Principal Geotechnical Engineer (Dams)

WSP Global Inc.; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 148,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead dam and tailings projects in Western Canada. You will drive technical leadership across water-retention structures, mining dams, and tailings facilities, while mentoring teams and strengthening client relationships.

You will oversee multidisciplinary work across the full project lifecycle, from investigations to closure, ensuring safe, sustainable and compliant designs and expert technical reporting.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer licensure (P.Eng.) in Alberta or eligible for registration.
• 15+ years of practical engineering and design experience, focused on dam and mine waste storage structures.
• Strong knowledge of Alberta Dams & Canals Safety Directive and GISTM.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through full project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical and business leadership for dams and tailings projects.
• Lead technical growth of the dams practice locally and regionally.
• Develop dam and mine waste strategies with technical specialists and market leaders.
• Guide projects from site investigations through design, construction support and closure.
• Mentor engineers and drive technical excellence across teams.

Skills

P.Eng. licensure

15+ years experience

Dam & mine waste design

Leadership & mentorship

Education

Bachelor of Civil (Geotechnical) or Geological Engineering

Master/PhD in Geotechnical Engineering (asset)

Tools

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

FLAC

PLAXIS

Global Mapper

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

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of dam and mine waste infrastructure across Western Canada.

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in our Dams and Tailings Practice within the Ground Engineering team in Calgary or Edmonton, you will provide senior technical and business leadership across water-retention structures, mining dams and dykes, mine waste storage facilities, mine closure designs, and tailings management plans.

You’ll lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle, from site investigations and design through construction support and closure. Along the way, you’ll help advance technical excellence, strengthen client relationships, grow the practice, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent.

Your Impact

• Act as a Qualified Professional for the dams practice in Alberta, providing trusted technical leadership on complex projects.
• Lead the technical and business growth of the dams practice locally and regionally, strengthening our capabilities and client relationships.
• Develop dam and mine waste strategies in collaboration with technical specialists and market leaders.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle, from early engagement and site investigation through detailed design, construction support, and closure.
• Lead geotechnical studies, analyses, and engineering reports that inform safe, sustainable, and practical design decisions.
• Direct geotechnical investigations, instrumentation and monitoring programs, construction reviews, and field data collection.
• Manage projects as Project Manager or Project Director, with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client relationships.
• Share technical expertise across teams and geographies while mentoring engineers and advancing innovation and technical excellence.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• A bachelor’s degree in Civil (Geotechnical) or Geological Engineering from an accredited institution; a Master’s or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering is considered an asset.
• Registration, or eligibility for registration, as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA.
• 15+ years of practical engineering and design experience, with a strong focus on dam and mine waste storage structure design.
• Knowledge of the Alberta Dams and Canals Safety Directive, Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), and Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines.
• Experience with geotechnical design and analysis tools such as SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, FLAC, PLAXIS, and Global Mapper is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated project and client management experience, including delivering complex project requirements within established schedules and budgets.
• Strong technical, report, and proposal writing capabilities, combined with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop individuals and multidisciplinary teams.
• A valid, unrestricted Alberta Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

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.

#WeAreWSP

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $147,500 - $195,400
MB & ON: $134,600 - $184,600
NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $133,200 - $176,900

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.

Ready to Shape the Future?

Bring your technical leadership and geotechnical expertise to projects that matter. At WSP, you’ll have the opportunity to influence complex dam and mine waste solutions, collaborate with specialists across disciplines and geographies, and help build a practice positioned for long-term impact.

Join us and help shape what comes next.

Job Info

• Job Identification 98086
• Posting Date 10/22/2026, 04:00 PM

About Us

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.
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 .
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 .