Principal Geomorphologist

WSP USA; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 121,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Principal Geomorphologist in British Columbia to guide complex geomorphology across projects, influence client relationships, and mentor junior staff. The role emphasizes leadership in fluvial and coastal processes and engagement with multidisciplinary teams for sustainable infrastructure design.

The candidate will oversee technical direction, support cost and schedule inputs, and ensure safety adherence on field activities, shaping solutions for communities across the province.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of consulting or related experience with a proven track record of developing and strengthening client relationships.
• Significant experience in fluvial, coastal, and hillslope processes including debris flows/flood events.
• Extensive experience in water resources/hydrotechnical projects, including geohazard assessments and erosion protection.
• Ability to problem solve, work collaboratively, motivate, and lead by example.
• Familiarity with construction site inspections and guiding junior field staff while adhering to safety policies.
• Significant mentoring experience with staff at all levels.

Responsibilities

• 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 and client relationships.
• Guide process-based approaches to river and shoreline restoration and natural hazard mitigation.
• Provide technical direction for 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.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client relationships

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Physical Geography or Earth Science degree

Professional Geoscientist BC registration/eligibility

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.

#WSPEMBC

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.

Join us.

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. 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.