WSP

Technical Director - Principal Groundwater Modeler

WSP • $145K — $200K *
Technical Services
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD in Hydrogeology, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Water Resources, or a related field.
  • 20+ years of experience in groundwater modelling and hydrogeology with senior leadership in consulting.
  • Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Canada.
  • Expertise in leading complex groundwater modelling projects and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling tools like MODFLOW or FEFLOW.
  • Strong leadership, peer review, mentoring, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in business development and client relationship management.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as WSP’s senior expert in groundwater modelling, leading complex projects.
  • Advance modelling best practices and QA/QC standards.
  • Advise clients and regulators on modelling approaches and decision-making.
  • Collaborate with teams across regions to deliver integrated projects.
  • Lead complex groundwater modelling assignments with oversight and guidance.
  • Develop models, assess uncertainties, and communicate findings for projects.
  • Mentor and strengthen the groundwater modelling capability through knowledge sharing.

Benefits

  • Access to a global network of resources and expertise.
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentoring.
  • Participation in high-profile projects with impact.
  • Supportive and collaborative working environment.
  • Access to innovative tools and technologies for modelling.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Opportunity

Your Impact Starts Here - Are you ready to tackle some of the most complex and rewarding challenges in the industry? In this role, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds and contribute to high-profile projects that are changing the landscape of our world.

As part of WSP, you will have access to an unparalleled global network of resources, expertise, and opportunities to collaborate on complex, high-impact groundwater projects. As Technical Director, Groundwater Modelling, you will be a recognized global modelling expert and senior technical leader within WSP's hydrogeology and water resources practice. You will provide strategic and technical direction for major groundwater modelling assignments in Canada and internationally, connect and support modelling teams across regions, advise clients and regulators, advance leading practice, mentor technical professionals, and help grow WSP's global groundwater modelling capability and market presence.

Your Impact

Technical Leadership & Strategy
  • Serve as WSP's senior expert in groundwater modelling, providing technical leadership on complex groundwater and contaminant transport projects.
  • Advance modelling best practices, QA/QC standards, innovation, and strategic growth across the business.
  • Advise clients, regulators, and internal stakeholders on modelling approaches, risk, uncertainty, and decision-making.
    Project Delivery & Global Collaboration
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Canada and internationally to deliver integrated water, mining, infrastructure, and environmental projects.
  • Lead or provide senior oversight, peer review, and technical guidance for complex groundwater modelling assignments.
  • Develop conceptual and numerical models, assess uncertainties, and communicate technical findings to support project and regulatory requirements.
    Capability Building & Innovation
  • Strengthen WSP's global groundwater modelling capability through mentoring, coaching, knowledge sharing, and technical leadership.
  • Promote innovation in modelling tools, data analytics, GIS, automation, visualization, and digital solutions.
  • Support recruitment, workforce development, and succession planning within the groundwater modelling practice.
    Business Development & Industry Leadership
  • Build strong relationships with clients, regulators, and industry partners.
  • Provide technical leadership for proposals, pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives.
  • Represent WSP through conferences, publications, industry forums, and thought leadership activities.
    Health, Safety & Professional Excellence
  • Champion a strong health and safety culture and uphold the highest standards of technical quality, ethics, and professional practice.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainable water management solutions.

The Skills That Set You Apart
  • Master's degree or PhD in Hydrogeology, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Water Resources, or a related field.
  • 20+ years of experience in groundwater modelling and hydrogeology, including senior technical leadership in consulting.
  • Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Canada.
  • Demonstrated expertise leading complex groundwater modelling projects and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling, with proficiency in industry-standard tools such as MODFLOW, FEFLOW, or similar platforms.
  • Strong technical leadership, peer review, mentoring, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Experience in business development, proposal support, and client relationship management.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and global regions.
  • Willingness to travel as required and hold a valid driver's licence.

Asset Qualifications
  • Experience with integrated water management, mining, climate resilience, GIS, data analytics, automation, and programming (e.g., Python).
  • Technical publications, conference presentations, and recognized industry leadership.

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YK: $159,300 - $211,000

MB & ON: $145,300 - $200,100

NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $143,900 - $191,100

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 now and take the first step toward a rewarding career with us.

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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