Tailings Technology Lead

WSP•Calgary, AB

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Tailings Technology Lead with the Ground Engineering team, you will shape the future of safe and sustainable resource development, land reclamation, and closure across Canada. Based in Calgary or Edmonton, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary experts on complex and meaningful projects, advancing innovation, elevating technical excellence, and delivering iconic projects with future-ready outcomes that will benefit clients and communities.

Requirements

A degree in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Process, Mining, Environmental), Science (Chemistry or Physical Sciences), or a related discipline.
10+ years of experience in tailings or mining-related environments or research, project site experience is an asset.
Demonstrated experience with tailings technologies or processes and strong knowledge of alternative tailings technologies (paste, thickened, filtered).
Strong understanding of flocculation, coagulation, and polymer-driven processes.
Experience designing and running customized laboratory or pilot-scale equipment.
Knowledge of tailings rheology, dewatering, and large-strain consolidation.
Strong experimental design and data interpretation skills.
Experience working with clients in an R&D or technology-development capacity.
Comfortable making judgment-based decisions under technical uncertainty.
Track record of mentoring or leading technical specialists.

Nice To Haves

A postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD) in engineering, tailings, geoscience, chemistry or mining related discipline is an asset.
Project site experience is an asset.
Hands-on experience with physical modelling or centrifuge testing preferred.
Working knowledge of X-ray diffraction interpretation or ability to collaborate with specialists.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for tailings and mine waste technologies across projects.
Lead development and evaluation of new tailings and dewatering technologies.
Integrate process, geotechnical, and water management considerations.
Work with an established laboratory team to successfully complete projects associated with testing in tailings applications and to develop and operate new laboratory equipment.
Oversee geotechnical centrifuge testing for tailings consolidation and dewatering behavior.
Own design, execution, and interpretation of bench-scale and pilot-scale tailings tests including establishing QA/QC protocols.
Translate lab and pilot results into field-relevant tailings performance predictions.
Support life-of-mine tailings strategies and closure planning.
Develop and enhance key client relationships and serve as a primary company contact on projects.
Coordinate with WSP colleagues and external clients to define work programs and budgets, provided leadership and strategy including general oversight and planning, and project management.
Mentor engineers, scientists, and laboratory staff to advance technical capabilities across the team.
Contribute to proposals, internal R&D strategy, and SR&ED-supported development.
Collaborate with national laboratory practitioners and internal geochemistry, geotechnical, and process engineering teams.
Ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with industry standards and best practice.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct, Quality Program requirements, and related policies and procedures.
Stay current with emerging industry trends, technologies, and professional standards; represent WSP at conferences and sector events.