Lead Permafrost Geotechnical Engineer
Emit Jobsearch · Edmonton, AB, Canada
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
Bring your expertise in permafrost and cold-region engineering to complex projects across the Prairies and Northern Canada. As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with our Prairies & North Ground Engineering team, you’ll help solve challenging geotechnical problems spanning foundations, infrastructure and transportation, mining, geohazards, and earth structures.
Based in one of our offices in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, you’ll combine technical leadership with project and client management while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor developing professionals and help grow our geotechnical practice.
Your Impact
- Lead geotechnical engineering assignments in permafrost and cold-region environments, from investigations and conceptual studies through detailed design and construction.
- Deliver technical analyses and evaluations, specifications, drawings, and reports that support practical, high-quality engineering solutions.
- Apply expertise in thermal analysis, slope stability, seepage, deformation, geohazards, instrumentation, and construction monitoring.
- Manage geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects, coordinating teams and deliverables to meet client, schedule, budget, and technical requirements.
- Strengthen client relationships and contribute to proposals and business development opportunities that support the long-term growth of the practice.
- Guide junior and intermediate geotechnical professionals through mentorship, technical review, and knowledge sharing.
- Collaborate with Ground Engineering colleagues and multidisciplinary teams across the Prairies & North to deliver integrated solutions for complex projects.
- Prepare and review proposals, engineering reports, and technical deliverables that help clients make informed project decisions.
The Skills That Set You Apart
- A university degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering from an accredited university; a master’s or Ph.D. with a geotechnical focus is an asset.
- 12+ years of relevant geotechnical engineering and design experience, including demonstrated experience with permafrost or cold-region engineering.
- Strong knowledge of geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and permafrost behaviour, including thermal, slope stability, seepage, and deformation modelling.
- Experience with geotechnical investigations, geohazard assessments, air-photo/LiDAR interpretation, instrumentation, construction monitoring, and thermal and slope-stability evaluations.
- Experience with Temp/W thermal analysis and the investigation, design, or construction of foundations, roads, landfills, and earth structures in permafrost regions is an asset.
- Experience supporting the design, construction, instrumentation, operational review, or reclamation of mining earth structures such as waste dumps, pit walls, or tailings dykes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects, develop client relationships, mentor technical professionals, and produce clear engineering reports, scopes, presentations, and proposals.
- Registered or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada, with an unrestricted Canadian Class 5 driver’s licence (or equivalent), a clean driver’s abstract, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.
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: $122,900 - $162,800
MB & ON: $112,100 - $154,400
NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $111,000 - $147,400
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
If you’re ready to apply your cold-region expertise to some of the most complex geotechnical challenges in Canada, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape resilient infrastructure and communities across the Prairies and North.