City of Portage is excited to announce an opportunity for a full-time Engineering Technician to join its Public Works Department team. This position performs routine and complex technical work and provides inspection duties for public works and utility projects. The Engineering Technician reports directly to the Director of Public Works and is an integral member of the Engineering team.
What You’ll Do
As the Engineering Technician, you will:
- Partner with the Director and Deputy Director of Public Works to ensure oversight of City projects and asset management, while taking on important administrative responsibilities.
- Be the primary GIS mapping coordinator; maintaining City Utility and infrastructure mapping.
- Process and inspect Right of Way (ROW), Street-use, Sidewalk, and Driveway permits.
- Perform construction inspections, surveys, layout/staking, and manage data for public works projects.
- Assist with answering general questions regarding City projects, ordinances, permits, legal descriptions, floodplain information, zoning, and site plans.
- Maintain and file City and Utility system maps and master plans for property addresses, streets (WISLR), sidewalks, signs, trees, facilities, water distribution, wastewater conveyance, stormwater drainage, zoning and project plans.
- Prepare construction drawings (CAD) and maps for public works projects.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will bring:
- A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or experience or combination of experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- An organized self-starter with strong time management and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional customer service, interpersonal, communication, and listening skills.
- Experience with AutoCAD or a similar CAD program desired.
- Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License or ability obtain within 6-months of hire.
Why Join Us?
This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing community while earning a competitive starting salary range of $52,314.00 – $78,459.00 (commensurate with experience), an excellent benefits package, pension, and a supportive, team-oriented work environment. Residency within 30 minutes of the City limits is strongly preferred.
Work Hours
This is a full-time role with regular hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with occasional flex hours due to project and meeting requirements. Enjoy a balanced schedule with dedicated breaks and good work/life balance.
Apply Today!
Ready to take the next step in your career? Submit your resume and cover letter or a completed City of Portage Employment Application to Philip.Livingston@portagewi.gov or by mail to Phil Livingston, Director of Public Works at Portage Municipal Building, 115 W. Pleasant Street, WI 53901. All application materials must be submitted by 4:00PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
About the City of Portage
Situated in the heart of Columbia County, the City of Portage blends rich history, small-town character, and exceptional accessibility. Home to approximately 10,600 residents, Portage is part of the Madison metropolitan area and is known as “Where the North Begins.” The community boasts a charming historic downtown district with boutique shops and restaurants, as well as the commercial area offering a variety of retail options. Outdoor amenities include Silver Lake, the scenic Portage Canal and Levee bike paths and several excellent community parks. Portage is also an “Ice-Age Community” and is perfectly situated to explore some of the best trail segments. With three interstate highways running past the city, residents enjoy a 30minute commute to Madison, 15 minutes to Wisconsin Dells, and convenient travel to Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Twin Cities. The City of Portage organization is made up of dedicated employees committed to delivering high-quality services and fostering a welcoming, vibrant community.
Join us and be part of shaping Portage’s future!
City of Portage
Purpose of Position
Performs routine and complex technical work and provides customer assistance to the public. Assists the Public Works Director with mapping (GIS), public works and utility projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Processes Street use, Sidewalk and ROW permits and performs inspections.
- Performs construction inspection on public works projects.
- Assist in the design and coordination of projects as directed by the City Engineer.
- Performs surveys and manages data for public works projects.
- Provides technical assistance for the GIS program.
- Obtains field information using a GPS unit and other measurement tools.
- Manages operation of GIS equipment, including plotter, software and databases.
- Presents GIS information at Meetings and educates new users.
- Maintains and files City and Utility system maps and master plans for property addresses, streets (WISLR), sidewalks, signs, trees, facilities, water distribution, wastewater conveyance, stormwater drainage, zoning and project plans.
- Coordinates with Columbia County, Land Information office regarding parcel and address mapping.
- Prepares construction drawings (CADD) for public works projects.
- Performs staking for public works construction projects.
- Assists Public Works Director with preparation of Special Assessment information.
- Assists with applications for variances, conditional use permits and zoning changes and prepares recommendations to appropriate Boards and Committees.
- Coordinates property information records with Assessor.
- Assists with property maintenance and facility management programs.
- Answers general questions regarding legal descriptions, floodplain information, zoning and site plans.
Education and Experience
Associate degree in Civil Engineering and three years civil engineering or construction experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Bachelor degree and experience with AutoCAD desired. Must possess a valid Wisconsin Drivers License.
Council Approval:
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Physical Requirements Necessary to Perform Essential Job Functions
Physical Requirements
Ability to operate a variety of equipment and tools such as a vehicle, computer, surveying and drafting equipment, and telephone.
Ability to conduct on-site inspection of public works sites.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide; perform calculations using decimals, percentages, and algebraic equations; utilize principles of geometry and trigonometry
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents such as invoices, engineering plans, laboratory reports, contracts, and architectural drawings.
- Ability to prepare a variety of documents such as plans, specifications, profiles, maps, permit applications, property records, GIS maps and databases, bills, meeting minutes, agendas, and various reports using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
- Ability to use and interpret engineering books, statutes, the municipal code, specifications, plans, maps, and policy and procedure manuals.
- Ability to communicate effectively with City personnel, committees, elected public officials, organizations, state agencies, media, real estate companies and the general public.
Environmental Adaptability
Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
The City of Portage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. There are pre-employment physical and drug-screening requirements.