Principal Water Resources Engineer

WSP Global Inc.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 151,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top 100 Employer in Canada 2026

Global community of brilliant minds

Flexible work balance

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. is seeking a Principal Water Resources Engineer to lead and shape major water infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

You will guide hydrotechnical design, hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, and provide senior technical leadership within multidisciplinary teams. This leadership role emphasizes client relationship growth, project governance, and mentoring talent to build a resilient, climate-aware water resources practice.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or related discipline.
• Registered (or eligible within 6 months) as a Professional Engineer with EGBC.
• 15+ years of consulting or related experience.
• Strong client relationship development and strategic growth track record.
• Deep technical expertise demonstrated through delivery of complex water infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrotechnical design for climate-resilient water infrastructure across Western Canada.
• Oversee watershed, hydrologic, and hydraulic modelling informing municipal/provincial decisions.
• Provide senior technical guidance in water resources within multidisciplinary teams.
• Act as Project Director overseeing risk, quality, safety and client management.
• Mentor and grow talent across experience levels to strengthen team capability.

Skills

Hydrotechnical design

Client relationship

Mentor and grow talent

Watershed modelling

Hydraulic modelling

Project leadership

BC regulatory knowledge

EGBC registration

15+ years experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering

Tools

HEC-RAS

MIKE

PCSWMM

GIS workflows

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 — As a Principal Water Resources Engineer , you will bring technical leadership to impactful projects shaping water systems and resilient communities across British Columbia. This is a leadership role where your technical expertise and strategic insight will direct major projects and help protect ecosystems, infrastructure, and the people who rely on them.

Your Impact

• Lead hydrotechnical design that support safe, climate-resilient infrastructure across Western Canada

• Drive business growth through strategic planning, client relationships, and expanding project opportunities

• Mentor and grow talent across all experience levels, strengthening team capability and succession

• Oversee watershed, hydrologic, and hydraulic modelling that informs major municipal and provincial decisions

• Provide senior technical guidance on water resources assessments within multidisciplinary project teams

• Act as a Project Director overseeing project decisions related to risk, quality, safety and client management.

• Champion innovative tools and modelling approaches to enhance sustainability and project outcomes

• Collaborate across engineering, environmental, and planning disciplines to deliver integrated solutions

The Skills That Set You Apart

• Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, water resources or related discipline

• Registered (or eligible within 6 months) as a Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC

• 15+ years of experience in consulting or related experience

• A strong record of client relationship development and strategic growth planning

• Deep technical expertise demonstrated through delivery of complex water infrastructure projects

• Proficiency in hydrologic and hydraulic modelling tools (e.g., HEC‑RAS, MIKE, PCSWMM, GIS‑based workflows)

• Experience in flood mitigation, river engineering, drainage systems, or watershed studies

• Knowledge of BC regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and hydrotechnical design practices

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.

#WeAreWSP

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $151,200 - $200,300

MB & ON: $137,900 - $187,900

NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $136,500 - $181,300

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

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) .