WSP

Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Hydropower and Dams

WSP$166K — $223K *
Energy & Utilities
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (or equivalent education)
  • Professional Engineering registration (P.Eng.) or eligibility for registration in Canada
  • 15+ years of experience in dam engineering or geotechnical design
  • Expertise in geotechnical/structural analysis for dams and hydraulic structures
  • Strong project management skills combined with business acumen
  • Proficient mentorship, collaboration, and leadership abilities
  • High attention to detail and proactive approach to problem-solving

Responsibilities

  • Lead the geotechnical design and analysis of various dam structures
  • Oversee construction, inspections, and rehabilitation activities
  • Plan and coordinate site investigations and geotechnical assessments
  • Prepare and review technical deliverables including reports and designs
  • Collaborate with regulatory bodies and internal teams for project delivery
  • Manage projects ensuring quality, budgets, and client satisfaction
  • Mentor junior engineers and technical staff

Benefits

  • Recognized as a Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026
  • Access to a global community of experts and mentors
  • Career growth opportunities across technical mastery and leadership
  • Flexible work arrangements to achieve work-life balance
  • Empowerment to shape one's career according to personal goals
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 water resources across Western Canada.

As a Senior Dam Geotechnical Engineer within our Ground Engineering team in Calgary or Edmonton, you will play a key role in delivering safe, sustainable, and high-performing dam and hydraulic structures that protect communities, industries, and ecosystems for generations to come.

You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary experts on complex, meaningful projects-advancing innovation, elevating technical excellence, and mentoring the next wave of engineering talent.

Your Impact
  • Lead geotechnical design and analysis for a wide range of dam structures including earthfill, rockfill, concrete gravity, and arch dams.
  • Oversee construction, inspections, and rehabilitation activities to ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and performance standards.
  • Plan and coordinate site investigations, geotechnical assessments, and feasibility studies for new and existing dam infrastructure.
  • Prepare and review technical deliverables including plans, specifications, engineering reports, modeling studies, cost estimates, drawings, and permit documentation.
  • Collaborate with regulatory bodies, utilities, and internal technical teams to guide project delivery.
  • Manage projects from planning through completion, ensuring quality, budgets, schedules, and client expectations are met.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.
  • Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies related to dam safety and performance.
  • Support proposal development and contribute to business growth across our Ground Engineering practice.
  • Stay current with emerging industry trends, technologies, and professional standards; represent WSP at conferences and sector events.


The Skills That Set You Apart
  • A Master's degree or PhD in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (or equivalent education).
  • Professional Engineering registration (P.Eng.) or eligibility for registration in a Canadian province.
  • 15+ years of experience in dam engineering, geotechnical design, or related hydraulic infrastructure.
  • Demonstrated expertise in geotechnical and/or structural analysis for dams and hydraulic structures (weirs, spillways, riverworks, erosion protection).
  • Strong project management capability paired with business acumen and process-improvement mindset.
  • A leadership style rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and technical excellence.
  • High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a proactive, resourceful approach to complex challenges.
  • Clear, precise technical communication skills and the ability to build consensus across diverse teams.
  • Proven commitment to health, safety, and environmental excellence.


Compensation:
AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $166,600 - $223,800
MB & ON: $152,000 - $212,200
NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $150,400 - $202,600

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

If you're driven by purpose and impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step toward shaping the future of resilient water and energy infrastructure.

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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