Principal Geomorphologist

WSP in Canada; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 119,900 - 175,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Career growth opportunities

Impactful work on sustainability projects

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Metro Vancouver seeks a Principal Geomorphologist to lead projects that enhance environmental sustainability and community resilience. Candidates should possess a Master's degree, extensive experience in geomorphology, and strong leadership skills. The role includes mentoring junior staff, managing client relationships, and guiding technical assessments for water resources. A well-rounded understanding of erosion processes and a commitment to safety are essential. Flexible work options and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of consulting experience with a proven track record.
• Significant experience in water resources and geohazard assessments.
• Familiarity with construction site inspections and field techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead fluvial and coastal geomorphology projects from start to finish.
• Mentor junior staff and drive business development.
• Support design and construction with geomorphic insights.

Skills

Fluvial and coastal geomorphology

Client relationship development

Erosion processes knowledge

Leadership and mentorship

Problem-solving skills

Education

Master’s degree in Physical Geography or Earth Science

Registered Professional Geoscientist (or eligible)

Tools

Technical specifications

Project management tools

Job description

Job Description

What if you could redefine what’s possible? 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

Shape the World Around You – As a Principal Geomorphologist based in British Columbia, you’ll guide the understanding of complex natural systems and help design solutions that strengthen communities, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable development across the province.

Your Impact

• Act as regional lead for fluvial and coastal geomorphology across multidisciplinary projects from proposal through completion.
• Lead business development and team advancement through strategic planning, development of client relationships, and mentorship of junior staff.
• Apply advanced expertise in erosion processes, debris flows, sediment transport, and fluvial/coastal morphology.
• Guide process‑based approaches to river and shoreline restoration and natural hazard mitigation.
• Provide technical direction for the team’s geoscience analyses and inputs to geo‑environmental assessments and major surface‑water infrastructure design.
• Support detailed design and construction through technical specifications, cost inputs, and geomorphic interpretation.
• Lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while managing project budgets, schedules, and scope.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• Degree in Physical Geography or Earth Science (preferably Master’s or above)
• Registered as a Professional Geoscientist, or eligible registration as a Professional Geoscientist, in British Columbia within 6 months
• A minimum of 15 years of consulting or related experience with a proven track record of developing and strengthening client relationships
• Significant experience within the fields of fluvial, coastal, and hillslope processes (including debris flow/flood events)
• Extensive experience in water resources/hydrotechnical projects, including geohazard assessments, sediment transport, nature‑based design, and erosion protection
• Ability to problem solve, work collaboratively, motivate, and lead by example
• Familiarity with construction site inspections, field techniques and experience in guiding junior field staff while ensuring that all activities adhere to company safety policies
• Significant mentoring experience with staff at all levels.

Why Choose WSP?

We exist to shape communities to advance humanity.

• 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 your ambition – because your growth drives ours.
• Flexible work, real balance – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and empower you to prioritize yours.

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $132,700 – $175,800

MB & ON: $121,100 – $166,700

NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $119,900 – $159,200

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 next step toward a meaningful and transformative career.

About Us

WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms. Our purpose is to future proof our cities and environments. We have over 65,000 team members across the globe. In Canada, our 12,000+ people are involved in everything from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings to designing sustainable transportation networks, from finding new ways to extract essential resources to developing renewable power sources for the future.

At WSP:

• We value our people and our reputation
• We are locally dedicated with international scale
• We are future focused and challenge the status quo
• We foster collaboration in everything we do
• We have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable

Please Note

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.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to 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. For more information please READ THE FULL POLICY.