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GHD

Catalyzes regional engineering and construction innovation

Technical Director - Geotechnical, Dams & Tailings

Full-TimeDeadline 10/9/26
No salary listed
Expert
Bachelor's
Calgary, AB, Canada+2 moreMore locations: Edmonton, AB, Canada | Vancouver, BC, Canada
RemoteThe position may be based in Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta, according to the description.
Architecture & Civil EngineeringGeotechnical Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • 20+ years of experience in dams engineering.
  • An industry profile through participation in professional associations, communities of interest, and associations.
  • Experience with dam safety assessments and reviews, risk assessments, surveillance and performance evaluation, and development of dam safety upgrades.
  • Broad experience across the dam lifecycle, including site investigations, dam safety assessments and reviews, feasibility and design studies, detailed design, rehabilitation and upgrades, construction support, commissioning, and ongoing dam safety management.
  • A degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in Canada, with registration or eligibility for registration with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.
  • Extensive, progressively responsible experience in dam engineering, typically 20+ years, with demonstrated technical and project leadership.
  • Strong knowledge of dam design, dam safety, and the evaluation and upgrading of existing dams.
  • Experience across a broad range of dams and associated infrastructure, including embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, intake structures, hydropower facilities, and other appurtenant structures.
  • Demonstrated experience in one or more areas of dam safety, including dam safety reviews and assessments, risk assessments, performance evaluation, rehabilitation, and development of dam safety upgrades.
  • Experience leading and contributing to multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex projects.
  • Strong project management and commercial skills, including preparation and management of scopes, budgets, schedules, work programs, proposals, and technical deliverables.
  • Demonstrated ability to build productive client relationships and contribute to business development and successful project pursuits.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical matters clearly to clients and multidisciplinary teams.
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical leadership in dam engineering and dam safety, supporting the assessment, design, rehabilitation, and upgrading of existing and new dams.
  • Lead and contribute to multidisciplinary projects spanning site investigations, dam safety assessments and reviews, feasibility and design studies, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and ongoing dam safety management.
  • Provide technical leadership and design input for a broad range of dam types and associated infrastructure, including embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, intake structures, and hydropower facilities.
  • Lead or manage projects to achieve successful outcomes for clients, including responsibility for scope, budget, schedule, quality, and technical delivery.
  • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including geotechnical and geological, structural, hydrotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental specialists.
  • Provide dams and hydropower engineering advice during construction, rehabilitation, and commissioning.
  • Mentor and develop junior and intermediate engineers and contribute to the continued development of GHD’s technical capability.
  • Build trusted relationships with clients, regulators, partners, and other industry stakeholders.
  • Identify and pursue new project opportunities, contribute to winning strategies, and lead or support the preparation of proposals and technical submissions.
  • Build GHD’s profile within the dams and hydropower industry through client engagement, technical leadership, and participation in relevant professional and industry organizations.
  • Collaborate with GHD’s dams specialists across Canada and internationally to connect the right expertise to clients and projects.

About the company

ECRi Hub is a collaboration platform by GHD and the Queensland Government that connects engineers, construction and resources startups, researchers, and businesses to develop and commercialize new technologies. It provides space and programs, including the Business Mentoring for Innovation, to guide regional innovators through product development and market entry. It differentiates itself through GHD’s industry expertise, government support, and a clear focus on accelerating commercialization within its sector. Its goal is to boost innovation and drive economic growth and competitiveness for Queensland and Australia by turning ideas into market-ready solutions.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$300K

Headquarters

Mittagong, Australia

Founded

1927

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • GHD won 2026 recognition for hydrogen blending, dam removal, smart roundabouts, and Indigenous projects.
  • Headcount reached about 17,197 in March 2026, and 2026 job postings rose 59.7 percent.
  • Queensland's ECRi Hub partnership keeps GHD embedded with government-funded innovation and regional commercialization pipelines.

What critics are saying

  • GHD UK flagged 2025 cuts near 10 percent, hitting environment, contamination, geotechnical, and waste teams.
  • Integration risk is immediate after Bowman Engineering's May 2026 acquisition; client churn can follow overlapping cultures.
  • The strongest existential threat is margin compression across commoditized consulting, forcing deeper layoffs and retreat from weaker markets.

What makes GHD unique

  • Employee-owned GHD bought Bowman Engineering in Texas on May 20, 2026, deepening local transport expertise.
  • GHD's 165 offices across five continents give it cross-border delivery scale rivals struggle to match.
  • Its WA100 rank rose from 42 to 39 in 2026, signaling design-market credibility.

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Benefits

  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Paid Vacation
  • 401(k) Company Match

Company News

GlobeNewswire
May 21st, 2026
GHD acquires Bowman Engineering & Consulting, Inc.

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GlobeNewswire
Oct 2nd, 2025
GHD acquires ADA Engineering to meet Florida’s surging infrastructure demand

Global firm expands US presence with Miami-based acquisition...

Australian Financial Review
Sep 30th, 2022
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There’s nothing muddying the waters with this deal.