Power System Operator Candidate
City of Tacoma
Posted: March 23, 2026 (1 day ago)
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City of Tacoma
Power
Location
Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Salary
$72.91 - $102.65
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More Engineering jobs →Closes
This job involves leading the design, management, and oversight of major civil engineering projects for hydroelectric dams, power plants, substations, and fish facilities in Tacoma's power system.
You'll support daily operations, ensure safety compliance, and mentor junior staff while working on impactful renewable energy initiatives.
It's ideal for an experienced civil engineer who enjoys hands-on project leadership and collaborating with teams in a beautiful Pacific Northwest setting.

Tacoma Power is seeking a principal level Civil Engineer to join the civil team in the Generation Engineering Section.
This role will serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority for the design, review, and implementation of large, complex civil infrastructure projects associated with hydroelectric dams, powerhouses, substations and fish facilities.
In addition to working closely to support operations and maintenance staff, you will get to design, bid and manage projects from start to finish and have the opportunity to become well-rounded in all aspects of civil engineering, project management and construction management; All while working with other talented and dedicated professionals who have a passion for clean and renewable hydropower.
If you are interested in diverse work, large impactful projects that make a difference, and contributing to the stewardship of some of the largest infrastructure here in beautiful Western Washington, this could be the place for you.
Responsibilities Include:
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical and or civil engineering or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
5 years of experience in power engineering including 2 years as a licensed Professional Engineer working in the electrical or civil power industry
*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer and maintenance thereafter
** 6-month grace period allowable to transfer PE license from another state to WA
This position will occasionally require the ability to dress for inclement weather, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, walk on rough/uneven ground, navigate steep slopes, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and access areas requiring fall protection.
Subject to future change, this is currently a hybrid position that is required to be in the office a minimum of (3) days per week.
Successfully complete Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) training with maintenance thereafter (provided by Tacoma Power).
Successful applicants will need to pass a background check.
Desired Qualifications
Heavy civil, geotechnical, structural, or hydropower industry related engineering experience
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Tacoma Power Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma.
We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail.
As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.
We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny: http://www.cityoftacoma.org/https://www.mytpu.org/http://www.traveltacoma.com/
City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A Commitment to Equity & Diversity At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve.
We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia.
The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States.
Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country.
The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area.
Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Application Process
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement.
Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem.
Appointment is subject to passing a background check.
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
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