Senior Civil Engineer

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 Civil Engineer to join our growing Nanaimo team and play a key role in shaping the future of communities across Vancouver Island. This is an opportunity to work on impactful municipal and infrastructure projects while advancing your career in a collaborative, people‑first environment.

As a senior member of our Nanaimo Civil Engineering Division, you’ll lead and contribute to a wide range of civil projects - municipal utilities, transportation corridors, land development, water and wastewater systems, and infrastructure upgrades. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on technical excellence, client engagement, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

You’ll work closely with a multidisciplinary network of professionals across the Island and Western Canada, including civil, transportation, water/wastewater, geotechnical, and structural engineers, as well as surveyors and environmental specialists. With access to the resources of a large firm and the supportive culture of a local team, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds.

The successful candidate is based in, or excited to relocate to, the Nanaimo region. With its coastal lifestyle, vibrant downtown, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community, Nanaimo offers an exceptional quality of life for professionals and families alike.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and produce detailed engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for civil projects including municipal utilities, roadworks, drainage systems, water and wastewater infrastructure, and land development.
• Manage projects from planning through completion, including client communication, budgeting, scheduling, and overall project coordination.
• Direct the development of engineering solutions, guiding teams in translating planning‑level concepts into fully coordinated, constructible designs using Civil 3D and other technical software.
• Prepare documentation for regulatory approvals, construction cost estimates, tender packages, and contracts.
• Oversee construction services, including field reviews, contract administration, and safety leadership visits.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers, EITs, and technical staff.
• Support business development efforts through client relationship building, proposal preparation, and strategic project pursuits.
• Ensure project schedules, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution and minimum of 10 years of relevant civil design and project delivery experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in British Columbia, or eligibility for registration.
• Proven experience managing engineering projects, including design oversight, scheduling, budgeting, and client communication.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust with clients and mentor team members.
• Solid business acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset, with a desire to contribute to the growth of the Nanaimo office.

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $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.

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!

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