Principal Geotechnical Engineer (Geohazards)

WSP USA; Calgary; On-site; CAD 148,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join its Geohazards Practice in Calgary or Edmonton. Lead complex assessments of landslides, slope instability, and erosion across major sectors, delivering safe, sustainable mitigation solutions.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams from site investigations through design, tender, and construction, advancing technical excellence and mentoring upcoming engineers while contributing to Maple projects and regional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering (or equivalent).
• 15+ years of geohazard assessments, mitigation engineering, geotechnical design, or related disciplines.
• Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng.) in Alberta or eligible to obtain registration.
• Demonstrated expertise leading geotechnical and geo-structural analyses.
• Experience with geohazard assessment and design software including Global Mapper, SLOPE/W, and LPILE; FLAC, SEEP/W, PLAXIS and PLAXIS LE is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical assessments and oversee construction and rehabilitation activities.
• Develop mitigation strategies supported by investigations and feasibility studies.
• Review reports, models, plans, drawings, and cost estimates to ensure technical quality.
• Collaborate with regulators, utilities, and stakeholders to align solutions.
• Mentor and develop the next generation of geotechnical professionals.
• Support business growth through proposals and client relationships.
• Stay current with industry trends and represent WSP at events.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Geohazard assessment

Project management

Leadership

Mentorship

Regulatory compliance

Technical leadership

Safety and environmental stewardship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Geological Engineering

MSc or PhD in Geotechnical/Geological Engineering (asset)

Tools

Global Mapper

SLOPE/W

LPILE

FLAC

SEEP/W

PLAXIS

PLAXIS LE

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

Build the Future with Us.

This is your chance to be part of a team shaping resilient infrastructure and the future of Geohazards and Mitigation across Western Canada.

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer working in our Geohazards Practice within the overall Ground Engineering team in Calgary or Edmonton, you will play a key role in assessing a variety of geohazard-related problems such as landslides, slope instability, and river erosion across the railway, highway, power transmission, pipeline, hydropower, and mining sectors. You will deliver safe, sustainable, and optimized mitigation solutions that protect communities, industries, and ecosystems for generations to come.

You’ll collaborate with and lead multidisciplinary teams on complex, meaningful projects, from initial site investigations through detailed design, tender, and construction support, while advancing innovation, elevating technical excellence, and mentoring the next generation of engineering talent.

Your Impact

• Protect public safety and strengthen the resilience of critical linear infrastructure by leading geotechnical assessments and overseeing construction and rehabilitation activities aligned with safety, regulatory, and performance standards.
• Enable informed infrastructure planning by conducting risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies supported by geotechnical investigations and feasibility studies.
• Strengthen technical quality and project confidence by reviewing engineering reports, modelling studies, plans, specifications, drawings, permits, and cost estimates.
• Support successful project delivery by collaborating with regulatory agencies, utilities, and stakeholders to align technical solutions and implementation requirements.
• Develop future technical leaders by providing mentorship and enhancing geotechnical and geohazards capabilities across the practice.
• Contribute to business growth through proposal development, client relationship management, and expanding opportunities across the Ground Engineering practice.
• Elevate WSP's technical leadership by remaining current with emerging technologies, professional practice, and industry trends while representing WSP at conferences and sector events.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering (or equivalent); MSc or PhD in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering is an asset.
• 15+ years of experience in geohazard assessments, mitigation engineering, geotechnical design, or related disciplines.
• Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng.) in Alberta or eligibility to obtain registration.
• Demonstrated expertise leading geotechnical and geo-structural analyses involving slopes, retaining structures, erosion protection, and ground improvement techniques.
• Experience with geohazard assessment and design software including Global Mapper, SLOPE/W, and LPILE; experience with FLAC, SEEP/W, PLAXIS, and PLAXIS LE is considered an asset.
• Strong project management skills combined with business acumen and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proven leadership style centered on mentorship, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Demonstrated commitment to health, safety, environmental stewardship, and quality.

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.

Make Your Mark with WSP

Shape Resilient Infrastructure for Generations to Come

If you're driven by technical excellence, inspired by complex geohazard challenges, and motivated to create safer, more resilient infrastructure across Western Canada, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

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.

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