The Structural Engineering Advisory Committee advises the Bureau of Development Services and its Administrative Appeal Board on reasonable interpretation of state and city building codes and alternate materials and methods of construction relating to structural matters.
Committee activities include:
- Reviewing and advising the Director of the Bureau of Development Services or their designee on proposals in the appropriate application of alternate materials and methods of construction where such use is either not specified or differs from the prescriptive requirements of the building code
- Providing advice to the Administrative Appeal Board on technical matters related to reasonable interpretation of the structural provisions of the building code
- Providing advice to the Director of the Bureau of Development Services or their designee in the development and implementation of state and local codes and policies relating to structural standards of buildings
Who can join
To be eligible for service on the advisory committee, members must live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland. Members must also be licensed in Oregon to practice structural engineering with at least seven years of experience related to the general practice of structural engineering and seismic design in high seismic areas. Persons of color are encouraged to apply.
Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
What we look for
We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voice on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below will guide our selection process. It is helpful if you are specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.
- You have at least seven years of experience related to the general practice of structural engineering and seismic design in high seismic areas.
- You possess demonstrative experience with either design or review of rehabilitation of existing buildings and use of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 41, Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings, or other similar documents.
- You have experience related to the use of alternate materials or technology.
- You have served on other structural engineering boards and committees at the national or local levels.
- You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before. You can bring discussion about racial and ethnic communities who need it the most.
- You believe government is better when community is involved.
- You are available to attend all meetings and take part in the discussions.
Time commitment
- The committee meets on an as-needed basis. Historically the committee has met, on average, around two to three times a year. Meetings are held either through online platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams or, when practical, in-person at the Bureau of Development Services offices at 1900 SW 4th Ave. Meetings of the committee are open to the public and usually last between three and four hours each.
- Members serve a three-year term and may be reappointed to serve a second term for up tosix consecutive yearsof service.
- In addition to the time spent in meetings, it is anticipated that three to four hours of preparation time is needed before each meeting.
- Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Every effort will be made to provide meeting materials at least one week in advance but members may be asked to review materials on shorter notice.
We remove barriers
Please let us know if there are any barriers to your participation. Public transportation or parking passes, as well as translation and interpretation services, will be available if you need those to fully participate.
Application process
Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 14.
Application information and materials are available here.
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance in completing the application, please contact the committee’s staff liaison, Amit Kumar, at amit.kumar@portlandoregon.gov or 503-865-6500.