Geotechnical Engineer

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 1,400 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 an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Nanaimo, BC. Other Vancouver Island McElhanney locations will be considered for the right individual.

This is an exciting opportunity to step into a role within a young and growing team in a small-office environment, back 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 region, using your local experience and professional connections to build and grow our presence.

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.

Live, Work and Play in Nanaimo

Nestled on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo offers a perfect balance of small-city charm and breathtaking natural beauty. With its stunning waterfront, scenic hiking trails, and abundant parks, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, cycling, or simply strolling along the picturesque harbor. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, cozy cafés, local markets, and year-round community events, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With mild coastal weather and easy access to nearby islands, beaches, and forests, Nanaimo is an ideal place to embrace a relaxed, active, and nature-filled lifestyle.

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.
• 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.
• A minimum of 10 to 20 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.

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000 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 a safety sensitive position.

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. If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit to learn more. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To learn more about our recognition as Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025), visit Top Employer: McElhanney Ltd. (canadastop100.com).

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: . 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.