At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative dam and mine waste projects across Western Canada.
- Company: Join WSP, a top Canadian employer shaping communities.
- Benefits: Flexible work, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with limitless opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure and mentor future engineers.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in geotechnical engineering with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 147500 - 195400 $ per year.
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of dam and mine waste infrastructure across Western Canada. As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in our Dams and Tailings Practice within the Ground Engineering team in Calgary or Edmonton, you will provide senior technical and business leadership across water-retention structures, mining dams and dykes, mine waste storage facilities, mine closure designs, and tailings management plans. You’ll lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle, from site investigations and design through construction support and closure. Along the way, you’ll help advance technical excellence, strengthen client relationships, grow the practice, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent.
Your Impact
- Act as a Qualified Professional for the dams practice in Alberta, providing trusted technical leadership on complex projects.
- Lead the technical and business growth of the dams practice locally and regionally, strengthening our capabilities and client relationships.
- Develop dam and mine waste strategies in collaboration with technical specialists and market leaders.
- Guide multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle, from early engagement and site investigation through detailed design, construction support, and closure.
- Lead geotechnical studies, analyses, and engineering reports that inform safe, sustainable, and practical design decisions.
- Direct geotechnical investigations, instrumentation and monitoring programs, construction reviews, and field data collection.
- Manage projects as Project Manager or Project Director, with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client relationships.
- Share technical expertise across teams and geographies while mentoring engineers and advancing innovation and technical excellence.
The Skills That Set You Apart
- A bachelor’s degree in Civil (Geotechnical) or Geological Engineering from an accredited institution; a Master’s or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering is considered an asset.
- Registration, or eligibility for registration, as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA.
- 15+ years of practical engineering and design experience, with a strong focus on dam and mine waste storage structure design.
- Knowledge of the Alberta Dams and Canals Safety Directive, Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), and Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines.
- Experience with geotechnical design and analysis tools such as SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, FLAC, PLAXIS, and Global Mapper is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated project and client management experience, including delivering complex project requirements within established schedules and budgets.
- Strong technical, report, and proposal writing capabilities, combined with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop individuals and multidisciplinary teams.
- A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
Why Choose WSP?
- Proudly Canadian – we are a Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
- A global community of brilliant minds – your next idea, mentor, or opportunity is always within reach.
- Limitless opportunities start here. Whether it’s across the country or around the globe, we help you tailor your role to match your ambition — because your growth drives ours.
- Flexible work, real balance – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours.
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
Ready to Shape the Future? Bring your technical leadership and geotechnical expertise to projects that matter. At WSP, you’ll have the opportunity to influence complex dam and mine waste solutions, collaborate with specialists across disciplines and geographies, and help build a practice positioned for long-term impact.
WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.
Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Calgary employer: WSP in Canada
WSP est un employeur de choix pour les professionnels passionnés par l'innovation et le développement durable. En tant que Directeur(trice) de projet en Mécanique et Électricité, vous bénéficierez d'une culture de travail collaborative qui valorise la diversité des idées et favorise la croissance personnelle et professionnelle. Situé au cœur du Québec, WSP offre des opportunités uniques de travailler sur des projets d'envergure tout en contribuant à façonner l'avenir de nos communautés.
