships and negotiate with utilities, municipalities, consultants and project teams to resolve issues and maintain schedules.

• Travel frequently throughout Region 1 and occasionally statewide, depending on project needs.

• Perform field work in varying terrain, weather, and construction environments.

• Work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional hybrid work, overtime, evening/weekend work and extended travel as needed.

• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [email protected].

What’s in it for you:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.

• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying. 

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

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Minimum qualifications:

Five years of experience in the field of engineering in project management or utility coordination;

OR 

An associate degree in the field of engineering (civil or transportation-related) and three years of engineering technician experience;  

OR 

A bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering (civil or transportation-related) and two years of engineering technician experience;  

OR 

An equivalent combination of experience, education, and training. 

Note: Related experience, education, and training can include, but is not limited to construction management, forestry, geography, geology, geomatics, mathematics, physics, remote sensing and/or urban planning. 

Special qualifications:

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered. 

What we’d like to see:

If you have these attributes, let us know in your application materials! It's how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience and education to help us decide who will move forward.

• Technical and analytical judgment in identifying, reviewing and resolving complex utility conflicts, including interpreting construction plans and recommending design alternatives.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills when coordinating with utility companies, local agencies, consultants and project teams.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and negotiation skills when resolving utility conflicts and developing practical relocation solutions.

• Demonstrated organizational and project-management skills in coordinating multiple utility activities, maintaining documentation and meeting project schedules.

• Demonstrated strong self-direction and adaptability in managing utility work independently while keeping management informed of issues, decisions and progress.

How to apply:

• Complete the following required steps:

  • Fill out the application or attach a resume. Please contact the recruiter under the ‘Need help?’ section if you have any questions about how to fill out the experience fields or to attach a document. Your submitted experience fields or attached resume must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer.

  • Attach a cover letter. Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your experience and training relates to the qualities that you have under the “what we’d like to see” section above.

    • Your cover letter must be limited to no more than two (2) pages.

    • Please address your cover letter to Grant Casebeer, Region 1 Right of Way & Utilities Unit Manager.

    • Generic cover letters that do not address the qualities that you have under the “what we’d like to see” section may receive lower scores than those that addressed the desired qualities.

    • You must upload your cover letter in the ‘Resume/Cover Letter’ section of the application.

  • Complete questionnaire. Answer the checkbox-style questions before submitting your application.

• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will come after you submit and will complete the process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.

• If you are a veteran or Oregon National Guard servicemember, you may receive preference. The task to upload your documents will be available after you submit your application. For privacy reasons, please do not attach your military service document(s) to your application or combine it with any other required document attachments.

Need help?

• For questions, call 971-273-8687 or email [email protected].

Additional information:

• We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.

• We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.

• We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.

• You will be represented by the Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon (AEE).

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

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