Practice Lead, Geotechnical Engineering

Watt Consulting Group•Calgary, AB

About The Position

WATT Consulting Group is expanding its geotechnical practice as part of a broader growth strategy and is looking for a Practice Lead, Geotechnical to help shape that practice. This is a build role, offering significant input into technical direction, team structure, and the integration of geotechnical services within WATT's overall delivery model. WATT is a multidisciplinary consulting firm with established capabilities in civil, geotechnical, and transportation engineering, as well as geomatics, backed by a platform focused on growing AEC firms across Western Canada. This role has a clear path for expanded scope as the practice grows. The ideal candidate is a senior geotechnical professional with strong technical judgment, client credibility, and comfort in building a practice from an existing base. Responsibilities include owning technical standards and delivery quality, mentoring staff, and influencing team growth, while contributing to a comprehensive service offering for WATT's clients. This position is suited for individuals who enjoy technical leadership, client relationships, team development, and shaping a growing practice within an established consulting business.

Requirements

Professional Engineer registered with APEGA, or eligible for registration in Alberta
Ideally 10+ years of progressive geotechnical consulting experience; strong candidates with less experience and clear leadership capability may also be considered
Broad technical experience across investigations, foundations, slopes, retaining structures, excavation support, pavements, groundwater, and infrastructure
Demonstrated experience leading geotechnical work within multidisciplinary teams, including client development and proposal work
Experience managing teams, projects, budgets, schedules, and quality assurance
Strong understanding of Alberta and Western Canadian geotechnical conditions and consulting markets is an asset
Strong technical judgment
Client credibility
Comfort building a practice from a strong existing base
Technical leadership
Client relationships
Team development
Understanding of both the technical and commercial sides of professional services

Nice To Haves

Experience in areas such as: Shallow and deep foundations, Deep excavations and shoring systems, Retaining structure design, Slope stability analysis, Ground improvement, Micropiles and specialty foundations, Pavement and subgrade support, Earthworks and construction monitoring, Drainage and groundwater control, Utility installation, including open cut and trenchless construction, Transportation and municipal infrastructure, Low impact development support, Value engineering and constructability input.

Responsibilities

Lead the continued development of WATT's geotechnical practice — services, staffing, technical standards, and growth priorities.
Identify and pursue opportunities to integrate geotechnical work into WATT's civil, transportation, land development, municipal, and geomatics projects.
Build client relationships and support business development, proposal strategy, and market positioning.
Partner with the team on business planning and staffing strategy for the practice.
Provide senior technical oversight for investigations, analysis, design, and construction monitoring.
Review and sign technical reports, drawings, and recommendations; provide Engineer of Record support where required.
Set and strengthen quality assurance, risk management, and professional practice standards.
Support multidisciplinary teams with geotechnical input from early planning through construction.
Manage geotechnical projects end-to-end: scope, schedule, budget, quality, and financial performance.
Ensure team coordinates labs, drilling contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams.
Recruit, mentor, and develop geotechnical engineers, technologists, and field staff.
Build a team culture grounded in safety, accountability, and technical excellence.
Accountable for the financial performance, utilization, and growth of the geotechnical practice.
Develop annual business plans, growth targets, and resource requirements for the practice.
Monitor project and practice-level financial performance and implement corrective actions as required.