Senior Geotechnical Engineer

McElhanney; Kitimat; On-site; CAD 137,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Harmony

Comprehensive Benefits

Safe & Inclusive Workplace

Bonus & Equity

Professional Development

Relocation Support

Job summary

McElhanney is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join our Northwest BC team. Use your geotechnical expertise to shape services across civil infrastructure, slope stability, and earthworks. You'll lead investigations, mentor staff, and help secure new work with strong client relationships.

This role emphasizes local connections, office-based work with strategic field input, and collaborative growth across our geotechnical network in BC and Alberta.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Project management including budgeting, scheduling, and client management.
• Business development capabilities and mentoring junior staff.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration in British Columbia or eligible.

Responsibilities

• Deliver geotechnical solutions for civil infrastructure projects (roads, rail, utilities, slope stability, water and wastewater).
• Lead geotechnical investigations and document results; mentor junior staff.
• Prepare fee estimates and proposals for geotechnical work.
• Contribute to business development and client management.
• Manage projects, schedules, and budgets efficiently.
• Oversee geochemical assessment programs related to infrastructure and mining.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Business development

Mentoring

Education

Geotechnical/Geological Engineering or Civil Engineering with geotechnical emphasis

Job description

About McElhanney

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,500 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

McElhanney is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Northwest BC. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a role within a growing team of earth and environment professionals in a small-office environment, backed by the support of our wider network of Geotechnical Professionals across British Columbia and Alberta. In this role, you will help shape the future of our geotechnical services in the Northwest BC region, using your local experience and professional connections to build and grow our presence.

Live, Work and Play in Northwest BC

Northwest British Columbia is home to some of the most diverse and rugged terrain, stretching from the Pacific Ocean in Prince Rupert and Kitimat, to the Coast Mountains in Terrace and Smithers. Each of McElhanney’s four offices in Northwest BC offers a lifestyle tailored to the individual communities and unified around a central purpose. Whether it is ocean kayaking in Prince Rupert, mountain biking in Terrace, backcountry fishing in Kitimat or hiking in Smithers, each community is a special place to call home.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver geotechnical solutions for civil infrastructure projects, including linear infrastructure (roads, rail, and underground utilities), water & wastewater systems, slope stability, buildings and marine structural.
• Lead geotechnical investigations and studies, complete with interpretation and documentation of results. Except for complex projects or to mentor junior and intermediate staff, this role is expected to be primarily based in the office.
• Prepare fee estimates and proposals for geotechnical assignments.
• Contribute to business development (internal and external) and client management.
• Manage geotechnical projects and task schedules and budgets efficiently and effectively.
• Experience geochemical assessment programs would be an asset, as related to infrastructure and mining (quarry) projects.
• Provide oversight, guidance, direction and mentoring of junior technical staff, at a level consistent with your experience.
• Grow technical expertise with the mindset of supporting the existing and future McElhanney business and Geotechnical team.

What You’ll Bring

• University degree in Geotechnical/Geological Engineering or Civil Engineering with a geotechnical emphasis.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in relevant geotechnical fields.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of geotechnical design principles for civil infrastructure projects.
• Candidates must possess a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration in British Columbia (or be eligible).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build strong client and team relationships.
• Project management skills, including budgeting, financial oversight, and schedule management.
• Business development capabilities, including identifying and securing new work, building client relationships, and mentoring junior staff.

Note: This role is not considered as a Team Lead. If people leadership and developing a team is the desired pathway for your next career move, please express this in your cover letter as part of your application.

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $137,000 to $190,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work-Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan and share ownership potential.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

This role is designated as asafety sensitiveposition.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process.

Learn more about our recognition here: McElhanney Requalifies as a Gold Standard Best Managed Company!

Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

Our Purpose: Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.

McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more visit: www.mcelhanney.com/careers/fraud-warning. The disclosure of your information in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including to third party service providers may result in your personal information being transferred outside of Canada, including to the United States. Such transferred personal information may be subject to the laws of these other countries and the laws of other countries regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information may be different from the laws of Canada.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.