Water Resources Consultant

The role – what you’ll do  

Barr is seeking a water resources consultant with experience in water balance modelling— particularly GoldSim—to deliver both practical and innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and apply water balance models using GoldSim to support project planning and operational improvements. You will also perform technical analyses to help clients optimize water management strategies and enhance environmental resilience. 

Project work is anticipated to include site-wide and basin-scale water balance modelling, operational and scenario planning for mining and industrial water management, hydrologic evaluations, climate risk assessment, and water resilience planning. Project work may also include hydrologic analysis for stormwater planning and flood control; hydraulic analysis for the design and operation of dams, tailings basins, and other water control structures; and water-quality assessments to support compliance and environmental stewardship. 

You’ll join an established, passionate team committed to solving complex water challenges through technical excellence and collaboration. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on projects that matter—while advancing your career in a dynamic consulting environment. 

A successful person in this role will work with and/or oversee diverse teams of engineers and scientists, integrating important facets of each discipline into water balance models. They must have a flexible working style and be willing to occasionally modify their schedule to meet deadlines and client needs. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are essential. 

Your impact – key responsibilities  

• Technical knowledge: experience in GoldSim modelling for water management, including water balance development, operational forecasting, sensitivity and uncertainty evaluation to support risk assessment, water management planning and design, and regulatory compliance, as well as the ability to translate complex modelling outcomes into practical, actionable guidance for both technical and non-technical audiences. Also perform hydrologic, hydraulic, and/or water quality analyses and studies, develop conceptual models, and perform QA/QC. 
• Project and task management: assist with planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Help ensure project milestones are met and provide regular updates to project managers and clients. Perform QA/QC and provide mentoring and technical guidance to junior staff. 

About the opportunity  

• Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Calgary office. 
• Remote: a remote work arrangement may be considered for this position. A remote arrangement refers to working primarily from a home office. Remote arrangements will be considered based on candidate qualifications, local regulations, and Barr’s needs. 
• Work environment: ability to work in an office environment. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.  

About you – required core competencies   

• Education: bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or mining engineering with emphasis on mine water management or a bachelor’s degree in math, science, or other related discipline. 
• Experience: at least 5 years of applied experience performing water balances and water resources analysis and modelling or at least 5 years of experience leading water resources projects within the mining industry. 
  • Experience developing water balance models, including spreadsheet-based and advanced simulation tools, particularly GoldSim. 
  • Understanding of various flow control structures (pumps, weirs, drop structures, etc.), their operation, and effective methods to represent them in water balance models. 
  • Understanding of mine operations and changes to pits, dams, and processing over time as it relates to water management. dataset
• Software: knowledge of GoldSim as well as other commonly used modelling software.  
• Communication: strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members, regulators, and clients. 
• Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada without the need for sponsorship from Barr Engineering and Environmental Science Canada Ltd. now or in the future. 

Helpful additional experience (not required)  

• Master's degree or PhD in civil, environmental, or mining engineering with emphasis on mine water management or a master’s degree or PhD in math, science, or other related discipline. 

• Professionally certified (P.Eng.) in Alberta or the ability to be certified within one year. 

• Experience advising clients on mine water management strategies and alternatives analysis and a track record of building and sustaining client relationships. 

• Familiarity with publicly available datasets to support hydrologic analyses, such as USGS gage data in the USA, hydrometric stations in Canada, climate data from NWS, Environment Canada, or other gages. 

• Experience working with software such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XPSWMM/PCSWMM, HSPF, HydroCAD, CE-QUAL-W2, MS Excel, or the MIKE Suite of tools. 

• Experience with the design of surface water impoundments, such as process ponds, water supply dams, and reservoirs. 

• Interacting with, coordinating with, and potentially leading or managing multidisciplinary project teams. 

• Performing business development through technical means, such as giving conference presentations or writing proposals. 

Compensation: anticipated range of $110,000–140,000 CAD annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-Remote

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture