WSP

Principal Geotechnical Engineer (Geohazards)

WSP$147K — $195K *
Technical Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering; MSc or PhD preferred.
  • 15+ years of experience in geohazards and mitigation engineering.
  • Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng.) in Alberta or ability to obtain registration.
  • Expertise in geotechnical analyses including slopes and erosion protection.
  • Proficiency in geohazard design software (e.g., Global Mapper, SLOPE/W).
  • Strong project management skills and business acumen.
  • Leadership experience in mentorship and technical excellence.

Responsibilities

  • Lead geotechnical assessments and ensure safety compliance.
  • Conduct risk assessments for infrastructure planning.
  • Review engineering reports and technical documents to ensure quality.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and regulatory agencies for project success.
  • Mentor junior engineers and enhance team capabilities.
  • Contribute to business growth through client and proposal development.
  • Stay current with industry trends and represent WSP at events.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
  • Collaborative work environment with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Involvement in impactful projects for community infrastructure.
  • Access to the latest technologies and innovative practices.
  • Engagement in conference and sector events to expand professional network.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Opportunity
Build the Future with Us.

This is your chance to be part of a team shaping resilient infrastructure and the future of Geohazards and Mitigation across Western Canada.

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer working in our Geohazards Practice within the overall Ground Engineering team in Calgary or Edmonton, you will play a key role in assessing a variety of geohazard-related problems such as landslides, slope instability, and river erosion across the railway, highway, power transmission, pipeline, hydropower, and mining sectors. You will deliver safe, sustainable, and optimized mitigation solutions that protect communities, industries, and ecosystems for generations to come.

You'll collaborate with and lead multidisciplinary teams on complex, meaningful projects, from initial site investigations through detailed design, tender, and construction support, while advancing innovation, elevating technical excellence, and mentoring the next generation of engineering talent.
Your Impact
  • Protect public safety and strengthen the resilience of critical linear infrastructure by leading geotechnical assessments and overseeing construction and rehabilitation activities aligned with safety, regulatory, and performance standards.
  • Enable informed infrastructure planning by conducting risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies supported by geotechnical investigations and feasibility studies.
  • Strengthen technical quality and project confidence by reviewing engineering reports, modelling studies, plans, specifications, drawings, permits, and cost estimates.
  • Support successful project delivery by collaborating with regulatory agencies, utilities, and stakeholders to align technical solutions and implementation requirements.
  • Develop future technical leaders by providing mentorship and enhancing geotechnical and geohazards capabilities across the practice.
  • Contribute to business growth through proposal development, client relationship management, and expanding opportunities across the Ground Engineering practice.
  • Elevate WSP's technical leadership by remaining current with emerging technologies, professional practice, and industry trends while representing WSP at conferences and sector events.
The Skills That Set You Apart
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering (or equivalent); MSc or PhD in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering is an asset.
  • 15+ years of experience in geohazard assessments, mitigation engineering, geotechnical design, or related disciplines.
  • Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng.) in Alberta or eligibility to obtain registration.
  • Demonstrated expertise leading geotechnical and geo-structural analyses involving slopes, retaining structures, erosion protection, and ground improvement techniques.
  • Experience with geohazard assessment and design software including Global Mapper, SLOPE/W, and LPILE; experience with FLAC, SEEP/W, PLAXIS, and PLAXIS LE is considered an asset.
  • Strong project management skills combined with business acumen and a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Proven leadership style centered on mentorship, collaboration, and technical excellence.
  • Demonstrated commitment to health, safety, environmental stewardship, and quality.

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $147,500 - $195,400
MB & ON: $134,600 - $184,600
NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $133,200 - $176,900

Disclosure:

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.
Make Your Mark with WSP
Shape Resilient Infrastructure for Generations to Come

If you're driven by technical excellence, inspired by complex geohazard challenges, and motivated to create safer, more resilient infrastructure across Western Canada, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of communities, transportation corridors, energy systems, and critical infrastructure with WSP.

About WSP

WSP is a Canadian engineering consulting firm that provides services to transform the built environment and restore the natural environment. The firm's expertise ranges from environmental remediation and urban planning, to engineering iconic buildings and designing sustainable transport networks, to developing the energy sources of the future and enabling new ways of extracting essential resources. It has approximately 54,000 employees, including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors, program and construction management professionals, and various environmental experts. WSP has offices in more than 40 countries and territories around the world.
Learn more about WSP
Size
54,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1959

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