Municipal Engineer / Project Manager

McElhanney Ltd.; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 102,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Health & dental

RRSP matching

Parental leave top up

Employee assistance

Job summary

McElhanney Ltd. is seeking a Municipal Engineer/Project Manager to lead design, delivery, and multidisciplinary teams for municipal infrastructure across the Cowichan Valley region.

Based in Duncan with flexible location options, you will manage schedules, budgets, and client relations to ensure on-time, on-budget project success. The role requires a Civil Engineering degree, P.Eng./P.L.Eng., and 5+ years in municipal projects with strong business development and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited university.
• P.Eng. or P.L.Eng. in good standing.
• Minimum 5 years leading municipal projects.
• Proven client satisfaction and business development.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed design and prepare drawings and specs.
• Coordinate approval documents, cost estimates, tenders.
• Chair regular project meetings with clients and teams.
• Develop new business and client relationships.
• Monitor progress to meet schedules, budgets, quality.
• Lead safety and quality practices across project phases.
• Prepare technical reports and high-quality proposals.
• Manage project financials and invoicing.
• Mentor junior engineers and staff.

Skills

Civil engineering

Municipal PM

P.Eng./P.L.Eng.

Business development

Leadership & mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

About McElhanney

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,500 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Municipal Engineer / Project Manager to join our team at our Duncan branch. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the planning, design, and delivery of municipal infrastructure projects throughout a region experiencing unprecedented growth. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing multidisciplinary teams, maintaining strong client relationships, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest technical standards.

Our work spans a diverse range of critical infrastructure projects, including lineal infrastructure, transportation improvements, water and wastewater systems, bridges, and parks. With a balance of hands‑on engineering expertise, project management acumen, and business development skills, you will help drive the continued growth and success of our municipal engineering practice in the Cowichan Valley and beyond.

Location flexibility:

This position reports to our Duncan branch. While our preference is for the successful candidate to be based in the Cowichan Valley, we will also consider candidates located in Nanaimo, Victoria, or the Lower Mainland. The successful candidate must be willing to travel regularly to Duncan and project sites throughout the region as required.

Relocation support is available for qualified candidates who wish to relocate to the Cowichan Valley.

Live, Work and Play in Duncan

Located in the heart of the scenic Cowichan Valley, our Duncan office offers the perfect balance of small‑town charm and modern amenities. Surrounded by forests, farms, and oceanfront, the area is known for its mild climate, vibrant arts scene, and abundance of outdoor recreation, including hiking, cycling, kayaking, and wine touring. With a welcoming community, excellent schools, and easy access to both Victoria and Nanaimo, Duncan provides an exceptional quality of life for professionals and families alike.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the detailed design and production of engineering drawings and specifications, ensuring compliance with all client, municipal, and approval agency requirements. Projects include new municipal utilities, roadworks, water/wastewater facilities and infrastructure rehabilitation and renewal initiatives for local governments.
• Coordinate and assist in the preparation of approval documents, design calculations, development and construction cost estimates, tender packages, and contract documents.
• Chair regular project meetings with clients, consultants, and internal teams to ensure clear communication and effective project coordination.
• Develop new business opportunities and establish strategic relationships with key clients, agencies, and industry partners.
• Monitor project progress in collaboration with team members to ensure that schedules, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met or exceeded.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of safety and quality management practices across all project phases.
• Prepare and review technical reports and develop high-quality proposals that align with client objectives and organizational standards.
• Manage project financials, including preparing client invoices and tracking expenditures against approved budgets.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, providing mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited university, with strong technical expertise and 5+ years of experience managing municipal engineering projects and serving as the Engineer of Record.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Licensee Engineering (P.L.Eng.) in good standing with Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
• Proven track record of client satisfaction and successful delivery of municipal infrastructure and/or land development projects.
• Demonstrated ability to attract and retain clients, secure new projects, and consistently deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.
• Strong business development skills and a proactive approach to identifying growth opportunities.
• Recognized leadership abilities, commitment to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and relationship building.
• Asset: Experience collaborating with all levels of government, construction contractors, and developers.

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $150,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work-Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan and share ownership potential.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

This role is designated as a safety sensitive position.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process.