Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Tailings, Mine Waste and Water Dams

Build the foundation for a successful career in geotechnical engineering with a great team. When we say we’re full-service, we mean it. You’ll find us in the office, on site, and in the lab. We work in and outdoors, above and below ground, over and under water, on projects large and small. From field exploration and lab testing to designing and managing the construction of complex geotechnical structures, our team does rock-solid work.

Join our team and discover the opportunities that await.

Your Opportunity

Stantec is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to support the growth of our Mining Geotechnical, Tailings and Dam Engineering practice in Ontario and across Canada. The successful candidate will provide senior technical leadership on tailings and mine waste projects and/or water-retaining dam and hydropower assignments. Candidates are not expected to have equal depth in every practice area; demonstrated expertise in tailings dams, mine waste facilities, water dams, or a complementary combination will be considered. The role combines technical leadership, project delivery, client engagement, business development, staff mentoring and support for team growth, quality and technical excellence.

Tailings and Mine Waste Engineering

• Lead or provide senior technical input to planning, investigation, design, assessment, construction, operation and closure of tailings storage facilities, waste rock storage facilities and associated water management and containment structures

• Direct or review geotechnical characterization, design criteria and advanced analyses, including slope stability, seepage, seismic response, liquefaction, settlement and deformation assessments

• Lead or support dam safety reviews, risk assessments, inspections, performance evaluations and development of practical risk-reduction measures for tailings and mine waste facilities

• Provide technical input across study and design phases, including concept studies, PEA, PFS, FS, detailed design, construction and closure, with deliverables appropriate to the project phase

• Support preparation and review of closure and reclamation plans, technical reports, design memoranda, drawings, specifications and construction documentation

Water Dams and Hydropower Infrastructure

• Lead or provide senior geotechnical input to assessment, design, rehabilitation and construction of earthfill, rockfill and other water-retaining dams, dikes and hydropower-related infrastructure

• Plan and review dam safety investigations, deficiency assessments, surveillance and instrumentation programs, and geotechnical evaluations of existing structures

• Direct or review stability, seepage, seismic, liquefaction, settlement and deformation analyses and develop practical rehabilitation or risk-reduction measures

• Support dam owners such as utilities, municipalities and public agencies through design, construction, performance monitoring and dam safety assignments

• Apply relevant national, international dam safety guidelines, regulatory requirements, accepted industry practice and the client requirements

Technical Leadership, Project Delivery and Practice Growth

• Serve as a senior technical advisor and reviewer, establishing design approaches, confirming assumptions and maintaining clear technical traceability and quality

• Lead or manage multidisciplinary assignments, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, resourcing and client communications

• Build and maintain client relationships; identify opportunities and lead or contribute to proposals, interviews and business development activities

• Mentor and develop intermediate and junior professionals, support recruitment and onboarding, and help build a collaborative, high-performing team

• Promote technical excellence, knowledge sharing, innovation, consistent work practices and continuous improvement across the practice

• Collaborate with Stantec teams across Ontario, Canada and internationally to assemble appropriate expertise and deliver integrated solutions

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Recognized technical expertise in geotechnical engineering for tailings facilities, mine waste facilities, water-retaining dams or related earth structures

• Strong understanding of geotechnical characterization, dam and embankment behavior, design and construction, with the ability to make timely and defensible technical decisions

• Demonstrated experience with dam safety, risk-informed decision-making and evaluation of geotechnical failure modes

• Solid understanding of mining operations and tailings management, with proven experience in an engineering consulting environment

• Proficiency with relevant geotechnical analysis tools, such as GeoStudio, PLAXIS, FLAC, RS2/Slide2 or comparable software; working knowledge of AutoCAD or Civil 3D is an asset

• Proven consulting experience in project leadership, client management, proposal development and multidisciplinary delivery

• Experience supervising, guiding, developing and mentoring technical staff, with a commitment to quality and technical excellence

• Excellent technical writing, presentation and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate complex technical matters clearly to clients, regulators, contractors and multidisciplinary teams

• Knowledge of Canadian mining, dam safety and environmental regulatory contexts

• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites, including remote locations, as required

• Valid Canadian driver's license

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geological or Geotechnical Engineering from a recognized university. A master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering is preferred; a PhD is an asset

Typically fifteen or more years of progressively responsible geotechnical consulting, mining, tailings, dam or hydropower experience, including senior technical and project leadership responsibilities

Licensed Professional Engineer in good standing with Professional Engineers Ontario, or eligible for registration in Ontario

Relevant professional contributions, such as participation in industry committees, technical publications, conference presentations or specialized dam safety training, are assets

Experience in Canadian mining, dam safety and environmental regulatory contexts; experience in Ontario is an asset

Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

About Stantec

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.