Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist

Onterris; Guelph; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Onterris in Canada seeks a Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist to support projects across Ontario, including Guelph, Mississauga and London. You will lead complex geomorphology and water resources studies, interfacing with regulators, clients and our multi-disciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes ownership of project scopes, budgets, schedules and deliverables, with opportunities to mentor staff and contribute to climate-resilient design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Earth Science, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in fluvial geomorphology or river engineering.
• Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) eligibility.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary studies and large projects.
• Experience with channel stability assessments and sediment transport analyses.
• Knowledge of river processes and natural channel design.
• Experience with stream restoration from design to monitoring.
• Strong client management and regulatory knowledge.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and spatial data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute fluvial geomorphology and water resources projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and provide technical direction.
• Manage scope, budgets, schedules, and client expectations.
• Conduct geomorphic and hydraulic analyses of channels.
• Undertake field investigations and data synthesis.
• Interpret LiDAR and GIS data.
• Support stream restoration and natural channel design through all phases.
• Provide recommendations for erosion mitigation and habitat enhancement.
• Travel across Ontario to sites as required.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to business development.

Skills

Fluvial geomorphology

River engineering

Water resources engineering

Project leadership

Client relationships

ArcGIS Pro

Hydraulic modeling

Budget and scheduling

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Hydraulic/Hydrologic models

Job description

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.

“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.

When you join us, you’renot just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.

Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

As a Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist in our Guelph, Mississauga or London, Ontario office, you’ll be responsible for assisting multiple projects where you will have increasing interaction with our multi-disciplinary staff, regulatory agencies and clients. You will be part of a strong team of committed professionals

The compensation range for this role is $110,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:

• Manage and execute fluvial geomorphology and applied water resources projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and provide technical direction throughout project planning, design, implementation, and monitoring phases.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, resource requirements, client expectations, and technical deliverables.
• Conduct geomorphic assessments and investigations to evaluate channel stability, erosion processes, sediment transport dynamics, and river response to natural and anthropogenic change.
• Complete geomorphic and hydraulic analyses to assess channel stability, erosion thresholds, sediment transport processes, scour potential, and channel performance.
• Undertake field investigations, data collection programs, and data synthesis.
• Analyze and interpret spatial datasets, including digital terrain models, aerial imagery, LiDAR data, and GIS-based information.
• Lead and support stream restoration and natural channel design projects through all project phases, including assessment, concept development, detailed design, permitting, construction support, and post-construction monitoring.
• Provide technical input and recommendations for erosion mitigation, habitat enhancement, infrastructure protection, and river restoration initiatives.
• Support erosion hazard assessments, geohazard evaluations, and risk assessments associated with rivers, streams, and valley systems.
• Participate in performance monitoring studies and adaptive management programs to evaluate project effectiveness.
• Apply federal, provincial, municipal, and conservation authority policies, regulations, and guidance to support watercourse management, restoration, and infrastructure projects.
• Prepare technical reports, studies, work plans, regulatory submissions, and other project deliverables.
• Provide senior technical review and quality assurance of geomorphology studies, analyses, reports, and design submissions.
• Support strategic business development initiatives, including proposal leadership, client account development, and identification of new opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and participate in meetings with stakeholders, Indigenous communities, regulatory agencies, and project partners.
• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate staff through technical guidance, coaching, field training, and project support.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary project teams to achieve project goals and deliver successful outcomes.
• Support the development of climate-resilient watercourse management, river restoration, and nature-based solutions that enhance ecosystem function while reducing erosion and infrastructure risks.
• Travel throughout Ontario as required to support field programs, project delivery, and client needs.
• A valid class G driver’s license with no restrictions.

Your Expertise and Skills

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Earth Science, Physical Geography, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in fluvial geomorphology, river engineering, water resources engineering, or a related field, including experience leading complex technical studies and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Registered, or eligible for registration, as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Demonstrated experience assessing, designing, and supporting implementation of water resources and river restoration projects.
• Experience conducting channel stability assessments, sediment transport analyses, erosion evaluations, and geomorphic investigations.
• Knowledge of river processes, channel form and function, watershed processes, and natural channel design principles.
• Experience with stream restoration projects from assessment and design through construction support and monitoring.
• Experience managing project scope, budgets, schedules, and client relationships.
• Experience applying regulatory requirements and technical guidance associated with watercourse management, erosion hazards, environmental permitting, and infrastructure projects.
• Experience using ArcGIS Pro and interpreting spatial datasets.
• Experience using hydraulic, hydrologic, sediment transport, or related water resources models.
• Client-focused mindset with strong interpersonal, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within project deadlines.
• Ability to travel regularly to project sites throughout Ontario.

Onterris provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities; including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to work with Human Resources directly.

This posting reflects a current vacancy that the company is actively seeking to fill. Please note, we are not accepting third party agency applicants at this time.

Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.