Lead Engineering Geologist

WSP in Australia; Australia; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Lead/Principal Engineering Geologist to guide engineering geology and geotechnical inputs for mining and heavy haul rail projects. You will mentor junior staff, review work, and engage with client stakeholders to translate technical data into practical recommendations.

As a senior leader, you will champion design excellence, drive project governance and contribute to BD efforts while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across Australia.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years in engineering geology within mining, resources, infrastructure or heavy haul rail.
• Degree in Geology, Geoscience, Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong track record in mining projects and sustaining capital programs.
• Expertise in geological interpretation, earthworks, pavement design and ground conditions.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary project teams and high-quality outputs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and clear, confident communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering geology and geotechnical inputs across mining and rail projects.
• Provide technical direction for renewals and upgrade programs in rail and earthworks.
• Drive design solutions for pavement, ground improvement, slope stability and foundations.
• Review geological data and translate findings into actionable client recommendations.
• Build trusted relationships with major mining clients and contribute to strategy.
• Champion technical excellence through reviews, governance and QA.
• Mentor engineers and geologists to build broader team capability.
• Contribute to winning work and expand WSP's market presence.

Skills

Engineering Geology

Geotechnical Engineering

Mining Industry Experience

Project Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Mentoring

Technical Documentation

Client Communication

Education

Geology / Geoscience / Geotechnical Engineering degree

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and collaborate with some of the industry's most respected technical specialists. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates innovation, encourages fresh thinking, and supports you to shape a career that's uniquely yours.

With the reach of a global organisation and the strength of a highly connected local team, you'll have the opportunity to influence projects that underpin the future of Australia's mining industry while continuing to grow as a technical leader.

What you’ll do:

WSP is seeking a Lead / Principal Engineering Geologist to play a key role in our Mining team, supporting major clients across heavy haul rail and sustaining capital programs. This is a senior role suited to someone with strong technical depth and leadership capability, able to guide engineering geology and geotechnical inputs across complex, brownfield mining environments.

You’ll work closely with civil, geotechnical and rail engineers, contributing to integrated design outcomes across earthworks, track formation and foundations. In addition to leading technical delivery, you’ll play an important role in mentoring junior team members, reviewing work, and maintaining quality across outputs. The role also involves regular engagement with client stakeholders, helping to translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations. Day to day will look like;

• Lead engineering geology and geotechnical inputs across mining and heavy haul rail sustaining capital projects.
• Provide technical direction for renewals and upgrade programs involving rail formation, track infrastructure, earthworks and associated assets.
• Drive engineering solutions for pavement design, ground improvement, slope stability and foundation assessments.
• Review and interpret geological and geotechnical data to develop practical, client‑focused recommendations.
• Build trusted relationships with major mining clients and contribute to strategic project discussions.
• Champion technical excellence through design reviews, governance and quality assurance.
• Mentor and develop engineers and geologists, helping build capability across the broader team.
• Contribute to winning work, strengthening client relationships and growing WSP's market presence.

About you:

You're an experienced Engineering Geologist who combines strong technical capability with the ability to lead, influence and develop others. You'll likely bring;

• 10-15+ years of experience in engineering geology within mining, resources, infrastructure or heavy haul rail environments.
• A degree in Geology, Geoscience, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong experience across mining projects, sustaining capital programs, heavy haul rail corridors or brownfield operations.
• Expertise in geological interpretation, earthworks, pavement design, ground conditions and geotechnical risk management.
• A track record of leading multidisciplinary project teams and delivering high‑quality technical outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly and confidently.
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach with commercial awareness and sound engineering judgement.

Why WSP?

• Work on some of Australia's most significant mining and heavy haul rail assets.
• Take on a highly visible technical leadership role with genuine influence over project outcomes and client strategy.
• Join a respected and growing Mining team with a strong pipeline of long‑term sustaining capital work.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary specialists across Australia and WSP's global network.
• Mentor and develop emerging professionals while continuing your own leadership journey.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a culture that supports wellbeing, development and career growth.
• Access industry‑leading technical networks, professional development opportunities and clear pathways to further leadership positions.