Senior Hydrotechnical Engineer (Open Channel Hydraulics)

WSP in Canada; Calgary; On-site; CAD 104,100 - 139,900; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Canada is seeking an experienced hydraulic modeller to lead advanced modelling for Prairie and Northern basins, including major river systems. You will develop and validate 1D/2D models using HEC-RAS 2D, MIKE FLOOD/MIKE 21, TUFLOW or TELEMAC, and model extreme flood scenarios with climate variability.

You’ll mentor junior modellers and collaborate with Indigenous communities, municipalities and regulators to deliver technically sound, resilient solutions across Canada.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in hydraulic modelling or hydrotechnical engineering, with deep expertise in open‑channel hydraulics and flood analysis.
• Advanced proficiency with hydraulic modelling tools; experience with water management or flood infrastructure is a strong asset.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil or Water Resources Engineering.
• P.Eng. registered or eligible for registration in a Canadian province.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on advanced hydraulic modelling for complex Prairie and Northern basins (including the Red, Assiniboine, Saskatchewan, and Mackenzie systems).
• Develop, review, and validate 1D/2D hydraulic and flood models using tools such as HEC‑RAS 2D, MIKE FLOOD / MIKE 21, TUFLOW, TELEMAC, or equivalent.
• Model extreme events, climate‑driven flood scenarios, ice‑affected hydraulics, and low‑gradient floodplains where conventional approaches fall short.
• Act as a technical authority on floodplain mapping, flood risk assessments, river hydraulics, drainage systems, and infrastructure resilience.
• Contribute to dam safety, breach analyses, flood consequence assessments, and emergency spillway design, as applicable.
• Work directly with Indigenous communities, municipalities, utilities, and regulators, supporting solutions that are technically sound and contextually appropriate.
• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate modellers, while helping define best‑practice hydraulic standards across WSP.
• Collaborate nationally with hydrotechnical, climate resilience, and water security leaders, shaping how complex water challenges are addressed across Canada.

Skills

Hydraulic modelling

Open-channel hydraulics

Flood analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil or Water Resources Engineering

Tools

HEC-RAS 2D

MIKE FLOOD / MIKE 21

TUFLOW

TELEMAC

Job description

Job Description

What if you could redefine what’s possible? With us, you can.

Work on some of Canada’s most complex flood and water systems — with the space to grow your influence.

This role offers a thoughtful next step for an experienced hydraulic modeller who wants exposure to complex, meaningful work without losing hands‑on technical involvement.

At WSP, you’ll be part of the world’s largest engineering and professional services consultancy, but day‑to‑day work remains practical, collaborative, and close to the projects. Senior engineers are trusted with judgement, given room to contribute, and encouraged to shape how work is delivered — technically and professionally.

In the Prairies & Northern Canada, hydraulic modelling goes well beyond routine municipal applications. Flat‑slope flooding, ice‑affected systems, climate variability, and large, interconnected watersheds create challenges that require careful thinking and sound engineering. This role sits within those systems, supporting projects that matter to communities, Indigenous partners, and long‑term flood resilience across the region.

You’ll have the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise, work alongside experienced practitioners across Canada, and gradually expand your influence through mentorship, technical review, and client engagement — at a pace that reflects both your experience and your interests.

Your Impact

• Provide technical leadership on advanced hydraulic modelling for complex Prairie and Northern basins (including the Red, Assiniboine, Saskatchewan, and Mackenzie systems).
• Develop, review, and validate 1D/2D hydraulic and flood models using tools such as HEC‑RAS 2D, MIKE FLOOD / MIKE 21, TUFLOW, TELEMAC, or equivalent.
• Model extreme events, climate‑driven flood scenarios, ice‑affected hydraulics, and low‑gradient floodplains where conventional approaches fall short.
• Act as a technical authority on floodplain mapping, flood risk assessments, river hydraulics, drainage systems, and infrastructure resilience.
• Contribute to dam safety, breach analyses, flood consequence assessments, and emergency spillway design, as applicable.
• Work directly with Indigenous communities, municipalities, utilities, and regulators, supporting solutions that are technically sound and contextually appropriate.
• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate modellers, while helping define best‑practice hydraulic standards across WSP.
• Collaborate nationally with hydrotechnical, climate resilience, and water security leaders, shaping how complex water challenges are addressed across Canada.

What Sets You Apart

• 5–10 years of experience in hydraulic modelling or hydrotechnical engineering, with deep expertise in open‑channel hydraulics and flood analysis.
• Advanced proficiency with hydraulic modelling tools; experience with water management or flood infrastructure is a strong asset.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil or Water Resources Engineering.
• P.Eng. registered or eligible for registration in a Canadian province.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage budgets and timelines, and build trusted client relationships.
• A strong interest in mentorship, technical excellence, and long‑term resilience outcomes.
• Experience with Indigenous infrastructure, dam safety, ice hydraulics, or northern systems is highly valued, but not required.

Why Choose WSP

• Proudly Canadian – born and raised in Québec, now operating in over 40 countries, including Antarctica.
• A global community of 72,000 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’ll 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.

Compensation

BC, AB, SK, NWT, YT & NT: $104,100 – $139,900

MB & ON: $95,000 – $130,800

NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $88,500 – $119,300

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.

Ready to Shape the Future?

Apply your technical judgement where it can make a real difference.

Collaborate on systems that help protect communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems over time.

At WSP, you’ll grow your role and influence through careful, well‑supported work in complex water environments across Canada.

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.

Application Requirements and EEO Policy

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.