Lead Permafrost Geotechnical Engineer

WSP USA; Calgary; On-site; CAD 123,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for our Prairies & North Ground Engineering team. Based in an Alberta office, you will lead permafrost geotechnical projects across the Prairies and Northern Canada, providing technical leadership and client management.

You will mentor early-career professionals, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and help grow the geotechnical practice while delivering high-quality engineering reports and proposals.

Qualifications

• University degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering; master's/PhD is asset.
• 12+ years of geotechnical design experience including permafrost or cold-region work.
• Strong knowledge of geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and permafrost behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical assignments in permafrost environments from investigations to construction.
• Deliver analyses, drawings, and reports supporting high-quality engineering solutions.
• Manage projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to meet client and schedule needs.
• Strengthen client relationships and contribute to proposals and business development.
• Mentor junior and intermediate geotechnical professionals and provide technical reviews.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering leadership

Permafrost/cold-region expertise

Thermal analysis

Slope stability analysis

Geohazards assessment

Project management

Mentorship

Education

Civil/Geotechnical/Geological Engineering degree

Master's or Ph.D. with geotechnical focus (asset)

Tools

LiDAR interpretation

Instrumentation monitoring

Temp/W thermal analysis

Job description

What if you could redefine what’s possible? With us, you can.

With us, you can. You want Purpose. Growth. Opportunity. People who get it.

We are the home of ambitious, passionate, and innovative world shapers.

With an unmatched breadth and depth of engineering, advisory and science-based expertise, our global minds unite to power local solutions.

We are pathfinders and impact makers.

We are Visioneers.

We are WSP.

The Opportunity

Build the Future With Us

Bring your expertise in permafrost and cold-region engineering to complex projects across the Prairies and Northern Canada. As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with our Prairies & North Ground Engineering team, you’ll help solve challenging geotechnical problems spanning foundations, infrastructure and transportation, mining, geohazards, and earth structures.

Based in one of our offices in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, you’ll combine technical leadership with project and client management while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor developing professionals and help grow our geotechnical practice.

Your Impact

• Lead geotechnical engineering assignments in permafrost and cold-region environments, from investigations and conceptual studies through detailed design and construction.
• Deliver technical analyses and evaluations, specifications, drawings, and reports that support practical, high-quality engineering solutions.
• Apply expertise in thermal analysis, slope stability, seepage, deformation, geohazards, instrumentation, and construction monitoring.
• Manage geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects, coordinating teams and deliverables to meet client, schedule, budget, and technical requirements.
• Strengthen client relationships and contribute to proposals and business development opportunities that support the long-term growth of the practice.
• Guide junior and intermediate geotechnical professionals through mentorship, technical review, and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with Ground Engineering colleagues and multidisciplinary teams across the Prairies & North to deliver integrated solutions for complex projects.
• Prepare and review proposals, engineering reports, and technical deliverables that help clients make informed project decisions.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• A university degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering from an accredited university; a master’s or Ph.D. with a geotechnical focus is an asset.
• 12+ years of relevant geotechnical engineering and design experience, including demonstrated experience with permafrost or cold-region engineering.
• Strong knowledge of geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and permafrost behaviour, including thermal, slope stability, seepage, and deformation modelling.
• Experience with geotechnical investigations, geohazard assessments, air-photo/LiDAR interpretation, instrumentation, construction monitoring, and thermal and slope-stability evaluations.
• Experience with Temp/W thermal analysis and the investigation, design, or construction of foundations, roads, landfills, and earth structures in permafrost regions is an asset.
• Experience supporting the design, construction, instrumentation, operational review, or reclamation of mining earth structures such as waste dumps, pit walls, or tailings dykes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, develop client relationships, mentor technical professionals, and produce clear engineering reports, scopes, presentations, and proposals.
• Registered or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada, with an unrestricted Canadian Class 5 driver’s licence (or equivalent), a clean driver’s abstract, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.

Why Choose WSP?

We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. The brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe call WSP home.

• 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: $122,900 - $162,800

MB & ON: $112,100 - $154,400

NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $111,000 - $147,400

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

At WSP , we exist to shape communities to advance humanity.

It’s why we bring people together who are wired to solve complex challenges - engineers, scientists, advisors, and technical experts who are driven by a common passion - to redefine what’s possible and shape what comes next. We are Visioneers.

As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, we partner with clients across transportation, infrastructure, environment, buildings, energy, water, mining and metals. We pair deep local knowledge with global insights to pioneer solutions designed to leave a lasting, positive impact.

At WSP , you’ll join a community of brilliant minds that push boundaries every day - applying deep expertise and fuelling innovation to help create a more connected and resilient future. Here, your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work. We empower our people to collaborate across disciplines, challenge the status quo, and shape a career with purpose.

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations. Full details here (https://www.wsp.com/en-ca/corporate/ca/health-safety).

Some safety-sensitive positions involve fieldwork and may include work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).

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.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Full details here (https://www.wsp.com/en-ca/careers/notice-to-staffing-agencies).